Small computing Facility. - Help!!!

shutton54321

Im currently at college, going to university soon. As my intrest lies in computing i would like to set up a small (really small) business(wouldnt really call it busniess though) from my home and could travel to clients, just as a way of gaining some experience really and a little extra cash. How would i go about advertising etc, would it be better for friends etc to start this with me.
The service i would be offering would be mainly fixing software problems,hardware problems, setting up small networks,advise people on upgrades etc.
We have been doing something similar at college, a helpdesk facility, and i have recieved good comments from both clients and tutors. And when i start university this would help in some aspects.
Does this sound like it could work? And would i be intitled to a small business grant if i got this facility up and running?!
Any help would be really appreciated thanks!

Snow_Dog

I would start by advertising in the local paper, its relatively cheap and should have a reasonably high circulation, there are also community magazines. Postcards in newsagent windows etc.

Once you start getting a customer base if you are good then word of mouth recommendations usually then kicks in. Also the type of business area you are looking at is good for repeat business in that people who have PC problems they cannot sort out for themselves are usually people who will always be having problems.

Good luck.

phill79

Don't want to spoil a good thing, but don't forget the good old tax man, especially if you get lots of work with businesses as it can soon add up.

motorguy

yes it can and does work, go for it. expect lots of hassle though!

shutton54321

pgilc1 wrote:

yes it can and does work, go for it. expect lots of hassle though!

Thanks and yeah i know whats involved in this field. Thanks for replying everyone will start looking at ways of advertising etc thanks!

oldtoolie

Don’t bother with newspaper adverts – unless you like wrapping fish and chips.

First gather your confidence (it does not show in your query) and decide exactly what services you want to offer. Don’t offer to do anything that you are not 100% sure you can deliver. You must show yourself to be knowledgeable and trustworthy to your potential clients.

Spend your money on high quality business cards, a slightly larger card for bulletin boards, copies of a personal letter explaining who you are, what you can do and why people should pay you to do it and a website. Make a simple but professional appearing website what you can do and how you will do it. Have your photo is on the website along with your address and contact details. Get your own web address and email. All of that will cost less than £150. (Be sure to spall check – you didn’t in you post)

Even simple tasks are difficult for beginners. Yesterday, I spent 4 hours setting up a new computer for my wife. Dell would have charged £60 - £120 to do that. There is a big need for these services.

Don’t underprice yourself – you will spend at least one hour marketing yourself for every hour you can bill. Do some market research on similar businesses to find out what the local rate is.

Walk around the community where you would like to work and stop in every business and office. Introduce yourself and leave your card and letter. Tell all your friends, relatives, your hairdresser, your butcher – anyone you are acquainted with – that you are in business. Leaflet your neighbourhood.

Put your larger card up on bulletin boards. News agents and supermarkets will charge a small fee. You will find many free bulletin boards in schools, hospitals, community halls, libraries and others.

Offer one hour free consultation to prospective customers. They will come back for more if you are good.

Go to the library and get a book on small business marketing. Look up Guerrilla Marketing on the web.

Contact your local Business Link agency – sometime they have networking events, forums and training sessions. They may know about grants – although if you are going away to university, you may not be eligible.

Contact your local volunteer service bureau. Charities function as small businesses and all need IT support. Offer your free hour to charities.

Set aside time for this and if you are not seeing clients, go marketing.

To succeed as a consultant you must have the technical skills and marketing skills. Maybe you don’t want to do all this marketing but that is what it takes to succeed. You may be better off contacting every IT service company and consultant in your area seeking temp work. Don’t see that as the lesser option – you will learn a lot – both technical and marketing.