Does anyone do networking on the side?

[dirkdaring]

Some coworkers and I have been thinking about doing networking projects on the side. We have a wide range of expertise, from getting the cable to running it to setting up a LAN to small servers to firewalls to internet etc. We want to do some weekend projects for small (very small) businesses on getting them up and running for uber cheap. We want to provide something like this:

Order an all Compaq (or Dell) and Microsoft solution, same computers. Run the cables (or wireless), setup a server. Setup net connection and firewall. (Business DSL is readily available here) Install email server and whatnot if needed. Once that is done, we would switch the company over to a local help desk business to provide the support.

We're not looking to make a lot of money, we're honeslty more interested right now in the experience. Anyone do anything like this on the side?

Dirk

 

[Dyngoe]

I did this over my summer breaks in college. Most of my work was simply installing @home cable networks for rich families. Businesses are not quick to let some new company setup their network. If you want experience, offer your services to a company. I know it sounds nice to be self-employed and doing what we all love, but the reality is that it's very hard to do. If you are serious about this, here's my suggestion:
1. Make up some nice business cards and give yourself a decent title. Not too audacious like "Senior Network Administrator", but maybe "Network Assessment" or "Network Technician"
2. Dress to Impress!!! Nothing wins clients quite so easily.
3. Approach businesses and assess if they have a network, and if it is working as they would like it. If you get a "no" to either of these questions, offer to do a free analysis. Sit down with the client and ask them about their needs. Remember that referral business is the easiest kind of business, so do what the client wants and make it good.
4. Inform the client that your company is "New to the area" and that you would like to get your name out. Offer to do a special deal for the client, this makes them feel good, but don't sell it like a used car salesman.
5. Double check Pricew@tch and and Techbarg@ins for deals that may benifit you and the client.
6. Most importantly, be honet with the client. Many people are afraid of computers. If you take advantage of the client, you will recieve nothing from hime. However, if you are honest and inform them on all aspects of what's going on, then you may win their trust and that is very useful when going to your next job.

Those are my ideas. Best of luck. BTW if you need another partner, PM me and I'd be glad to help.
As Alwyas,
D

 

[Maetryx]

Maetryx here,

Great reply, Dyngoe. I went ahead and rated you. And if dirkdaring was wondering if this was good advice, allow me to second Dyngoe's great post.

--Maetryx