Startup for a computer geek? suggestions?

**exitmenu** · 07-31-2007 05:21 PM

I am 28 and I have been trying to start a business for years. I just cannot seem decide on which route I should take.

I know lots of things about computers. I know how to repair computers, know linux, know how to make web sites other then graphics, know about servers, etc.

I used to work for a computer repair shop. That job I did not enjoy and that was mostly because customer would scream or argue about repairs. It was also a job where anyone out of high school can get.

Although I know all these things I cannot find a great job because lack of experience. For now I see my 5 years in college as a waste. I am tired of sitting around and doing work that I could be doing without a college education. If I don't do something soon I'll be stuck here for ever or I'll just get a blue collar job like woodworking.

any suggestions? Was anyone here in a similar situation? What business should I go for? Anyone have a computer business idea?

**radreality** · 07-31-2007 05:35 PM

I don't have any specific ideas, but I would suggest that you just start with a small idea and just do it. Don't try to do anything too big to start with. The key is to just get started on something and over time that something can change into bigger and better things.

______________________________
Robert Falk
Business Developer / Investor
Self Help & Success Forum

**crackah** · 07-31-2007 06:16 PM

Well if you do retail, selling pcs etc, your not going to make any money.

**jck2003** · 07-31-2007 06:24 PM

Well, I seem to have a lot of experience fixing Pcs so maybe it would be possible to set up your own pc shop doing repairs and website design etc. but obviously depends if there is a market in your area for this.

Even if you start small from home doing repairs locally etc. it could get you started and if you do a good job with them youll have your customers for many years as they know you are trustworthy etc.

**radreality** · 07-31-2007 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by crackah

Well if you do retail, selling pcs etc, your not going to make any money.

thats kind of an odd and negative statement. Did I miss something or is that really what you meant?

What about all the companies that do those things and make money. Why wouldn't this guy make money at it? Obviously there are other factors to making money, just like any business. Anything can make money if its done right. I think it's unjust to make a blanket statement like that without addressing the reasons why he might or might not make money.

______________________________
Robert Falk
Business Developer / Investor
Self Help & Success Forum

**allysa** · 08-01-2007 05:53 AM

maybe you should go for web development services, selling websites, hosting or providing Custom Web Design / template designs.

**jackace** · 08-01-2007 06:50 AM

Originally Posted by radreality

thats kind of an odd and negative statement. Did I miss something or is that really what you meant?

What about all the companies that do those things and make money. Why wouldn't this guy make money at it? Obviously there are other factors to making money, just like any business. Anything can make money if its done right. I think it's unjust to make a blanket statement like that without addressing the reasons why he might or might not make money.

It's been proven that selling computer parts is a very hard business to break into anymore. If you are not already established it's pretty hard to compete. I think that's what he meant by not making any money at it.

**crackah** · 08-01-2007 07:00 AM

Originally Posted by jackace

It's been proven that selling computer parts is a very hard business to break into anymore. If you are not already established it's pretty hard to compete. I think that's what he meant by not making any money at it.

Exactly.

Do the service business, more money to be made.

Selling computers and parts, would probably make you $1-5 per part sold, not worth it imo

**roadtoharvard** · 08-01-2007 07:07 AM

This is more of a personal problem (mainly motivational) then a business one. You seem to be on the verge of giving up and you're only 28. Try these three things and see if they make you feel better.

a) Go to a children's hospital and ask to speak with some of their cancer patients. Ask them about their lives and see what their dreams and aspirations are.
b) Go to a soup kitchen for the needy and speak to them about their lives.
c) Go to a retirement home and speak to the people there about their lives and the advice that they would give to a person in your situation.

That should clear up most of the problem. I'd suggest counseling if you continue to feel the same way.

**pbradish** · 08-01-2007 07:41 AM

With your background I would look into establishing your own computer repair service.

**colinmcmahon** · 08-10-2007 04:02 AM

Start up a gaming centre man.
We're franchising, we also have in house financing.
If you want just send me a message and we can chat.

**syia** · 08-10-2007 06:06 AM

repairing computers is a money machine business right now in my country. I don't know how much is the formatting cost in other countries but in mine, $15.. a shop here near my university I think making around $300-400 per day just doing formatting.. try find a suitable place to set up your business.. place that is easy for customers to come

**silversurfer** · 08-10-2007 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by exitmenu

I am 28 and I have been trying to start a business for years. I just cannot seem decide on which route I should take.

I know lots of things about computers. I know how to repair computers, know linux, know how to make web sites other then graphics, know about servers, etc.

I used to work for a computer repair shop. That job I did not enjoy and that was mostly because customer would scream or argue about repairs. It was also a job where anyone out of high school can get.

Although I know all these things I cannot find a great job because lack of experience. For now I see my 5 years in college as a waste. I am tired of sitting around and doing work that I could be doing without a college education. If I don't do something soon I'll be stuck here for ever or I'll just get a blue collar job like woodworking.

any suggestions? Was anyone here in a similar situation? What business should I go for? Anyone have a computer business idea?

My suggestion is that you need to apply for 150 jobs in the computer industry.

This post will perhaps get me kicked off this board because people will realize I'm not a "young" entrepreneur.

In 1996 I had created three websites and wanted to work in websites full time and ditch my database job. My job title was lousy, no one respected it and my boss was powerless to change it (corporate thing). I sent out applications to jobs to design and create and program websites. I sent out 143 job applications and resumes. I had 7 interviews. This took 9 months. At the end I had a job title (webmaster) that I wanted, a $10k raise, and a $1k signing bonus. By 1998 I doubled my salary. By 2001 I quadrupled my original salary.

If you applied to 143 jobs and didn't get any of them then I say you need to think about your interviewing skills. If you haven't applied to 143 jobs then STFU until you actually try to change your life. If you're just complaining, I won't listen to you.

Where I live there is massive need for help desk employees- people who know different OS's and can apply that knowledge. I know people making as high as $75k doing specialized help desk work with no college, but more average was about $35k.

Now, I totally disagree with many of the ideas here. You know how to make websites, right? Then make them. Make them for your church, for your hobbies, for your favorite TV shows. Make them as advanced as possible and use all your knowledge to do that. Create a Web 2.0 company that hasn't been done before. Make money on online advertising.

I don't think repairing computers or selling parts is financially feasible except parts on ebay. My computer is on warranty and I would use the company's approved repair service first. I don't think the people suggesting it do help desk work or know the help desk business like I do. Now, purchasing a Geek Squad franchise- sure, that's different. Do people realize that selling computer parts competes with China? I bought some needed cables for $1 each on ebay, plus $4 shipping that were on sale at Radioshack for $12.

What I don't see is that you've done any of your part to make your life and career happen. You just haven't communicated that to us. I had to tell a friend recently about the 143 job applications and she looked sheepish and admitted she applied for 8 jobs and felt rejected. 8! HA! 8 rejections is nothing! I was rejected 142 times and survived!

SS

**Aletheides** · 08-10-2007 04:18 PM

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Michael Dell, founder of Dell started buy building computers for friends in college.

be creative