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Bill Jones
Guest
|
 Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 6:50 am Post subject: Starting your own business |
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Has anyone here been certified and can't find a decent paying job and
decided to go out on there own and start your own business? If so what
have you done for advertising and getting the word out there about
what you do?
Is it worth it?
Myself, I have worked for a couple big box stores that pay nothing and
rip off the customer. I have been on a couple interviews for mobile
service techs that advertise they pay quite well, but then find out
they only pay you while you are at the customers place. They don't pay
you while you travel from customer to customer. You use your own car,
cell phone, and tools. If that's the norm, then I might as well do it
for myself and take home the $80. hr. for troubleshooting or $50. for
that virus removal.
Anyone want to share some tips?
Feel free to email me directly if you don't want to post here.
Thanks
Bill |
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Bum
Guest
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| Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 10:50 am Post subject: Re: Starting your own business |
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abconline@hotmail.com (Bill Jones) wrote in
news:8e0fc18c.0501202209.2d420575@posting.google.com:
| Quote: | Has anyone here been certified and can't find a decent paying job and
decided to go out on there own and start your own business? If so what
have you done for advertising and getting the word out there about
what you do?
Is it worth it?
Myself, I have worked for a couple big box stores that pay nothing and
rip off the customer. I have been on a couple interviews for mobile
service techs that advertise they pay quite well, but then find out
they only pay you while you are at the customers place. They don't pay
you while you travel from customer to customer. You use your own car,
cell phone, and tools. If that's the norm, then I might as well do it
for myself and take home the $80. hr. for troubleshooting or $50. for
that virus removal.
Anyone want to share some tips?
Feel free to email me directly if you don't want to post here.
Thanks
Bill
|
I have been doing this as a side job, between contracts, and starting to
give serious consideration of making the switch permamenent. The
customers are individuals with sick home systems. This niche market, as
you pointed out, are often exploited by the big boxes, and other service
providers tend to ignore these people.
Primary advertisement is word of mouth, people hear that I will clean
their systems (spyware, virsus etc.) or install their new hardware for a
reasonable price (in the 25 - 45 depending on distance traveled) which is
cheaper then anyone else. Also they will find a detail list of issues
and resolutions; I also provide them a sheet of things to do for and safe
computing on the network, (such things as where to look for temporary
files, setting up a schedule to defrag their drives, basic maintenance
issues). Any software, not freeware they want installed, they need to
purchase. I believe spending money on advertisement is not worth it,
word of mouth seems the best bet.
In my case the word of mouth is former customers and my better half who
works with the public all day.
Bum |
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«BONEHEAD>>
Guest
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| Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 4:50 pm Post subject: Re: Starting your own business |
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"Bum" <Bum@bummer.org> wrote in message
news:Xns95E53728D713FBumbummerorg@24.24.2.166...
| Quote: | abconline@hotmail.com (Bill Jones) wrote in
news:8e0fc18c.0501202209.2d420575@posting.google.com:
Has anyone here been certified and can't find a decent paying job and
decided to go out on there own and start your own business? If so what
have you done for advertising and getting the word out there about
what you do?
Is it worth it?
Myself, I have worked for a couple big box stores that pay nothing and
rip off the customer. I have been on a couple interviews for mobile
service techs that advertise they pay quite well, but then find out
they only pay you while you are at the customers place. They don't pay
you while you travel from customer to customer. You use your own car,
cell phone, and tools. If that's the norm, then I might as well do it
for myself and take home the $80. hr. for troubleshooting or $50. for
that virus removal.
Anyone want to share some tips?
Feel free to email me directly if you don't want to post here.
Thanks
Bill
I have been doing this as a side job, between contracts, and starting to
give serious consideration of making the switch permamenent. The
customers are individuals with sick home systems. This niche market, as
you pointed out, are often exploited by the big boxes, and other service
providers tend to ignore these people.
Primary advertisement is word of mouth, people hear that I will clean
their systems (spyware, virsus etc.) or install their new hardware for a
reasonable price (in the 25 - 45 depending on distance traveled) which is
cheaper then anyone else. Also they will find a detail list of issues
and resolutions; I also provide them a sheet of things to do for and safe
computing on the network, (such things as where to look for temporary
files, setting up a schedule to defrag their drives, basic maintenance
issues). Any software, not freeware they want installed, they need to
purchase. I believe spending money on advertisement is not worth it,
word of mouth seems the best bet.
