I graduate from ITT Technical Institute in North Houston, Texas in March with my associate degree in Network System Administration. I work for Hewlett Packard as a Deployment Services Engineer, full-time. I would like to start fixing computers in my local area because I hear of a lot of people asking for the service. I can do everything from simple virus removal to complex networking issues. I haven't started putting anything together yet to start my adventure. I was just wondering where to start.
Answers
The easiest thing to do is post an ad on craigslist and search craigslist postings for the same... you'll find plenty of small business that are looking for someone. Also, try small business associations that you can network through.
Hello Timothy, I would develop a list of potential clients and begin calling on them to provide your services while keeping my day job. For example, schools, non- profit agencies and small businesses often need computer services and don't have an IT person.
So I would explore those markets that are underserved and begin doing it part time until you have sufficient income to quit your regular job.
Good luck.
Jack Hollis
Hi Timothy...
Here's the best approach; go to https: //www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/starting-managing-business/starting-business.
WHY?--Because your (good) question is "high-level" query and cannot really be answered effectively in a forum such as this.
The SBA site is one of the better organized .gov sites I have seen and will give you 98%+ of the information that your are seeking in your question.
THEN--Leverage the excellent resources here to answer any "specific" questions and to get directly-related advice, experience and professional insights.
Hope this helps. Thank you for your service and good luck to you.
Matt Garley
USN 1977-1981, FTM2
Today: Small & Mid-sized Business Advisor
Timothy...
Foremost, thank you for your past and future service.
In addition to the market and opportunity assessment questions posed previously, I'd visit some of your local computer repair providers in Tomball (see below) and explore the option of being a contractor for them. This will provide you the practical knowledge and experience to build your skills and establish your credibility - while still allowing you to work full time at H-P. Over the next few months, you can assess whether the vision still makes sense for your lifestyle, and inform the 'demand' questions posed earlier. Good luck!
1) Kim, Pheany Manager-J-Tech Systems / 30006 State Highway 249, #A1
2) Croy, Larry Owner - My PC First Aid / 1215 W Main St, #1
3) Req-On Technologies / 28581 State Highway
4) Rsi Systems LLC / 12006 Iris Canyon Dr
5) Bel, Rus - the Best Geeks 11510 Maple Falls Dr
Timothy,
Sounds like you have the skills for the job. I might suggest you start with defining your market. Are you targeting individuals or businesses? That would affect how you might progress.
Do you have current customers? Even a couple would be a start. Use them to help find your next customer. Where will you run your business? From home or will you need an office?
Besides the technical skills, what do you feel your other business strengths and weaknesses are? Are you familiar with competition for your services? How can you differentiate yourself from them?
Feel free to check out some other articles and resources thru my blog. I have a pretty good list of business resources that will be of help too. And you can always contact me directly as well. Good luck.
Brian Richardson
www.VetLaunched.com
brian@vetlaunched.com
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