Leap of Faith...

[NeoMatrix]

I've finally decided to take a leap-of-faith on go out on my own working for myself as an independant/freelance.
I'm going to advertise in the coming months to see what customer base is in the local area.
I'm only interested with the service and repair side of the business first up.
If business expands I might branch into sales an/or a salesmen at a later stage.

I will be working on any brand of business machine that needs repairs, which leaves me feeling a bit like a fish out of water already. I probably won't have manuals, firmware or steady parts supplier for all Brand-X model machines.
In saying that, I may have to call on the experience of the CTN forum from time to time to help solve any problem machine faults. Though I wouldn't like to be seen as a repetitive an anouying pain to any one else either.

In any case (heeeve deeeeep breath) wish me luck. I feel I'm going to need it for a little while.......

Lookout Paul! ,all those CTN advertisement might have worked. I'm going to need a manual or twenty....

Feeling a tad daunted........

[ZOOTECH]

Re: Leap of Faith...

I'm wishing you the best of luck with this big leap of faith. I know CTN and Paul will take care of you.

[Tonerbomb]

Re: Leap of Faith...

Best of Luck to you NEO!!!!!!!!!!!!! CTN has your back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll do what I can to help you also, TB.

[KenB]

Re: Leap of Faith...

Good luck and stay in touch!

[Iowatech]

Re: Leap of Faith...

Good luck!
And always remember, as a fellow tech at the mothership said recently, "a blank sheet goes in one side and a printed sheet comes out the other". Chances are that you've worked on this type of equipment long enough that you have a really good idea what should happen between those two events.

[slimslob]

Re: Leap of Faith...

Good luck in your new venture. You've made enough friends here that you should have no problem getting help.

[blackcat4866]

Re: Leap of Faith...

Good luck, Neo. Ask when you need help. =^..^=

[NeoMatrix]

Re: Leap of Faith...

Sorry fellas I should have replied sooner , I have been busy...

I thanks every one for the encouragement. I hope to see how well things go to plan in a month or so.
If the service area proves to be slow, then I may look at my previous work related options.

I will stay in the CTN loop for sure...

[rthonpm]

Re: Leap of Faith...

Best of luck to you! I took that route a few years ago, and there's plenty of support available here. I've tried to not stretch myself too far and I've stayed with a limited number of manufacturers but I've been able to develop a few good customers. If you haven't already, be sure to set up an LLC, or your local equivalent, which will give you a little more protection and also give you the opportunity to look at dealer/resale rates from a lot of the parts stores. Keep your overhead as low as possible, and try to show your customers the full range of your talents. The main thrust of my business is IT, but the copier/printer service side has been a good way to get a foot into the door and to work relationships with onsite IT admins, and to even be a partial resource for them to rely on.

[KapeKopyTek]

Re: Leap of Faith...

I've finally decided to take a leap-of-faith on go out on my own working for myself as an independant/freelance.
I'm going to advertise in the coming months to see what customer base is in the local area.
I'm only interested with the service and repair side of the business first up.
If business expands I might branch into sales an/or a salesmen at a later stage.

I will be working on any brand of business machine that needs repairs, which leaves me feeling a bit like a fish out of water already. I probably won't have manuals, firmware or steady parts supplier for all Brand-X model machines.
In saying that, I may have to call on the experience of the CTN forum from time to time to help solve any problem machine faults. Though I wouldn't like to be seen as a repetitive an anouying pain to any one else either.

In any case (heeeve deeeeep breath) wish me luck. I feel I'm going to need it for a little while.......

Lookout Paul! ,all those CTN advertisement might have worked. I'm going to need a manual or twenty....

Feeling a tad daunted........

Best of luck, Neo!

[NeoMatrix]

Re: Leap of Faith...

Best of luck to you! I took that route a few years ago, and there's plenty of support available here. I've tried to not stretch myself too far and I've stayed with a limited number of manufacturers but I've been able to develop a few good customers. If you haven't already, be sure to set up an LLC, or your local equivalent, which will give you a little more protection and also give you the opportunity to look at dealer/resale rates from a lot of the parts stores. Keep your overhead as low as possible, and try to show your customers the full range of your talents. The main thrust of my business is IT, but the copier/printer service side has been a good way to get a foot into the door and to work relationships with onsite IT admins, and to even be a partial resource for them to rely on.

Re Best Business model. I'm not sure what you mean by LLC?
I've been concern with the best business model and how to start off with the office paperwork.
I'm interest in service contracts and any legal obligations in writing.
What is the best insurance model,an if I should require legal service at this early stage ?.

I have a small customer base that may like my individual services. I was aware that some of them were not happy that I moved to another location as I left them behind with the Joe Average service Techs. I would like to catch up with these customers and make amends.

[DWise]

Re: Leap of Faith...

Re Best Business model. I'm not sure what you mean by LLC?

LLC means Limited Liability Company...

Limited liability company - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[NeoMatrix]

Re: Leap of Faith...

As dumb as it sounds I'm having problem coming up with a business/trading name, its require for gov forms etc....

I guess a name like :
G.reat
I.ndividual
R.epair
A.nd
F.ault
F.inding
E.xpertise

I figure I'll be sticking my neck out for a lot of people, so name like Giraffe Business Tech
would be some what fitting for me personally. Only problem with that : there is no Giraffes in Oz...
People might think I'm from Sth Africa or something like that...

[blackcat4866]

Re: Leap of Faith...

..., so name like Giraffe Business Tech
would be some what fitting for me personally. Only problem with that : there is no Giraffes in Oz...
People might think I'm from Sth Africa or something like that...

I like it! And here's a simple very recognizable logo:


Giraffe1.jpg

=^..^=

[NeoMatrix]

Re: Leap of Faith...

Haha..
Re Giraffe Business Name ... I was only kidding BC ...
The thought had cross my mind though....


I believe most of the Techs on CTN would make the Giraffe status....