Computers....

**SusieJD** · 02-15-2004, 11:31 AM

I've worked on computers (repairs, upgrades, sales, training, programming etc.) for several years now out of our home. I've been working with computers since 1967. I even built my own first computer from a kit. I also took courses for computer repair and programming in 1995. I did have a good business going when we lived in MI and then when we moved to Northern MN. Since we've moved to North Central MN though, I haven't had much luck. I had new business cards printed and did a little advertising. I've passed out the business cards to various businesses in the area as well. They all seem very happy to know that there is someone in the area that can help them with their computers, but I haven't had any calls. We've been in this area for over a year now and thought that I would have some customers, even if only a few.

I don't have a full blown business out of our home, the land use permits would cost too much ($3000/to start) because we live in a National Forest.

I've offered my services for free to some Senior groups and churches. I've even worked on the computers at my church. I don't mind - I love working on them and working with the people who use them.

Any ideas? I sure could use some.

**Sara Noel** · 02-15-2004, 11:50 AM

Have you offered to teach a class at your local cooperative extension or continued education?

That might be a good thing to consider to get a little boost of the word out.

Maybe tear sheet flyers on bulletin boards too.

**SusieJD** · 02-15-2004, 12:07 PM

Thank you smnoel....I've "half-heartedly" offered to teach seniors, but really haven't gotten the ball rolling on that. I should really get that ball rolling.

The fliers are a good idea too. Think I'll work on that this afternoon.

Susie in MN

**dz_blonde_girl** · 02-15-2004, 01:12 PM

Go to http://www.buttonsforall.com/buttons...e1.html#PLEASE and make yourself a button that says, "Ask me about computer repair" or something and wear it around.

Leave business cards laying around at say Dr offices, rest rooms, public phones, wherever you go.

**SusieJD** · 02-15-2004, 01:22 PM

Thanks dz for the button site! Just came from there. Great Idea too!

Susie in MN

**Daphne** · 02-15-2004, 02:50 PM

I am also starting a business and marketing has become my life!! Have you thought about a press release to the local media? There a number of sites out there on how to write one...short and to the point. Is there a local college or tech school near your home? Maybe you could leave brochures/business cards there. We have "free" newpapers at the exit of the grocery stores here that offer afforable advertising....maybe you could check into that. Good luck to you and let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

**SusieJD** · 02-15-2004, 03:00 PM

Good ideas Daphne. I've done a little advertising in the "Tiny Town" paper. I've also left business cards in our local stores and restaraunts. I've passed them out to local service businesses etc.

I had hoped that I'd at least get a few customers a week. It takes time, I know. I'm going to really work at it this next month.

Susie in MN

**PrairieRose** · 02-15-2004, 10:55 PM

It's been our experience with advertising that even though it's a bit pricey, radio ads work much better than newspaper ads. So maybe you could work out a barter deal with a local radio station. I'm sure they have puter problems at times....

**SusieJD** · 02-16-2004, 07:30 AM

The advertising is a touchy subject, now that I think about it. As I said earlier, in order to open a full blown business from my home, I would have to pay $3000.00 for someone to inspect my property for a "Land Use Permit" because we live in a national forest. If I advertise without this premit, I would be leaving myself open to fines. When I checked into placing an ad in the local "tiny town" newspaper, they asked about a business licience. I couldn't place an ad without it. I really don't want to make the computer work into a full time business anymore. I would like to keep it as a part time thing.
If I had the money for the permit, I might want to, but I don't and won't have the money for a long, long time.

I think I'll keep doing the business card hand out and the tear off. Although I would have to claim any income on my taxes, I could file it as misc. income.

Wish that we had the money for the inspection. But even if we did, the county/government might not even approve it and I would have paid the money for nothing.

I really appreciate all the ideas though, please keep them coming. Thanks everyone!

**SusieJD** · 02-24-2004, 08:20 PM

Passing out the business cards has hit pay dirt! I've got a service call tomorrow in Tiny Town. I spoke with a few of the merchants and they said that I'll probably be pretty busy when the snow birds come back and the summer people are here. This is great to me!

Susie in MN

**keilley** · 02-24-2004, 08:37 PM

Congratulations!

Keilley

**SusieJD** · 02-24-2004, 08:40 PM

Thanks Keilley! I'm pretty happy about it. Hope it leads to more.

Susie in MN

**Daphne** · 02-25-2004, 04:52 AM

Good for you!! Keep it up! Let us know how it goes.

**SusieJD** · 03-03-2004, 01:44 PM

I read some good news in our local "Tiny Town" newspaper on Monday. The county is going to start lifting restrictions on home businesses. I'm going to go to the county court house on Friday and see if it's possible that I won't have to pay the $3000.00 they want. Cross your fingers and say a prayer, I may be back in business before too long!

Susie in MN