Post: #1

I just have decided that i am going to run some course consultation while im off work to make extra money.

I posted an ad on national newspaper here about me offering a course consultation for anybody interested in studying abroad.

I just received the first call (its almost 7 in the morning), almost guaranteed cash in the pocket, i know i am about to receive 100 calls on the next few hours so i am looking for ideas about what extra services i could offer on my consultation.

Let me explain you my service:

I see many young people in this country (Angola) studying courses without demand in this market (psychology, literature, human resources, etc) and i noticed that there is a high demand in most technical areas in the country and people are scaried to join those areas.

My service is particularly designed for those interested in studying overseas. I wont just recommend them courses, i will be recommending them universities anywhere in the world (specially UK, USA and Brazil), help them with the enrolling process, recommeding them meet up groups in order to learn or improve english skills, give them a list of teachers that could help them if they ever need help with their work (i will use gumtree or craigslist for that, this may sound so simple for you guys but you will be surprised on how many people here dont really know how to explore the internet, they think there is only facebook in it). I tell clients that the service wont be a one payment thing and that we will certainly keep in touch. They will pay the money and i will keep in touch with them, whenever they need my help, till the graduation of their kids (we keep in touch via email).

There are many students here that go study abroad during this time of the year and now with the upcoming middle class, i definetely know that there are many people who will be interested in this service, there is a LACK of services in every area of the country.

But i am looking to improve on the consultation services, anybody have some ideas to share on what extra services i could offer?

Also, how much you guys think should i charge for this? Think New York prices, life is very very expensive here, i think i am charging a bit low.

If that makes a difference, the first person that called me just told me that there was this company here who used to offer such services but they closed down. I wish i knew exactly what type of services they were offering so i could offer something similar.

Post: #2

You should roughly tell how much you're charging right now for your services?
That would give a better idea.

Apart from a 'Study Abroad' - that is simple imparting them information, and facilitating their application and suggesting them resources, you can focus on CV Building. This may sound like just a miniature part of the whole deal, but it's completely not unavoidable.
More over, to increase your consultation fees, you may offer to hand-out resources, like GMAT Official Guide and other test prep books, keeping a bit of margin for yourself.
This would make people feel more 'connected' to you.
Compile a weekly/bi-weekly newsletter - a PDF consisting of important tips and suggestions on resume building, as well as current market trends.
This would also solve the problem of your clients traditionally choosing other areas. Through this newsletter, you can gradually push them closer to consider the career hot-spots.

Post: #3

(11-04-2011 01:17 AM)pitt Wrote:  I see many young people in this country (Angola) studying courses without demand in this market (psychology, literature, human resources, etc) and i noticed that there is a high demand in most technical areas in the country and people are scaried to join those areas.

Same problem in Murka, though replace "scared" with "too lazy."