In my case the word of mouth is former customers and my better half who
works with the public all day.
I do the same thing, but also post business cards and multiple |
flyers (post card size) in locations that allow it, (groceries, local bars),
the most cost effective has been vinyl lettering on my car on the trunk,
w/ company name, phone number, and website addy, best $15 you can
spend... believe it or not, they will call your house or cell phone while
driving right behind you...
Make your price competitive, check what the going rate in your area is,
knock off $10 bucks, don't cheat yourself .... they will pay...
set up service contracts w/ small businesses (easy money),
promote yourself as a freelance IT Dept.
Next make sure you set yourself up with a vendor's license, and a
seperate bank account, call your local Small Business Administration,
they are more helpful than you would expect...
Find an accountant that works with small businesses, they know the ins and
outs,
(for a little barter I get most of my service for free)...
There are some simple things to have in place, you don't want the IRS
bugging you after a little success, and have them say BTW where's are cut...
BEST RULE.... BE HONEST, BE PROMPT, AND BE PATIENT...
--
<B0N3H3@D>
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." Albert Einstein |
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SJ
Guest
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| Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 12:50 am Post subject: Re: Starting your own business |
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On Fri, 21 Jan 2005 10:25:15 GMT, Bum <Bum@bummer.org> wrote:
| Quote: |
I have been doing this as a side job, between contracts, and starting to
give serious consideration of making the switch permamenent. The
customers are individuals with sick home systems. This niche market, as
you pointed out, are often exploited by the big boxes, and other service
providers tend to ignore these people.
Primary advertisement is word of mouth, people hear that I will clean
their systems (spyware, virsus etc.) or install their new hardware for a
reasonable price (in the 25 - 45 depending on distance traveled) which is
cheaper then anyone else. Also they will find a detail list of issues
and resolutions; I also provide them a sheet of things to do for and safe
computing on the network, (such things as where to look for temporary
files, setting up a schedule to defrag their drives, basic maintenance
issues). Any software, not freeware they want installed, they need to
purchase. I believe spending money on advertisement is not worth it,
word of mouth seems the best bet.
In my case the word of mouth is former customers and my better half who
works with the public all day.
Bum
|
Hi can we have a look at your sheet of things to do for and safe
computing on the net?
I just use business cards and offer vouchers or cash for any referals
St5eve |
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Frederic
Guest
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| Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 4:50 am Post subject: Re: Starting your own business |
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Starting a business requires many more skills than repairing a computer. It
also requires selling your service.
Some can't find a job because they use the same way as too many people.
If you reach your customer a way that he doesn't expect you have more chance
(in that case, your employer)
fax and email are great tools to directly reach the appropriate managers.
The trick is to get those information.
--
Frederic
MCP, IT Project+, i-Net+, CIW Associate, A+
------------------------------------------------------
http://fredsfastcram.bravehost.com
------------------------------------------------------
"Bill Jones" <abconline@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:8e0fc18c.0501202209.2d420575@posting.google.com...
| Quote: | Has anyone here been certified and can't find a decent paying job and
decided to go out on there own and start your own business? If so what
have you done for advertising and getting the word out there about
what you do?
Is it worth it?
Myself, I have worked for a couple big box stores that pay nothing and
rip off the customer. I have been on a couple interviews for mobile
service techs that advertise they pay quite well, but then find out
they only pay you while you are at the customers place. They don't pay
you while you travel from customer to customer. You use your own car,
cell phone, and tools. If that's the norm, then I might as well do it
for myself and take home the $80. hr. for troubleshooting or $50. for
that virus removal.
Anyone want to share some tips?
Feel free to email me directly if you don't want to post here.
Thanks
Bill |
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Bum
Guest
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| Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 3:50 pm Post subject: Re: Starting your own business |
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SJ <neathblue@hotmail.com> wrote in
news:og73v0pihad7kac98kv6t6udhacq946tnl@4ax.com:
| Quote: | Hi can we have a look at your sheet of things to do for and safe
computing on the net?
