Become A Computer Technician: Starting Out On Your Own

So maybe you chose to start things out on our own when we decided to become a computer technician. You’re not alone. Many techs are self-starters. Sure enough, some may swear that the best option is to work for a large computer tech firm and gain experience and knowledge from there.

Others just dive headfirst into the whole computer tech startup because they already have previous business experience in other trades, including business ownership and management.

However, regardless of your background, if you’re just now starting out on your own, here are 6 steps to help you become a successful computer technician.

1. The Numbers Matter: Calculate Everything!

Sit down and calculate everything. Factor in any managed services you plan to offer or use yourself, from internet service for your business to web-hosting plans for your technician website. If you don’t skip this vital step, you’ll have a much higher success rate. Yes, it takes time and research, but the groundwork is imperative.

2. You Can’t Become A Computer Technician Without The Right Tools

In the computer technician trade, tools will range from PSU testers to Ethernet cable tools, from USB drive tool kits to operating system discs and repair/recovery disks. Get a head start by downloading and creating disks for the operating systems you plan to work with. That is if you don’t already have them.

One of the best technician tools is a USB drive. You might find it useful to keep a folder of common network card drivers, some registry cleaners, malware scanners, and anti-virus tools on your USB toolkit. A separate USB drive could be used as bootable Windows installation media. Don’t forget to keep some networking tools in your toolkit as well, such as wi-fi network troubleshooting tools. Take the time to update your tools as well.

3. Where Everybody Knows Your (Business) Name

Will you be going into business under your own name or a variant of it? For instance, will you be doing business as Smith’s Computer Services, or have you already come up with a catchy DBA for your services? There are arguments for and against using your own name in your business name, and there are pros and cons for both.

Using your own name for your business is a good option if you are fairly well known in the community. You’ve put your name on your business and it’s a reflection of your own reputation, and many respect that and might be drawn to your services because of your name’s reputation. On the other hand, some view using their own name in their business name as less than professional, or perhaps they feel their name is boring or doesn’t give their business name a nice ring.

There is much to be said for both sides. However, if you plan to use a DBA, make sure you fulfill the local requirements, such as filing a DBA with your local county clerk or other authority. It might only be $14, depending on the situation. But it is something you need to make sure you get done if you plan to use a DBA.

4. It’s the Law! Comply With Legal Regulations in Your Area

I mentioned filing a DBA as one of the requirements, but there are other legal requirements in many areas. Do you need to register your business on a regional level? For instance, in the U.S., you may be required to collect Sales and Use Taxes on your services. And to then report it quarterly to the state you live in. I won’t list all the potential requirements as each region is completely different. However, you should be able to easily locate government resources on every level to help you locate requirements you need to fill to comply with regulations.

5. Get Your Finances in Check If You Want To Become A Successful Computer Technician

How do you plan to keep your books? In times past, simple spreadsheets using Excel or similar programs were an easy method. But now there are many finance software applications that make it a lot easier.

If you need simple billing software and records management, you might check out Freshbooks. The free version limits you to using 3 clients, which isn’t much. But the trial version will give you a taste of what is offered. And it’s a good trial ground if you’re still working out what your needs may be.

If you need something more comprehensive, check out the reviews on finance software. There are always new options arriving on the scene. I can’t confidently recommend one over the other because everyone I’ve tried has given me problems in one or more areas. However, I do suggest reading up the reviews to see what would work best for you. Every situation is different. What works for you may become a headache for someone else, even in the computer technician industry.

6. Let the World Know that you Have Become A Computer Technician

Hopefully, by now you’ve already ordered your business cards and possibly started some form of advertising. There are multiple places to advertise online, both free and paid options. Such as Google Adwords, which many have had great success with. Print up some flyers and meet one on one with business owners and managers.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out Technibble’s Marketing Membership to help you with every aspect of marketing your computer technician business.

Pass the word around about your new business. Call old acquaintances, friends, relatives, and just drop the word about the services you offer, without being awkward about it. It may be a bit slow at first but it will catch up.

If you haven’t created your website yet and you aren’t a web developer, you might want to check out Tech Site Builder. It’s an easy way to get a great technician website up and running in a few hours. Don’t put off starting your website until you have some business. The majority of internet users find services they need online. And so that’s where you need to be to capture that potential business. Start a blog as well, search engines love them. Be sure to keep your web presence looking professional, up to date, and uncomplicated for your users.

The most important step of all is the first step, counting the cost and calculating everything. From there, everything else will fall into place. If you have some tips on starting up that you consider helpful, drop a comment below.