If you can offer support in the areas of viruses, software issues, spyware concerns, hard drives, etc. then opening up a computer support business from home may be right for you. Your support business can bring some much needed help to other home or even businesses computer users.  

What skills are helpful?

Your local community college probably offers a set of courses that will train you in all of the different areas of knowledge that you’re going to need. If you want to provide services under warrantee, you’ll need to take and pass a proficiency course with the individual computer makers.  

What tools are needed?

A simple computer toolkit is going to include some screwdrivers of varying small sizes, compressed air and cleaning cloths. As most computer owners are afraid to open up their systems for simple cleaning and maintenance, you’ll be cleaning as you go.

How do you get started?

You need a website. Set up contact information, hours of operation, what your support service offers, what your rates are and make your possible clients feel at home when they visit your website. Let them know that you are an expert in your area and show them that by hiring you they are going to get the service and support that they need.

Insurance is another tool that is needed. Insurance will not only make the customer feel safe knowing that if something goes wrong it will be covered but it will also cover you in the unfortunate event that something does go wrong!

Flyers are a great way to spread the word about your new business. They can be hung up at your local grocery stores, bulletin boards at the library, and businesses in your area.

There is a big demand for computer support and you can even offer tutoring for people who want to use the internet but don’t have any experience.  A large percentage of these clients may be elderly people who haven’t been exposed to the internet as often as the younger generation. 
By offering a wide variety of computer support services, you can ensure more regular work. 

Building a business still takes time and perseverance but with a little desire and hard work it can certainly be done.

 Resources:
The Art of Software Support

In today’s society families are so busy with running kids to soccer; dance, piano, and everything else that comes up that the need for cleaning services are becoming more and more in demand. A cleaning business can be basic where you have one or two houses you clean for a profit or grow larger where you have several maids or cleaners working for you and you concentrate on marketing the business. 

You can also do residential or commercial cleaning or even both.

What skills are helpful?

Cleaning skills of course! Although it might not take much to please most, after all a clean house is a clean house, remember that there will be those customers that are picky and it will take a lot more to please them. Go that extra mile to satisfy them, show them that you are skilled in pleasing your customers.

What tools are needed?

The main tools for a cleaning business are obviously going to be your cleaning supplies, toilet cleaner, floor cleaner, bathroom cleaner, kitchen cleaner, etc. Some customers may ask that you use their products but a general rule of thumb will be to bring your own supplies except for heavier items such as vacuum cleaners. 

How do you get started?

Owning a business where you go into people’s houses it is highly recommended that you purchase liability insurance before you get started. Check with your car insurance provider and see what types of liability insurance is available; most insurance companies give a discount for more than one policy in your name. Having liability insurance will help you attract customers and will cover you if something were to happen while in a customer’s home.

You should also research other small cleaning businesses in your area to see what rates they are charging for their services. I know you are eager to start your business and want to grab some clients fast, but don’t make the mistake of undercharging for your services just to get those first few clients. Cleaning is hard, strenuous work so make sure your clients are paying what your worth!

With determination and the desire to run your own business you can make it work. Just know that becoming successful doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time to build a good business. If you have the determination and will to become successful it will happen.
Resources:
Start Your Own Cleaning Service (Start Your Own A)