Geographic information systems are not exactly a new concept as they have been around for over a decade at this point. However, it wasn’t until only recently that we started to see a more widespread adoption across various industries.
This has presented those with a significant knowledge about GIS systems with an opportunity to launch their own companies and cater to the largely untapped small business market. If you have any such plans of your own, we have a few tips that could boost the chances of your entrepreneurial venture’s success by quite a bit.
Get the Education You Need First
It is quite possible that you already have extensive experience in GIS technology from the actual work, rather than any formal education, but you may still need a degree before you decide to launch a company of your own.
Education in geographical information systems is important to fill in the knowledge gaps which often exist in professionals without the formal education. To be able to handle GIS coordination and the duties of a survey manager as an employee is not quite the same as transforming into a business leader, who has to handle pretty much everything.
Also, there is the credibility factor to consider. Unless you have the proper education to back you up, your clientele may not be convinced about your credibility as a GIS business owner to begin with.
The Geographical Dataset Controversy: Launch an LLC to Avoid Personal Liability
A few years ago, being sued as a geographical information system provider would not have been anything to be too worried about, but in light of the current dataset related controversies, being sued is a credible threat to consider for all GIS companies, irrespective of their size.
Forming an LLC helps you to mitigate the damages from such lawsuits filed on the basis of privacy and security breach clauses, by keeping them limited to the business only. If you want to set up an LLC, California is most likely going to be the best state for that, especially Northern California, since that’s where the most promising new names in GIS software, such as Orbital Insight and PlanetWatchers also originated from. To get started, visit Incfile where you can find more information regarding how to set up an LLC California.
Consider Outsourcing Your Wide Format Plotting Requirements
When you are only starting out and do not have the equipment to handle wide format plotting on your own, it might be cheaper and more effective to outsource it. Any local blueprinting service with a good reputation should have the equipment to get the job done.
In the GIS Industry, Customer Service is More Important than the Initial Sale
This probably isn’t news to anyone who has worked in the field before, but it’s always good to be reminded of the fact that GIS services are more about how they perform after the initial sale, rather than the sale itself. Regular updates, maintenance and addressing customer grievances should be a priority. This is necessary for both holding on to the present client base, as well as for getting the references which will allow you to expand that client base.
Thanks to GPS and intelligent, satellite mapping, geographical information systems now have applications across multiple fields, which range from marketing and engineering, to mining, archaeology, public health and even the military. As long as you keep the tips we just mentioned in mind, a venture in GIS really does have excellent potential in 2019, which will likely reach even greater heights in the coming years.
