If you enjoy figuring out computer problems and have a knack for explaining technical jargon to non-technical people, there are a few places online that you can call home.  There is no shortage of people on the web looking for help with computer troubles.  I’ve taken the liberty of gathering four of my favorite websites where you can practice helping other people with their computer problems.  This is by no means an exhaustive list, it’s merely a personal gathering of the places I’ve found most helpful to not only myself, but to the people seeking help who visit them.  Most of these websites will also allow you to link to your own personal website, thus increasing traffic to your computer support business.
(more…)

I decided I’ve collected enough information over the past month or two to finally start fleshing out my Resources page over there in the yellow box to your right.  Since I’m still in the early stages of starting my computer consulting business, there isn’t a whole lot there, but that will change as I continually add links to resources I use.

The following is a break-down of how the page is currently organized. I have tried to organize it in a linear fashion starting with basic information at the top and drilling down to more specific and advanced services toward the bottom.
(more…)

I’m about 42.75% ready to start a business according to the Smart Start Assessment tool provided by the Maryland Small Business Development Center’s website.  It’s a great resource for anyone interested in starting a small business and I’m thrilled that something like this is available.  I took this assessment a few weeks ago, let’s see how I did…  (more…)

Want to try your hand at fixing computers in your spare time, but don’t have the time or resources to find customers yourself?  The answer you’re looking for may be to become a service provider. (more…)

A while back I was thinking it would be smart to consult with a lawyer to see what kind of things need to be done to set-up my business and trademark my business name.  I was pretty sure, at the least, that I’d need to file for trademark protection for my company name and file a DBA (Doing Business As) which will allow me to start a bank account under the name of my business.

So I called a local lawyer who specializes in helping small businesses.  You’d think that, being someone who is supporting the cause of the small business owner, she’d charge fees that small business start-ups can afford.  Boy was I wrong.  Here are some of her fees: (more…)