Linux Projects

It is important to identify your clients. These are usually home users or small businesses. Small businesses make great clients, I have found. I prefer to target small businesses with 10 or less PCs (some clients have more than 20 PCs, which includes the server).

Although I have some home users clients, my main business is with small businesses. Clients who are small businesses know they require specialized services for their business, and will pay a fair amount. Home users may not see it this way. Many home users are used to having their neighbor’s kid help them with their computers for free or at a significant discount. While this is great, small business clients need someone who can better understand the technology requirements of small businesses, such as networking, servers and printers, file sharing, security, and so on.

You can have a small business client as a realtor (working from your home or office), an appraiser Company, a lawyer or small legal firm, manufacturing facility or hospital, or a small doctor’s practice. Any business owner is a potential client. The size of your client will depend on how well you know the technology needed to run the business. Small businesses may not need a server. A few laptops, a printer and a DSL connection are all that they require. Others work remotely and have multiple printers and an email server.

You might not be a good fit for a client if you don’t know the technology used in their office. Once you’re familiar with the technology, you can determine how much attention and time a client will require. A meeting with the client is a good way to determine this. Ask them about their needs and expectations. To get an idea of the service they expect, ask them questions.

I have seen IT/computer techs get in over their heads. It is important to know what you are capable of handling. You should let potential clients know if you find a client who uses a Linux server. It is much more expensive to damage someone’s server than just turning down a client. Visit Computer Repairs Boondall offers nothing but the best desktop computer repairs in the whole area of Boondall and nearby Brisbane suburbs.

Take some time to think about who your ideal client might be.

1) What profession does he or she work in? It matters if it is.

2) How many computers are you able to handle per client? They will require more attention if they have more computers. You will most likely be able to take care of their dedicated server.

2) Define your service area. How far will you travel? Are you willing to travel further if you are offered a job? If so, is there an additional travel cost?

4) Many people will pay less than you are charging. Who is the appropriate rate?

I have many clients. I am not an expert in any particular area. I consider myself more an “all-rounder”. The podiatrist, who is a doctor who treats feet, is different to the family doctor.

But, it is possible to specialize. My friend has an IT company that specializes in doctor’s offices. This is evident in everything from their logo to the name. They are able to identify their target client. They also know the technology used in doctors’ offices.

Others work only for law firms. Many of them have software and systems that only lawyers use.

My rates (or what I charge per hour) are not reduced. My rates are fixed. Clients who claim that I am too expensive or more than the last computer guy are not my clients. Clients who pay my rate are always happy to do so. My rate will not be decreased. This decision is based on my experience in the field and the money and time I can save clients.

Before you start looking for clients, this is crucial. Flexibility is key. Part-time workers should consider when clients are most convenient for you. Weekends and evenings only Your skill set.

If a potential client isn’t right for you, don’t be afraid of rejecting them.