POLL: Do you computer consult for $$$?

[whizler]

I've been doing computer consulting for 6 years, doing everything from simple training to building computers and small networks. I currently charge $35/hour, going to $40 or $45/hour after January 1. But if I had a dime for every time a family or friend called for help, I'd be a millionaire.

Just wondered how many others do independent computer consulting on the side. It's a good way to pay for your hardware addiction.

 

[office boy]

I do, but friends and family are always free. (people from church too usually).

 

[RoboTECH]

<raises hand>

me too. Even have a business license for my state.

 

[nateholtrop]

Thats what I want to do for a career...or network admin.


Nate

 

[Workin']

Yep. Official, tax-paying, licensed business. You are way too cheap. I start at $75/hr., but have lower flat rates for common basic services. I don't charge family or friends, unless it is a project for their business.

Besides paying for new hardware for myself, I get a pretty steady supply of older machines and parts that people give me because they don't want to throw them away when they get a new computer, but they don't want them around anymore, either. Then I sell them, give them away, or use them for spare parts.

 

[Hanpan]

i do consulting on the side as well but lately it seems like more free work for family etc than business but hey i don't really mind. Ditto on the free stuff. Most of it;s useless junk but hey someitme you get something good.

 

[spamboy]

How do you guys go about getting your name out and stuff? Do you list yourselves in the yellow pages? I could do that stuff no problem, and I like that it sounds like you can sort of choose your hours, but I have no idea how to get the word out, you know?

 

[whizler]

Yeah, $35/hour is too cheap (that's why I'm going to $40 or $45), but most of my clients are very good to me and I'm selective about who I'll consult for. Plus, since the price is relatively low, I get a significant amount of &quot;no-brainer&quot; work, training and what-not.

I only advertised once, in an email listserv, and got quite a few responses. But all my clients come from word-of-mouth. To start out, I'd post some flyers, advertise in the local paper, or pass out business cards.

 

[Dan]

I also do consulting, system-building, etc. on the side. As for getting the word out, referrals are the name of the game. I have a lot of satisfied customer and they keep a steady stream of new folks flowing my way.

 

[Workin']

Word of mouth and referrals is the best way to get the word out.

One thing I have found to be very helpful as a &quot;one-man shop&quot; is to focus my energies on a specific business sector. I have identified a target industry and I focus my time and effort on them almost exclusively. I go to their association meetings, pass out flyers and business cards, and develop one-on-one relationships with the key people who will buy my services. Many of them have been burned in the past by IT &quot;consultants&quot; so I really work on developing their trust in my skills. Then they gladly pay me what I am worth and also think they are getting good value for their money - which they are. I know technology and I am learning their business and helping them understand how the technology can help them. Many of my customers have referred 5 or more new customers to me - customers I didn't have to spend a single minute marketing.

Putting an ad in the paper or just shotgunning your name out there mostly gets you the &quot;bottom-feeders&quot; who will nickel-and-dime you to death or who are only looking for cheap but expect the world. It's a lot easier to get repeat customers than it is to get new ones.

You may think this sounds like overkill, but I also developed a full-fledged business plan, which helped a great deal in figuring out exactly what I wanted to accomplish. It was a pain to do, but now I don't waste my time trying to be everything to everyone, and my business is much more successful for it.

<< I like that it sounds like you can sort of choose your hours >>

Haha, that's funny. I'm available 24/7 for my clients even if it's just via e-mail, and I have a &quot;real&quot; job also. No one will use you a second time if you don't jump when they say jump. A business owner can't afford to have their only computer down until next Saturday.

 

[urbantechie]

<< How do you guys go about getting your name out and stuff? Do you list yourselves in the yellow pages? I could do that stuff no problem, and I like that it sounds like you can sort of choose your hours, but I have no idea how to get the word out, you know? >>


Get known by local computer shops and they will sometimes give you work and it goes on.

 

[spamboy]

Thanks, guys. You've been real helpful. Hope you all continue to be successful!