As I have had a lot of time to think recently (since being laid off for the past 4 months now), I was considering posting an ad in the local newspaper and various bulletin boards for the support of home users. I figure there are people out there who would love someone to come into their home to help with the everything computer-related, from purchase to installation, and beyond (especially home-based business owners).
I recently assisted my mother-in-law with a Windows XP upgrade of her 5 year old computer (including downloading of various updates, software and memory purchases and installation) and found it very enjoyable (and very doable). I have seen a couple of ads in our local newspaper already (all posted by men) and the difference is that I’m a woman, and I think some people may feel more comfortable speaking with me (especially other women), and I have 10+ years of technical experience backing me up.
In order to cover myself, and to assess the situation, I would give everyone an initial consultation (for free), and then determine whether or not I could do the job (and refer them elsewhere if I could not). Other ads are charging $60 p/h, I figure I would charge $50 p/h. Does anyone know anything about starting up such a business, and what tools I would need to be fully prepared? As I’m just in the thinking stage, I would like to get as many opinions/suggestions as possible. Thank you.