I just use business cards and offer vouchers or cash for any referals
St5eve
|
Sure here is sample of a general statement ... for XP ....
Safe Computing: (XP)
Common things that should be done:
- Right click My Computer select explore
o Click the Plus sign (+) to change it to a negative (-) sign
on the Local Disk (C )
o Click the Plus sign (+) to change it to a negative (-) sign
on the Documents and Settings folder
(C:\Documents and Settings\)
* This folder contains all information for each individual (user
accounts) who signs into the computer (C:\Documents and
Settings\{user name})
o For each user account temporary files are stored in three
(3) places; you may have two (2) additional locations
if Sun Java is installed. These locations are:
* C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Cookies\
* C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temp
* C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temporary
Internet Files
* The optional Location can be
* C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Application Data\Sun
\Deployment\Cache\javapi\v1.0\Jar
* C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Application Data\Sun
\Deployment\Cache\javapi\v1.0\file
* The files in these locations can be deleted without any adverse
affects to your system and should be deleted at the
minimum of once a week
o The last location to look for temp files is within the
windows directory:
* C:\Windows\Temp
* NOTE: seldom are there files in this location; but none the less
you should check
Spyware/Adaware/Malware
- Many ostensibly free programs come with spyware or adware. The program
installer doesn't always describe every program
being installed. (From Download.com Spyware Center)
- As Mr. Holzman writes, ?To make matters worse, some of these Spyware
companies attempt to trick you into downloading their
Spyware by displaying fake Windows error messages that appear quite
genuine, and fool you into clicking on them. These fake
messages may say things like: "Your Computer is Currently Broadcasting an
Internet IP Address," "Your Internet Connection Is
Not Optimized" or "Your Current Connection May Be Capable of Faster
Speeds...." Once you click on one, you are whisked away
to the Spyware companies website." (Carey Holzman 2003/06/10 Removing
Spyware)
- If you find a neat little program and wish to install it, Stop. Do not
install it until you create a restore point on your
computer. To do so -
o Start -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Restore Point
o This will start the Restore Point Wizard; we want to create a
restore point prior to installing any new
application
- When installing the application, read very carefully the End User
License Agreement (EULA)
- After installing your neat little new application run Spybot and Ad-
Aware (both are installed on your computer); if this
neat little program has any type of offending code these programs will
more then likely tell you of its existence. Follow
the instructions for removal of these offending applications.
- Also, make sure to check for updates to Spybot and Ad-Aware
Other more mundane things that caution needs to be practiced on:
- registering a program
o Will they send you an activation key? Or is it required to run?
* NO - they will not send you an activation key ? then fill
the form in with fictitious information.
* Yes - they will send you an activation key - then fill the
form in with fictitious information except a
valid e-mail address - in this case have a separate e-
mail account from yahoo or hotmail or some other free
e-mail service - because even if one does select "I Do
not want my information shared" or "Do not want to
be notified of other special offers" ... A company may
still sell your information
Did you hear about - "Bill 602P which will permit the Federal Govt to
charge a 5 cent surcharge on every email delivered ?"
or what about "A directory of cell phone numbers will soon be
published?" or what about "A wealthy foreigner who needs help
moving millions of dollars from his homeland promises a hefty percentage
of this fortune as a reward for assisting him.?"
Ok, we see these messages arrive from friends and family and who knows
where else. Before forwarding this on to all your
contacts, as some message urges you to do, or keep strict confidence as
others do, check the web to see if it is one of the
thousands of hoaxes in existence. A good place which keeps a fairly good
record, and has a good search engine is Snopes
(www.snopes.com). If you can not find it on Snopes, then use Google
(www.google.com) to search for the message is claim. If
the claim is a hoax, hit reply to sender and let them know it is a Hoax,
and where they can find the information.
Bill Gates and General Motors
Bill Gates is hanging out with the chairman of General Motors.
"If automotive technology had kept pace with computer technology over the
past few decades," boasts Gates, "you would now be
driving a V-32 instead of a V-8, and it would have a top speed of 10,000
miles per hour. Or, you could have an economy car
that weighs 30 pounds and gets a thousand miles to a gallon of gas. In
either case, the sticker price of a new car would be
less than $50."
