WAHM > Stay at Home Mom Work Ideas > Selling a Service > Software Developing

Start A Software Developer Business  

What you will be doing.  With the advances in technology over the years, developing new software is a booming business.  As long as companies use computers to communicate in house and to create and monitor their products, software developers are needed. 

Using a freelance software developer as opposed to an in-house employee is a better strategy for some companies.  The software developer gets to choose their own hours and the client gets professional work for a fraction of the cost.

How to start.  Since you will be developing software, it is important to know the kinds of operating systems in use by companies today and the software that they currently use.  A background in computer science, preferably a college degree, exposes you to these systems and software. 

Subscribing to software magazines and becoming a member of message boards that focus on software developing keep you in the loop on new programming techniques and technological advances. 

Write up a business plan.  This sort of venture will require a significant outlay of money to begin, so a small business loan may be a choice for you.  Include the niche where you want to develop software in the business plan.  You may want to focus on small businesses, corporations, or education.   

Starting costs.  Think in the range of at least $8,000 to $10,000.  The computer used for software developing will need high speed Internet capability to answer client emails in a timely fashion.  To outfit the home office use:  separate telephone line, fax machine, printer, and other computer equipment.  More than one computer will allow you to work on more than one project at a time.  Advertising the software developing business is included in the cost quoted above. 

Skills needed.  Software developers are detail oriented.  Clients are paying you large sums of money to make their system upgrades work.  Communication skills cut down on misunderstandings between the client and you when it comes to deadlines and the finished product.  Time management during a lengthy project will keep you from falling behind at any stage of the development. 

Marketing.  To hook the big clients that bring in big profits, start small to develop a reputation for reliability and excellence.  As a software developer you’ve probably worked in the field for another company before going out on your own.  Use former business contacts to get a foot in the door with businesses.  Business cards can be handed out to former business contacts so they can keep you in mind.  A website increases visibility of the business on a global level. 

Software development is a rewarding business.  If you like to solve problems and create new software applications, a home business of this type is right for you.

  

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