Computer services are the next wave of small business. From technical support to IT security, the computer services industry is loaded with possibilities and exciting new trends. Many people on the fast track are looking to start up their own one or two person computer services business rather than go through the steps that lead to the higher paying computer services jobs.

Is it possible to step out into the world as your own computer technician, security expert, or helpdesk specialist? Yes, it is. It is a bit risky, but for those who weather the risk well, the pay off is definitely worth it.

Stepping out on your own should be a process, unless you have the capital on hand to build up clientele and survive for about a year without much work. It takes time to get a good business going, and without a lot of capital, it can take even longer. Your marketing and sales techniques are going to determine how well you do, as will your skill set, your demographic region, and your ability to perform various functions (or learn them) in a reasonable time frame.

Not enough new business owners pay enough attention to the geographic demographics before trying to launch a new small computer services business. However, there are some areas of the United States that the demand for these services is very low if not non-existent. Then there are places that are so oversaturated that the likelihood of stepping in front of the big guy is relatively slim. The Lancaster-Reading area of Pennsylvania for example, is nearly devoid of computer technology and services openings and demand. Security specialists from this area have been forced to move at least as far as Philadelphia if not farther. Norfolk, Virginia is oversaturated with technology, as well as a high number of computer specialists coming out of the Armed Forces with a pre-existing security clearance. Again, a tough thing to step in front of when building a business.

Alternatively, places like Columbus, Ohio are just now starting to bloom into the advanced technological age, requiring specialists in all sorts of arenas. Just a little side note, security experts find numerous roadblocks unless they are dealing with governmental facilities. A vast majority of the companies that should have heightened security don’t put the money into it until after an incident has occurred.

Placing your plaque out into the business world is a developing process. Anyone with the appropriate education, skill set, and determination can build up a nice computer services company for themselves, they just can’t expect overnight success. These things take a lot of market research and a lot of sheer determination. This is why that great many are more successful when they take a few years to build up their computer services business on the side and then leap in with both feet after they have established a clientele.

-Zachary M. Morvik