"Sure," says the GM chairman. "But would you really want to drive a car
that crashes four times a day?"
Yes we all receive these cute stories ? but beware there are hidden
dangers in sending these type of messages to all our
friends ? and besides more then likely they have already received it from
someone else. The hidden danger in these messages
lies in the fact that lets say we forward it to 10 people who forward it
to 10 people each and so on ? as a spammer who
receives this message from someone I know, I have just received 10 ? 100
? 1,000 ? valid e-mail accounts I can now sell. The
point is that you can potentially loose control over who has access to
your e-mail account address.
If you post a message on a blog, message board, or create a user profile
(MSN, Yahoo, Blogger.com) if possible mark your
e-mail address private, or better yet do not leave an e-mail address if
possible. Never know if a spammer is sending a
spider through the messages harvesting email addresses. As Mr. Lowe
writes, ?In addition, people often leave their email
addresses in guestbooks, message boards and other online communities
which translate to web pages. Spam harvesters love these
types of pages, as they can get dozens, hundreds or even thousands of
different, valid and usable email addresses quickly and
easily.
How do email harvesters work? Well, some scum spammer will install one of
these programs on his system. He will tell it to
begin scanning, which it will do rapidly and efficiently. In fact, these
generally scan a web site so quickly that the server
cannot do anything in the meantime (most "good" spiders, on the other
hand, limit their visits to one per second, minute or
even hour in order to allow other people and spiders to use the site
while it is being scanned).? (Sins of the Internet:
E-mail Spiders, http://www.theallineed.com/computers/computers-009.htm) |
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«BONEHEAD>>
Guest
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| Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 3:50 pm Post subject: Re: Starting your own business |
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"Frederic" <frederic.l@softhome.net> wrote in message
news:4UkId.36478$P93.1370802@wagner.videotron.net...
| Quote: | Starting a business requires many more skills than repairing a computer.
It
also requires selling your service.
Some can't find a job because they use the same way as too many people.
If you reach your customer a way that he doesn't expect you have more
chance
(in that case, your employer)
fax and email are great tools to directly reach the appropriate managers.
The trick is to get those information.
|
One of my first accounts was a barter deal with a chiropracter's office,
(my friend worked for him), I get my back cracked for free, he get's
periodic maintenance for free. Anything like software install or graphic
design he pays me for... You got to know what services to sell to these
types of small businesses.
Periodic maintenance, updating antivirus & spyware removal, monkeySoft
updates... Backups are an easy sell. Websites and graphic design are
another source (gift certificates, brochures, business cards) I also sell
them on embroidery and uniform printing, (my original career)...
I also have a connection to alot of local police officers. Working
cheap for these guys is a definite plus. Not just for a courtesy card, but
cops talk to alot of people everyday, give them some business cards
and they advertise for you.
Most people are afraid (or too lazy) to set up their computers.
this also goes for Home entertainment systems, computer desks,
telephone equipment, fax machines, digital cameras, and printers,
routers and wireless, running CAT 5.
Know how to do these things and make money. I charge $100
to put together $100 computer desk. BTW I hate putting them together
but after a couple of those jobs it's worth it.
Never be afraid to say you don't know how to do something, but
offer to find out how, most people are to lazy to research or do it
themselves. You end up educated and get the reputation of knowing
how to do everything.
My whole thing is being versatile. Hence my company name is Versatech.
Fixing computers as your sole means of income will not pay the bills.
If you don't have the graphics skills, find a partner who does, make an
arrangement.
The other key is to be aware of your limitations, never bite of more than
you can chew, but know who can help you if you get handed something
to big.
I like being my own boss, I can fire myself, negotiate with the boss,
and be back to work the next day...:}
(comes in very handy when you need to knock off 18 holes)...
--
<B0N3H3@D>
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." Albert Einstein |
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PlazticSoul
Guest
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| Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2005 12:50 am Post subject: Re: Starting your own business |
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Actually, I've decided to start MY own business. Got an occupational license
for $50, gonna get incorporated and setup a business account, print invoices
for my service, hand out business cards, get my website up and running, etc.
Of course I currently have a good full-time job but it's not with computers.
