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GrouchyAdmin · 04-28-2008, 08:24 PM

I actually obtained my first clients by printing out brochures at about $0.01/copy on semi-decent not-white-but-not-parchment paper at Office Max, and some business cards I paid almost $80 for 1000 (two color, nice paper, imprinted) business cards from iPrint (shows how long ago I started), going door to door, wearing a nice shirt (not a t-shirt, but not Armani, either), a pair of slacks, and comfortable dress shoes.

I went to a part of town that was almost exclusively smaller businesses, many of which shared a common building (same entrance, multiple levels). I walked in, spoke with (the few that had) a secretary, asked if they required any computer support, and if so, if they were happy with their PC support. I didn't use a lot of 'nerd' terms. Most of them said 'Well, we can't understand our technician, and he's rude, but he seems to get it fixed, most of the time.'

That's where I learned one of the most important lessons: Speak English.

I actually won clients by saying "I'll only bother you with what was wrong if you want me to, otherwise I'll just fix it after you sign off on an estimate; I'll contact you if it goes over that fee. I'll be happy to tell you the technical details."

Non-technicians can sometimes feel like they're being 'talked down to' if you blather on and on about stuff they don't understand.

Also, don't feel the need to fix it all 'on site', unless it's an emergency. If it is, you may not be able to fix it, but most clients are happy to let you take their 'sick computer' when you leave. (This also ensures you get paid, if you're not sure they will reimburse payment: If they don't, they don't get it back.)

Keep a car with a semi-healthy sized trunk to carry stuff. Get a large box. Fill it with misc size HDs, a few PCI modems, a few PCI ethernet cards (including old and used ones that you know have drivers, like NE2K; they'll work under NT 4. You will find clients that still have NT 4 in production), at least one crossover cable, a hub, USB mouse & keyboard, PS/2 mouse and keyboard, and finally, at least one standard ATX 400w power supply, ATX tester (they cost about $10), and all of the standard tools (screwdrivers, backup CDs with XP, 2000, Vista driver packs, antivirus software, etc).

Good luck!

04-28-2008, 08:24 PM
GrouchyAdmin Now choke yourself! Industry Role: Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 12,085	I actually obtained my first clients by printing out brochures at about $0.01/copy on semi-decent not-white-but-not-parchment paper at Office Max, and some business cards I paid almost $80 for 1000 (two color, nice paper, imprinted) business cards from iPrint (shows how long ago I started), going door to door, wearing a nice shirt (not a t-shirt, but not Armani, either), a pair of slacks, and comfortable dress shoes. I went to a part of town that was almost exclusively smaller businesses, many of which shared a common building (same entrance, multiple levels). I walked in, spoke with (the few that had) a secretary, asked if they required any computer support, and if so, if they were happy with their PC support. I didn't use a lot of 'nerd' terms. Most of them said 'Well, we can't understand our technician, and he's rude, but he seems to get it fixed, most of the time.' That's where I learned one of the most important lessons: Speak English. I actually won clients by saying "I'll only bother you with what was wrong if you want me to, otherwise I'll just fix it after you sign off on an estimate; I'll contact you if it goes over that fee. I'll be happy to tell you the technical details." Non-technicians can sometimes feel like they're being 'talked down to' if you blather on and on about stuff they don't understand. Also, don't feel the need to fix it all 'on site', unless it's an emergency. If it is, you may not be able to fix it, but most clients are happy to let you take their 'sick computer' when you leave. (This also ensures you get paid, if you're not sure they will reimburse payment: If they don't, they don't get it back.) Keep a car with a semi-healthy sized trunk to carry stuff. Get a large box. Fill it with misc size HDs, a few PCI modems, a few PCI ethernet cards (including old and used ones that you know have drivers, like NE2K; they'll work under NT 4. You will find clients that still have NT 4 in production), at least one crossover cable, a hub, USB mouse & keyboard, PS/2 mouse and keyboard, and finally, at least one standard ATX 400w power supply, ATX tester (they cost about $10), and all of the standard tools (screwdrivers, backup CDs with XP, 2000, Vista driver packs, antivirus software, etc). Good luck! __________________ AIM: GrouchyGfy Last edited by GrouchyAdmin; 04-28-2008 at 08:25 PM..