Own business...

LaTech · Posted: Mon, 17 Apr 2006 18:06:56 Post Subject: Own business...

Does anyone in here own their own business? The reason I ask is I've been doing quite a bit of thinking of late and, partly due to my inability to actually find a computer related job in Western Montana and partly because I think I would do well at it, I am considering opening my own business once I move there.

There are a lot of things I don't know...that's the point of why I am asking...I would like to find someone that HAS done it and wouldn't mind answering a few questions concerning owning a business.

Thanks in advance.

LaTech

BeerCheeze · Posted: Mon, 17 Apr 2006 18:21:56 Post Subject:

Done it... twice.

Rule 1) Have 6 months to 1 yr of funds available to you with the understanding that during that time you are likely to be bleeding money.

If you think you can live with that... I'll be happy to give you my experiences.

dadx2mj · Posted: Mon, 17 Apr 2006 19:05:02 Post Subject:

My Dad and I ran our own bowling center for a # of years. The biggest issue we had was hiring a decent staff. It was too big to run with just us and the employees would steal you blind given a fraction of a chance to do so. Not to mention not showing up or any number of other issues. The whole experience totally changed my outlook on things.

FOX · Posted: Tue, 18 Apr 2006 01:46:38 Post Subject:

i currently own one company and sold off 2 others... im 22 Smile

=CDU=Above · Rated XXX Joined: 20 Apr 2005 Posts: 217

My wife runs an online buisness from home. I also have a few ideas that would probably work for you.

LaTech · Posted: Tue, 18 Apr 2006 08:17:06 Post Subject:

Well, thanks for the responses. Let me give you a little more info what I'm thinking about...and then we'll go from there.

I've worked in a break-fix shop (3 years), as the sysadmin (2 years), network tech (pulled cables for 2 years and set up networks) and right now as a helpdesk geek (1 year). I'm very good at customer service and get much satisfaction out of doing one heck of a good job.

What I'm thinking of is opening an on-site tech support/maint type business. I don't want to get into building computers as there is no money in it.

I've though of how to advertise: I'm really good face-to-face and would just walk around with business cards, business card sized CD's, pamphlets...just meet and greet type stuff until I could start getting customers. My strngths will be customer satisfaction and me doing the best type of job that I can.

I know, as I read through what I've written, this makes me sound really young and naive....that's what I'm afraid of.

FOX · Posted: Tue, 18 Apr 2006 11:57:25 Post Subject:

well dont quit yer job yet... make the business cards walk around pass them out then see if anyone calls you... you wont get business immediatly but when someones stuff breaks you need to make sure that they call you.... do you have any clients currently?? like clients you could take from your current job? go to local businesses and see who theyre going through for their computer issues and such then low ball the hell outta the person theyre using so they come to you for a try then have them refer their buddies and then give them both a discount or something that way you get more business (for a little less yes) but youre getting more clients as a result

LaTech · Posted: Tue, 18 Apr 2006 12:16:44 Post Subject:

Well, the problem that I think I will be running into is the fact that I'll be moving 2200+ miles to get to the place that I'm thikning of opening a business for...I will know NOBODY! That's one of my main concerns. And as for doing the research and then low balling the heck out of people...that's what I intend to do. :-)

FOX · Posted: Tue, 18 Apr 2006 13:14:30 Post Subject:

lol thats a little different then.... start researching where youre going to and see who the competition is youre going to have to advertise crazy and right away to get word out

**Doctor Feelgood** · Posted: Tue, 18 Apr 2006 13:23:18 Post Subject:

Serious Question: Why are you just up and leaving for Montana with no means to make a living?