This will be my evening/weekend job and carry a cell phone with a lot of
minutes. It's not a bad idea, but it's kind of a headache to get started and
there's always a risk of you messing something up or getting "in over your
head", but hey that's life :)
My reason for self-employment is I work for the state and I want to move
into a tech job, but civil service requires either a bach degree or 2 years
full-time experience in that field. So I said, screw it... I'm going to MAKE
my own experience!!! >:)
Jason, A+, Network+ |
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Ron Barnhart
Guest
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| Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 4:50 am Post subject: Re: Starting your own business |
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Hi PlazticSoul,
I'm planning to do something similar. However, I'm going to start simple.
I probably won't do any major upgrading/fixing until I finish getting my
certification and have more money to invest in insurance, etc.
Good luck with your business.
--
Ron Barnhart
"PlazticSoul" <plazticsoul@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:BSSOd.35359$2p.23834@lakeread08...
> Actually, I've decided to start MY own business. |
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mhaase-at-springmind.com
Guest
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| Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 5:12 am Post subject: Re: Starting your own business |
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On Thu, 19 Oct 2006 20:41:31 GMT, "smackedass"
<kemanospamcomputer@verizon.net> wrote:
| Quote: |
do yourself (and the rest of us) a favor and don't use
undercutting as a marketing strategy!
Ahem...here I have a strong intellectual disagreement. First of all, I
don't surruptitiously go around, trying to figure out what other techs
charge. I don't think that many people do do that. Some of them, I happen
to know. I'd say that my rate ($45 per hour) is, for the record, fair, and
a bit on the low side. But, most of all, in the self-evident yet
ever-evolving rules of free-market capitalism, there IS NO SUCH THING as
undercutting. If a person is selling a service at a low enough price, that
they can't eek out a living, then they're dying at that end, and won't be
able to compete because they can't afford to live.
|
Are you doing business stuff @ $45/hr? That *is* a "bit on the low
side". I can *kinda* see doing work for home users for that, but
otherwise I think you are seriously under-valueing yourself.
One of the toughest things I've had to learn is how important it is to
charge ENOUGH. Businesses can & will pay (much) more than that
because keeping their stuff running is WORTH that much to them.
I know you'll feel a little weird at first telling businesses you
charge $95/hr (almost like you're cheating/overcharging them), but if
you're not charging what the market will bear, you're not letting
"free-market capitalism" work for you.
I know you probably think "Hey, this is easy stuff - how can I charge
so much?" But it's not REALLY "easy". It just *seems* that way to
you 'cause you know what you're doing. I configured a LinkSys router
just yesterday, and the woman watched in amazement. "How do you know
what all those numbers mean?", "How do you know what to do?".
If you think about it, the things a Heart Surgeon does are really
probably "easy" FOR THEM, and they have no trouble taking home at
least $400,000/year (and no, I'm not comparing the importance of
replacing a Hard Drive with the importance of replacing a heart).
But what does a plumber charge? A Mobile DJ? A lawyer? Anybody who
runs their own business?
Anyway, enough preaching. I guess the bottom line is: don't be afraid
to charge what the market will bear - don't make "I'm cheaper than the
other guys" your selling point. You don't wanna be at the low end of
the range that is charged in your area - you want people to think,
"Hey, he's a little pricey, but he's worth it."
And how do you know what "the market will bear"? A guy I know who's
run his own (non-computer) business for 20 years once told me his rule
of thumb: "If nobody complains that you charge too much, you're not
charging enough"
Just my thoughts.
M |
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mhaase-at-springmind.com
Guest
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| Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 5:22 am Post subject: Re: Starting your own business |
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Smackedass -
BTW, I noticed you're using Val-pak advertising (forgive me if I've
got the wrong guy).
I had been giving thought to trying it...how's that working?
M |
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smackedass
Guest
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| Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 7:08 am Post subject: Re: Starting your own business |
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| Quote: | BTW, I noticed you're using Val-pak advertising (forgive me if I've
got the wrong guy).
I had been giving thought to trying it...how's that working?
