Although technical skills are essential for IT consultants, there are many other things you need to know when running your own business. Here is a list of a few of the most important things you need to learn when running your own business.

Learn How to Say "No"

A lot of people may make crazy requests or waste your time as you begin your business. They may not have the money to pay or they may just be expecting too much. In order to stand your ground and run a successful business, you must learn to say "No."

Learn About Banking and Merchant Accounts

Setting up a business bank account should be one of your first steps. If you plan on reselling products, you'll need to set up a merchant account so that you can accept credit cards.

Learn How to Manage Your Finances

You need to make sure you get paid, get paid well, and get paid fast. You're going to need to figure out your expenses, know how to balance your checkbook, know about credit and collections and how that ties in to your whole billing and invoicing system.

Learn How to Track Prospects and Clients

You don't want to lose prospects or clients by failing to remember to make that important call. Use simple databases to track your clients and your plans.

Learn How to Delegate

Even if you don't plan to expand to having employees, at some point you will likely be working with contractors. You need to learn how to delegate when you don't have time for an activity or when it's simply not a priority in the business.

Find out more about running your own computer consulting business in the article, IT Consulting: You Need More Than Just Technical Skills (link above).

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