Matt Crossley
Member
No, really. Where do I begin? I've been spending a lot of time researching prices/services from local service providers in my area, and feel comfortable in that I can meet their prices, and could possibly perform the same services for cheaper (home office, no employees starting out, etc.). But I feel as though I am hitting an entrepreneurial brick wall (effectively, writers block for the start-up mind). So here is where I am at so far:
What I WANT to do:
1. Provide computer solutions for individuals and small businesses (50 employees or less).
A. Troubleshooting computer issues of all types (way to many to list here)
B. Assist with database design and implementation
C. Home network setup and repair
D. General consulting (basically individuals and small business saying they want to do things a certain way, and having me review their plan and offer feedback)
2. Excellent customer service
A. I have called a few computer repair/consulting companies here in my local area, just to gauge service level and what not. It was less than stellar. Here are some of my notes from that experience:
- No follow up
- EXPENSIVE
- The tech never really explained anything to me so that I had a general idea of what caused my "problem"
- I was treated as someone who was supposed to be handing over money at the end of the assignment basically (and this was from a few small businesses in the area)
3. Cloud data storage
A. This is a general idea right now in its infancy. It'll start to take shape as I begin to press further into the consulting field and can sell it as a service as well (I already have a home server/personal cloud built with open source programs, so it wouldn't be a stretch to expand this).
4. Grow slowly/move slowly
A. I want this to grow over time and be an experience, versus a rushed attempt to get my first business off the ground.
Here is where I am at as far as attempting this:
1. Website design. I am no expert, but can manage this myself. The issue I keep running across is what does it need to have/look like? I have the basics in the site already (submit a help ticket, ask me anything section, services guide and contact information).
2. Business plan. This is coming along slowly, as I've never written one before. Trying to figure out the risk/reward from this process has been very benficial, as I now realize that this is a "low risk"/"low reward" with potential to move to a "medium reward" if it gains a bit of traction.
3. Networking. I am struggling here. Badly. While calling these smaller businesses that I had come to my house to perform a service, I struggled to get on the owners good side despite many attempts (phone calls, visits to their office, etc.) I most certainly need to improve on this and any advice you can give would be appreciated. I know that I need to be persistant, but maybe I just don't know the right questions to ask.
4. Advertising. So I am not only working on the website, but I plan to branch into the social media realm as well I have many connections via this route that already exist on my personal social media accounts so it could be a good tool to market my business. But what else can I do? Business cards, flyers, cold calling, etc I am sure. See below why some of those may be a problem for me.
5. Working capital. So the kicker is, I need to make all of this happen with zero starting capital. I've heard from several of my entrepreneur friends that it just can't happen without capital in the beginning, but I think it is possible. So there is another question, is it? I have the equipment I need already, so that wouldn't need to happen.
This was a lot, and I know I am forgetting stuff at this point, but this is where I am for now. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can maybe refine my services a bit more based on the info I listed above? I have 10+ years of experience working on computers, so I would consider myself more of a generalist in the field with a high level of experience. I just need to get over this hump and keep moving, but the more work I put it, the more it feels like this will never return the investment I am willing to put into it. I look forward to everyone's responses so that I can grow from this!
What I WANT to do:
1. Provide computer solutions for individuals and small businesses (50 employees or less).
A. Troubleshooting computer issues of all types (way to many to list here)
B. Assist with database design and implementation
C. Home network setup and repair
D. General consulting (basically individuals and small business saying they want to do things a certain way, and having me review their plan and offer feedback)
2. Excellent customer service
A. I have called a few computer repair/consulting companies here in my local area, just to gauge service level and what not. It was less than stellar. Here are some of my notes from that experience:
- No follow up
- EXPENSIVE
- The tech never really explained anything to me so that I had a general idea of what caused my "problem"
- I was treated as someone who was supposed to be handing over money at the end of the assignment basically (and this was from a few small businesses in the area)
3. Cloud data storage
A. This is a general idea right now in its infancy. It'll start to take shape as I begin to press further into the consulting field and can sell it as a service as well (I already have a home server/personal cloud built with open source programs, so it wouldn't be a stretch to expand this).
4. Grow slowly/move slowly
A. I want this to grow over time and be an experience, versus a rushed attempt to get my first business off the ground.
Here is where I am at as far as attempting this:
1. Website design. I am no expert, but can manage this myself. The issue I keep running across is what does it need to have/look like? I have the basics in the site already (submit a help ticket, ask me anything section, services guide and contact information).
2. Business plan. This is coming along slowly, as I've never written one before. Trying to figure out the risk/reward from this process has been very benficial, as I now realize that this is a "low risk"/"low reward" with potential to move to a "medium reward" if it gains a bit of traction.
3. Networking. I am struggling here. Badly. While calling these smaller businesses that I had come to my house to perform a service, I struggled to get on the owners good side despite many attempts (phone calls, visits to their office, etc.) I most certainly need to improve on this and any advice you can give would be appreciated. I know that I need to be persistant, but maybe I just don't know the right questions to ask.
4. Advertising. So I am not only working on the website, but I plan to branch into the social media realm as well I have many connections via this route that already exist on my personal social media accounts so it could be a good tool to market my business. But what else can I do? Business cards, flyers, cold calling, etc I am sure. See below why some of those may be a problem for me.
5. Working capital. So the kicker is, I need to make all of this happen with zero starting capital. I've heard from several of my entrepreneur friends that it just can't happen without capital in the beginning, but I think it is possible. So there is another question, is it? I have the equipment I need already, so that wouldn't need to happen.
This was a lot, and I know I am forgetting stuff at this point, but this is where I am for now. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can maybe refine my services a bit more based on the info I listed above? I have 10+ years of experience working on computers, so I would consider myself more of a generalist in the field with a high level of experience. I just need to get over this hump and keep moving, but the more work I put it, the more it feels like this will never return the investment I am willing to put into it. I look forward to everyone's responses so that I can grow from this!