M
|
It just went out 2 days ago. So far, I've gotten 1 call. Will keep you
apprised...
sa |
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smackedass
Guest
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| Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 7:49 am Post subject: Re: Starting your own business |
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Hello mhaase,
| Quote: | Are you doing business stuff @ $45/hr? That *is* a "bit on the low
side". I can *kinda* see doing work for home users for that, but
otherwise I think you are seriously under-valueing yourself.
One of the toughest things I've had to learn is how important it is to
charge ENOUGH. Businesses can & will pay (much) more than that
because keeping their stuff running is WORTH that much to them.
I know you'll feel a little weird at first telling businesses you
charge $95/hr (almost like you're cheating/overcharging them), but if
you're not charging what the market will
bear, you're not letting
"free-market capitalism" work for you.
|
All of your points (and I haven't here included all of them) are very well
taken. I'm not even a college graduate (not even an Associates Degree), but
I understand the principle of "market penetration", and this is the
principle that I pursue.
I know that some people (PC techs, and people, and companies, who are not PC
technical) draw a distinction between home users and businesses. Where I
live, and work (SE Massachusetts), many of my customers are both. I have
many customers who work, and surf, and let their kids play video games, on
the same machine. Of course, I advise against it, but that's what it is.
Even if that weren't the case, I probably wouldn't charge businesses more
than home users. I'm just not that cutthroat a person. Next time I raise
my rates (yes there will be a next time!), rates will be raised across the
board.
Also, I'd long said to myself that if I ever had my own business, I'd only
like to treat my customers the way that I'd like to be treated. Today, the
Golden Rule is anachronistic, at best, but I've got my own guns to stick
to...I'm very much a "street dude", every day I'm in the post office, the
supermarket, the school, the bank, et al. I'm very much in tune with
people's sensibilities, and with the economic realities of my neighborhood.
Where I live, business is (generally) seasonal, most people know one
another, reputations are quickly acclimated and disseminated...there are
lots of retirees, mostly academic types, and many day to day blue collar
service people. Not many professionals, as would be found in a
city...before I did this I was involved in food service, and I remember a
chef once telling me, "Don't *** where you sleep".
smackedass |
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TwoBearCatz
Guest
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| Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 9:24 am Post subject: Re: Starting your own business |
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smackedass wrote:
| Quote: | Hello mhaase,
Are you doing business stuff @ $45/hr? That *is* a "bit on the low
side". I can *kinda* see doing work for home users for that, but
otherwise I think you are seriously under-valueing yourself.
One of the toughest things I've had to learn is how important it is to
charge ENOUGH. Businesses can & will pay (much) more than that
because keeping their stuff running is WORTH that much to them.
I know you'll feel a little weird at first telling businesses you
charge $95/hr (almost like you're cheating/overcharging them), but if
you're not charging what the market will
bear, you're not letting
"free-market capitalism" work for you.
All of your points (and I haven't here included all of them) are very well
taken. I'm not even a college graduate (not even an Associates Degree), but
I understand the principle of "market penetration", and this is the
principle that I pursue.
I know that some people (PC techs, and people, and companies, who are not PC
technical) draw a distinction between home users and businesses. Where I
live, and work (SE Massachusetts), many of my customers are both. I have
many customers who work, and surf, and let their kids play video games, on
the same machine. Of course, I advise against it, but that's what it is.
Even if that weren't the case, I probably wouldn't charge businesses more
than home users. I'm just not that cutthroat a person. Next time I raise
my rates (yes there will be a next time!), rates will be raised across the
board.
Also, I'd long said to myself that if I ever had my own business, I'd only
like to treat my customers the way that I'd like to be treated. Today, the
Golden Rule is anachronistic, at best, but I've got my own guns to stick
to...I'm very much a "street dude", every day I'm in the post office, the
supermarket, the school, the bank, et al. I'm very much in tune with
people's sensibilities, and with the economic realities of my neighborhood.
Where I live, business is (generally) seasonal, most people know one
another, reputations are quickly acclimated and disseminated...there are
lots of retirees, mostly academic types, and many day to day blue collar
service people. Not many professionals, as would be found in a
city...before I did this I was involved in food service, and I remember a
chef once telling me, "Don't *** where you sleep".
smackedass
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First, this thread is confusing from the start. I replied because it
appeared you were contemplating starting a computer service business ..
not already running one?!
