Computer Technician: Targeting small businesses?

I’ve started bringing in extra income as a freelance computer technician. I do everything from software, hardware, solding power jacks on laptops, and macbooks. After about 50+ customers I haven’t ran into anything I couldn’t resolve unless it was too expensive to be worthwhile for them. But I am also trying to find more sustainable techniques for keeping a flow of customers coming in. Some weeks I get a lot, and others it’s just way too slow. I’ve read that small businesses are a much better source of revenue because they need frequent help.

Other than repairing POS machines for a restaurant, I really have no experience with this.

My main concern is if I already have the skill set needed, and what services do they look for in a computer technician – how do I market to them?

Recently I also signed up with about 7 meetup groups in my local area that involve local small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.

I’ve read so many posts from people saying, “Oh I tried the computer repair biz a few years ago and couldn’t get enough to make it stick.”

Which is unfortunate as I really enjoy this work and on some days I can get as much as $200 for two hours, reinstalling the Operating systems on 4 computers at once. My plan as of now… Put up 500 water proof flyers. If there is a success rate of %1 or higher, then next week I will put up 2,000, then 5,000 after that – hiring teenagers with GPS if I have too. Also have 2,500 door flyers ordered with a guy who does that.

I’m steering clear of yellow pages because they have lost so much of their customer base lately… and online advertising (though I might look into it later) because I mean… what is my add going to say,

“Got A Virus That Is Blocking You From Getting Online…. Then Click On My Website Now!”

Isn’t it ironic that the Windows Troubleshooting Program always makes two suggestions, the first
is “Print These Directions Then Restart Your Computer” and the second “Go Online For More Information” …. When it’s the printer and internet that usually have problems the most frequently?

I’m a hobbyist who sold a few items. Do I need to report this on my taxes?

Last year I joined a craft/handmade internet market (i.e. Etsy) where I sold a few items for $350. I did not make a profit because I make craft items for a hobby and the money was not a main source of income. To avoid any tax pitfalls, penalties, and audits, I would like to know if I need to do anything special on my 2009 taxes. I just recently decided to try to start a small business and filed for my DBA. I’m looking into getting the required business licenses and permits, but all of this would effect 2010 taxes. I’m just looking for information regarding 2009 taxes.
I’m a stay at home mom.

Problems/Dangers of an internet start up? ?

My buddy and I are in sales, and for the last 5 years he has had this internet start up dream. He is one of the best guys on the floor and we have become since become good acquaintances.

After some research his internet startup seems like a really, really good idea, its something that would exists in small niche market and yet have expand into the mainstream rather easily. and to be honest he has almost completely sold me on his site.

The problem is he loses huge chunks of his paycheck to child support/supporting his daughters mom and her family, leaving him with little extra money to put towards a business. This where my large chunk of disposable income would come into play.

So we have an great idea, and the money to fund it… what could possible go wrong?

1. We dont know anything about building a site
2. we can both sell, and we dont really have any friends with power/money
3. web sites are a dime a dozen, it would take a lot of word of mouth to get going…

Any suggestions to why this shouldnt be started (for my financial sake) please let me know.

Considering there isn’t a Sexuality section?

Because people often keep posting non-LGBT sex-related questions in this section (BDSM, prostitution, pedophilia, etc etc etc), I figured I’d make a list of categories that their questions should belong in instead. What do y’all think?

————————————————————————————————–
Arts & Humanities – Performing Arts – Other – Arts & Humanities

Business & Finance – Careers & Employment – Health Care

B&F-C&E – Law & Legal
B&F-C&E – Marketing & Sales
B&F-C&E- Other – Careers & Employment

B&F – Small Business
B&F – Other – Business & Finance

Computers & Internet – Internet – Other – Internet

Consumer Electronics – Games & Gear – Other – Games & Gear

Education & Reference – Other – Education

Entertainment & Music – Polls & Surveys

E&M – Other – Entertainment

Family & Relationships – any of the subcategories

Food & Drink – Beer, Wine & Spirits

Games & Recreation – Hobbies & Crafts

G&R – Toys
G&R – Other – Games & Rec
reation

Health – Diseases & Conditions – STDs

H – Men’s Health
H – Mental Health
H – Women’s Health

Local Businesses – any of the subcategories

Pets – I don’t even want to think about which subcategories…

Pregnancy & Parenting – Adolescent
P&P – Trying to Conceive
P&P – Other – Pregnancy & Parenting

Science & Mathematics – Biology

Social Science – Gender & Women’s Studies

S&S – Psychology
S&S – Other – Social Science

Society & Culture – Religion & Spirituality

S&C – Other – Society & Culture

Sports – Outdoor Recreation – Other – Outdoor Recreation

S – Water Sports
S – Other – Sports
————————————————————

Did I leave out any important categories?
@Gwennie: lots of things don’t fit neatly into one category. For example, a question about finding out your son is gay, could go in LGBT, parenting, adolescents, etc. Likewise, BDSM could fit in a few different categories. But if it’s straight BDSM, it does NOT fit into LGBT. Right?

28 year old looking to start a new career in Business field, where to begin?

I am looking to make a career change and not really sure where to start and what type of job to go after. I have a BA in Business Admin and a Minor in Economics. I have been working for the same small company since graduating high school and was in charge of managing production, web development and online marketing/communications. Company is in manufacturing and has been struggling the past couple of years with the economy and there is not much left to the business anymore. I have been scouring the internet job boards but can’t seem to get anywhere. I have gotten plenty of responses to become an insurance agent, but this is not really something that interests me since it is all either commission based or they want you to set up a new office. I have a lot of experience in many different areas of business but have become stuck on where to go next. Any help, ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated.