Soul Searching

The issue with going out of Palatka is that I run into established competition. The only competition I really have here is the shop I used to work for, and all of the business work we did would come straight over to me if they see I'm in business myself. I didn't pursue them last time because I wasn't properly equipped for that type of work because I didn't even own a laptop or a pair of telecom crimps. Now I have picked up a lot of the tools I need and wouldn't have to spend more than $100 on equipment to do everything computer related.

In my experience at the big shop in town, it was the businesses that nickel and dimed us to death. They'd call up for small end-user issues and complain when we charged them an hour showing a 17 year old how to print to the network printer. I'd set them up on a contract, which is something no one here does.

Until I build up to the point where I'm running the business out of a shop, I won't do much in the area of sales of anything other than replacement parts. That means I wouldn't be competing directly in the $300 Dell market because I can offer a far better warranty with better components for around that price and sell it for $500-$600 because I could back it with a 3 year warranty. Very rarely will that warranty ever be used because it's a better computer and will have a longer service life than the $300 Dell.

I've got a lot of ideas going through my head about this right now, so I'm going to sit down and start writing out ideas and put it together as a viable business.

If you do it right, you will NEVER need a shop. Sticks and bricks are a waste of money and precious capital.

Distance should never be an issue- remote desktop.

The value in selling to businesses is in establishing repeat accounts. Monthly service accounts are MUCH more valuable than one time cold calls.

Yes, there are crappy business customers (just like individual), and yes, you will sometimes have to put up with crap and do stuff for free. But the core of any good business is ALWAYS the repeat, utility style customers.

Develop good accounts. If the customer list is not a valuable asset that you can sell to someone else within 2 years (if you choose), you are doing it wrong. Your customer list should NOT be something that only you can service.

I got my business license today, so I'm now able to legally charge people to work on their computers. If I could find my business cards from last time, I'd already be out soliciting to businesses. It's a shame, because I still have around 500 cards hanging around somewhere.

Derick Freese wrote: I got my business license today, so I'm now able to legally charge people to work on their computers. If I could find my business cards from last time, I'd already be out soliciting to businesses. It's a shame, because I still have around 500 cards hanging around somewhere.

Take a look on the internet (for new cards ;) - I got 1000 or more 2 sided, glossy, multi color cards for my old shop for almost nothing (I think it was $20 with free shipping). It was a one time deal (and they spammed the hell out of my email) but the price was right. Put one of those QR codes on it, people seem to like those things for some reason.

KJ

QR codes get scanned all the time. I'm going to print out some flyers with a QR code and hand those out along with my business cards. Putting a QR code on my card is a non-issue as well, and I think that's a good idea.

Glad it hear it.

My F-I-L worked for a large meat packing company as a meat cutter for many years and barely ever made much above minimum wage. He worked three jobs at times to make enough money. He started as small meat market out of a storage room at his house to service small acccounts that his employer didn't want. The business grew and grew until he built a dedicated shop in his back yard. Swift found out and told him to cease and desist . He took the opportunity of being out with an injury to make a go of it. He's been dead a few years, but he died a millionaire. He worked hard and knew his business. His niche was the meat was pre-packaged. You could pick out each steak or chop and they would wrap for the frig or freezer. He had several people (including me for 6 months) working the counter, unlike the grocery stores where everything was pre-packaged out front and you never saw a butcher. He offered me a shot at opening a store, but he would never talk money. So I passed. Another of my very brilliant ideas.

I'm not looking to die rich, I'm just looking to have a better life for my family and the ability to call my own shots.

I can understand you well, I used to work as a mailman, then in some "work-from-home-call center" powered through some software (http://www.effective-contactcenters.com/) until I finally started my own business making apps for smartphones. Feels more gratifying, though I earn less now. I say just try.

Working on biz cards now. I'm working on a work shirt design as well. I have mag panels for my Jeep getting ready to be finished. I'm going mag panels instead of direct vinyl on the Jeep because the Jeep will hopefully be replaced soon with a dedicated work van. I need mobile work space since I don't have a shop and I need all of the credibility I can get. A dedicated work van lends credibility and professionalism over simply using my beat to crap old Jeep. After getting some promotional items (biz cards, work shirts, guerrilla signs), I think I'll have enough business potential to tap into that I can start making money.

I wish I weren't in the "poor" category and could simply run out and get what I need now and just get to it. This rough start is an education, though, and I'm glad I'm having to do this the hard way.