The Bare Minimum to start a Tech Consultancy: Part 1

I'm writing this blog in several parts. To keep you hungry, we think you can start your own tech support company for less than $500. The best part is that you don't have to do it all at once!

Let's throw the disclaimer in right now. We're discussing setting up a business in the U.S. We aren't legal experts and we aren't responsible for the decisions you make in your business.

Why are we chopping this subject into several posts? There are some things that we need to take time to study, and I don't want anyone missing reality because they're looking at bullet points.

Speaking of reality: before you dive in the pool, let's take a look at your goals.

If you start a business, how are you going to know it is successful?

What would your 6 month goal be?

First year goal?

What's the minimum acceptable income at 6 months or a year?

Do you want to have your own business?

Is this choice for personal reasons or because you are unemployed and you have to put food on the table? (this affects your attitude)

Do you think you have to be a good sales person?

Running a business will take money at first. You need to know when you need to kill the business and when to hang in a little longer. Make those goals and set those limits now and then stick to them. You don't want to be so emotionally invested that you go down with the sinking ship.

Wanting to run a business or for personal reasons ("I hate my boss" or "I could make more on my own") can be good. Those personal reasons will also set the limits though. You may not like your boss, but if you have a big mortgage, you'd better start this business on the side. If you're unemployed and you are desperate, well, you're going to be a great sales person. Just don't chip your teeth, because you might be gritting them a lot!

You need to be a sales person. You don't need to be Billy Mays, but even if you don't do this, you're going to have to sell your resume and you in an interview somewhere down the road. This is priority 1. You can do it!

That's it for now. Here's what we'll be covering over the next few posts...

Incorporation

Website/Email

Phone/Fax

Business Cards

Insurance

Advertising

Finding parts distributors/value added retailers (VARs)

"Oh crud, I can't Fix it"

and more!


As always, feel free to post here or reach us by phone or email at Acme Techworks!