I have started working on bringing in business in earnest this week. I spent some time canvassing for business by handing out business cards. I tend to be shy, so it was nice to receive such positive responses from the people I visited. Things have certainly changed in the computer service field since I was last in it, back in 2001. Let me share with you what has changed.
First, local computer parts shops are virtually non-existent. They have gone out of business over the years. CompUSA was the last bastion of hope; but, they threw in the towel recently. So, if you are looking for parts, the only option remaining is to order online. This has a couple implications. First, you can’t sell stuff out of inventory because it’s likely you haven’t any. Carrying inventory is an unnecessary cost for an independent computer guy. Second, your chances of turning a computer job that requires parts around in a day or two are diminished.
Another change that I see happening is that techies are increasingly becoming “practitioners”. The local community college and University are churning out hundreds of tech students every semester. Yet, the number of tech “jobs” can’t keep up, locally. This does not mean that there is not enough demand for technical services. Many companies are hiring techs from San Antonio, which is 200 miles away. So, those of us with an entrepreneurial spirit are going to have to rely on our “bedside manner” and reputation to get business.
Overall, it seems like the computer service business is going in the direction of the individual practitioner rather than the computer business. Perhaps shops will adopt the model of beauty salons where the stylists rent their workspace on a weekly basis. Perhaps the local tech industry will go in the direction of subcontracting; one business rounds up the sales and subcontracts the work. I don’t know what will ultimately result; but, I do see that the industry is favoring the independent guy.
Shaine 