Next, I really hate uneducated types like you that undercut everyone in
this field. You are right, you don't advertise like the big boys
because you can't run with them. It's really ALL too bad this field
doesn't have even one "BAR" exam because it would knock riff raff like
yourself right out of the ballpark. It's because of you that all of us
EDUCATED, EXPERIENCED pros have to hear stories about the "guy that
used to be down the street" who "used to charge 50 bucks to fix the
PC". What's amusing to the point of absurdity is that the "guy down the
street" rarely fixed anything completely, correct, and/or with legal
software. Also, the "guy down the street" is always out of business by
the time they call us. Gee, I wonder why?! 45/hour in Taxachusetts?!
RIDICULOUS. You know something? Even most of the one liners here charge
a $100 min and COL is MUCH lower than where you are at.
Funny you also mention the corporate world while lacking a college
degree. In nearly 10 years of software development in the corporate
world I found the dirtiest politics to almost always be DIRECTLY
related to the average education level on the teams. When a one or more
lack a college degree they FEAR losing their precious job to someone
who actually deserved it. This creates nasty politics. Anyone who has
been there knows exactly what I'm talking about. In fact, I remember my
first job out of college back in the mid 90's. A contractor from
BoozAllen? told me not to ever even mention education around fellow
consultant ... since most didn't even have a BS at the time. Thankfully
that has changed, but not before the IT field turned upside down and a
whole !@@#$%$ load of jobs went to India because average American
programmers were uneducated buffoons with really bad attitudes.
In short, I recant my "Good Luck" to you! |
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smackedass
Guest
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| Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 2:25 pm Post subject: Re: Starting your own business |
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Confused, indeed, you are, sir or madam. Entertaining, albeit...certainly,
I don't have the market cornered on the PC service market OR absurdity.
Full of complaints are you, with not much to say constructive.
You chose to vacate a career in the all-too-precious corporate world, to
start your own PC tech company. You seem to hate it, I don't
understand...you can always return to the world of the make-believe, sitting
down for meetings at a big table with a bunch of pretentious ***,
speaking in some strange code, going through silly motions while deciding
which inevitables may no longer be postponed...
Just by virtue of the word that you continue to use the word "undercut"
demonstrates your baffling contempt for capitalism. What is a business
person supposed to do, call up every potential competitor, pretending to be
a customer, asking how much they charge? And THEN set my rates?
Wait a second, let me get up from the floor...there was the time that a (now
former) customer of the "biggest name" in town, even advertises in the
Yellow Pages, who charges $95 per hour, after hearing (read: a REFERRAL) of
my superior know-how, service, and diligence, contacted me. Said contractor
charged this person "sixteen arms and seventeen legs" (I don't know how
much, exactly) to fix some problems she had been having. Only, the problems
weren't fixed. She called, on several occasions, to see what reparations
the "reputable" tech company might provide. Said contractor never returned
her calls. Luckily, the customer is an attorney; she wrote and sent a
tersely worded letter, indicating that she needed things be made right.
Only then did said contractor return her fee, along with a letter stating
that she needn't contact said contractor for future concerns. Two days
later, courtesy of yours truly, the customer had her computer up and
running, every problem solved, for probably half the price of the
"reputable" technician. On several occasions, she has re-hired me, and
recommended me to others.
That's my chestnut story, I have many similar, if not as poignant...I, too,
wish that there were a BAR exam, the term "riff raff" is subjective and
trite, and exists solely in the mind of the jealous and fanciful...
Now, having swept the dust out of the corners, into the center of the
floor...yes, Massachusetts is certainly unfairly burdened by the constraints
of civil bureaucracy...but I used to live in New Jersey, and property taxes
alone were many times higher than what they are here. But, here there are
far fewer racists and homophobes, the people and environment have more
interesting character, and the only people that are singled out for
nickel-and-diming are the tourists. Home, sweet, home.
Thank you for your well-wishes, but please understand that one ought be
careful with their inferences ("legal software"), as they may ultimately
constitute libel.
Cheers,
--
Kema Computer Consulting
Kenneth E. Newton, Proprietor
P.O. Box 791
Harwich Port, MA 02646
kemanospamcomputer@verizon.net |
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