I started in late 2005 fixing computers mostly for fun. For the first year I did not have a business license, I did not have a shop. I did not have many tools or even much knowledge as far as how to run a successfull business. All I had was my old gas guzzling 1989 chevy camaro, a few clients that were mostly my friends and family and the knowledge that if you treat a person right they will tell others and your business will grow. This was a motto that I kept with me throughout my time owning the business, and ultimately it paid off in the end.
I started with alot of onsite servies to customers homes, friends, family, etc... Honestly the majority of it was simply teaching older ladies how to use their computer. I did alot of training services for email with outlook and outlook express, and tuneups to make the computers quicker. The customers really appreciated a person that could speak to them on "their level" and not be too technical and talk quick. I didn't worry too much about an hourly rate at that time. I took my time with them and explained everything slowly and in detail.... even wrote down notes for them so they would remember how to do something later. Some appointments I remember charging $20 and was there for a couple hours or more (at their house!). I would never work that cheap now, especially with gas as expensive as it is! Lesson #1 - Treating your customers with respect and kindness goes a long way, and patience is a big factor in this business.
As time moved on, I began to get phone calls from new people that were referred by the customers that I had been working with. I was excited with the extra income and was maybe going to be able to afford to fix my ragged out camaro!
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