Historically, the computer guy, like many other service professionals, has been undervalued and under appreciated.  But beware, we computer folk hold a lot more of the cards then some may realize.  For those people who tend to treat their computer guy like a second class citizen, here are the top 10 reasons why you may want to reconsider giving us a hard time (David Letterman style): (more…)

While thinking about the long-term plan for my computer consulting business, I’m constantly struggling between two scenarios: continuing to run my business part-time indefinitely along side my “regular” job working for someone else, or making it my full time gig.  Should I try hard to turn my little computer repair business into an all-consuming career, or simply keep it as a side-operation to supplement my stable, well-paying corporate job? 

It’s a tough question with no easy answer.  I’m satisfied with my career and how it’s progressed thus far.  Some days I feel like it’s a bad move to throw a wrench in the spokes of a fast moving successful career working in the IT industry, but at times the fire in me burns for something more.

To try to alleviate some of my anxieties and make an attempt at understanding it all, I decided to pit full time against part time in a battle royal of ideals, realities, and everything in between. (more…)

Business Name Blues is a 3-part series in which I talk about the experiences I had in naming my business and give tips based on lessons I’ve learned in the process. Part 1 explores choosing the business name. Part 2 looks into the online aspect of business naming. Part 3 closes with the legal and tax steps necessary to ensure your business name is protected. Also, as I go through each part, I will be updating the Resources page with a Business Naming section to assist you with resources and links to help you make the right moves when naming your business.

Don’t miss the end of this article where I summarize all I’ve learned with a list of 8 easy steps to naming your business!

Not Quite Done Yet

Come up with a good name for my business. Check!  Register my business website domain.  Check!  Time to start mailing fliers and knocking on doors right?  Not so fast! (more…)

In July, I published an article called Top 5 Reasons Why I’m Starting A Computer Support Business. Being the kind of person that likes to see things from all angles, I decided to take the opposite view and look at some reasons why starting a computer business may not be such a good idea for me. This exercise was difficult, since obviously I DO want to start a business, but I feel it’s good to weigh the pros and cons of any major decision in life.  Starting a business is not going to be all roses and cupcakes, so this list may be a good slap in the face to anyone, including me, who thinks they’ll be able to breeze through a life as a computer consultant.  Here’s my list of the top 5 reasons why I probably shouldn’t start a computer business:
(more…)

There’s a blog that I subscribed to called Life Reboot.  It chronicles the “thoughts and experiences of Shaun Boyd”, a young man who decided to quit his job in IT and restart his life in pursuit of his dream to become a writer.  He’s had mixed success and is now looking for a job again, but his posts are insightful and well written and one of his posts from 2006 really stuck a chord with me. (more…)

Starting my new Computer Support Business is truly a grass-roots effort.  I have no previous business experience.  I’ve only taken one class in community college relating to business.  I don’t have any immediate relatives who own a business.  Also, I’m going to attempt to make this business completely self-funded, meaning I’m going to avoid using my own money and instead use money I make from the business and put it back into the business.  I’m really starting from scratch here.

So in order to set some goals, ensure forward movement, and to help you all keep me in line, I’m listing the first steps I’ve taken, or will take, in these early days of business development.  (more…)

Before I really get the ball rolling on my business, I thought it important that I explore my decision to start a business in the first place.   What is driving me to start something that, traditionally, is a time consuming, resource draining, and brutally unforgiving journey into the unknown?

I’ve compiled a list, in no particular order, of the top 5 reasons why I’ve decided to take this plunge: (more…)