Startup IT support.

[MOTOM]

Hi Everyone.

I'm currently working for the IT derpartment of a very large company as Systems Admin but I'm trying to startup an IT Support company of my own.I'm currently trying to gather all the info I believe is needed to bring life to such. With that, I need help from all of you as I have a lot of questions with regards starting up and operating such a business.

With the little to no startup capital that I have, I was hoping to perhaps with just remote support as I would only need to have proper internet connection on my side the client's side, and then start incorporating other support methods (call outs, onsite maintenance, onsite support etc) as time goes on and capital builds.

I also need to understand what billing structures around what there. How do most companies charge and for what services? Another Important question being, since I don't have much capital (if any at all), and I have a 9 to 5 job which i can't abandon before the business starts bring in a solid income, would it be a good idea to get freelancers to do call outs, onsite support and any other Jobs I can't do myself?. All your input will be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[satanboy]

Reason for shouting?

 

[Thor]

Hi Everyone.

I'm currently working for the IT derpartment of a very large company as Systems Admin but I'm trying to startup an IT Support company of my own.I'm currently trying to gather all the info I believe is needed to bring life to such. With that, I need help from all of you as I have a lot of questions with regards starting up and operating such a business.

With the little to no startup capital that I have, I was hoping to perhaps with just remote support as I would only need to have proper internet connection on my side the client's side, and then start incorporating other support methods (call outs, onsite maintenance, onsite support etc) as time goes on and capital builds.

I also need to understand what billing structures around what there. How do most companies charge and for what services? Another Important question being, since I don't have much capital (if any at all), and I have a 9 to 5 job which i can't abandon before the business starts bring in a solid income, would it be a good idea to get freelancers to do call outs, onsite support and any other Jobs I can't do myself?. All your input will be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Does your current company allow this?

Being a "very large company" I doubt they do.

 

[Tomtomtom]

How do most companies charge and for what services?

Don't worry about capital or company structure just yet. Your first problem is what you're selling and to whom. Find your competition and do what they're doing. For example, does the company you work for outsource any of their support functions? Plan your business to be in direct competition with them.

 

[Thor]

Don't worry about capital or company structure just yet. Your first problem is what you're selling and to whom. Find your competition and do what they're doing. For example, does the company you work for outsource any of their support functions? Plan your business to be in direct competition with them.

You'll get fired.

 

[Tomtomtom]

You'll get fired.

Business is all about risk.

 

[Thor]

Business is all about risk.

I'll fire you if you where my employee you are a liability if you intend to compete against your employer as you suggested.

 

[Tomtomtom]

I'll fire you if you where my employee you are a liability if you intend to compete against your employer as you suggested.

Firstly, I didn't suggest that. I suggested competing against his employer's existing outside service providers. Big difference.

Secondly, obviously OP should notify his employer that he's got outside interests if and when he has such interests. And he should be prepared to be fired as a result.

Thirdly, anyone starting their own business can't be too worried about losing their job. Every single employee-turned-entrepreneur had to take that risk.

 

[Thor]

Firstly, I didn't suggest that. I suggested competing against his employer's existing outside service providers. Big difference.

Secondly, obviously OP should notify his employer that he's got outside interests if and when he has such interests. And he should be prepared to be fired as a result.

Thirdly, anyone starting their own business can't be too worried about losing their job. Every single employee-turned-entrepreneur had to take that risk.

My apologies then, I mis-interpreted this part:

For example, does the company you work for outsource any of their support functions? Plan your business to be in direct competition with them.

I assumed them refers to his company.

 

[Tomtomtom]

My apologies then, I mis-interpreted this part:
I assumed them refers to his company.

Fair enough, I see it was a bit ambiguous!

 

[Purply]

Rule #1 when starting a company, have at least 6 months salary saved up, preferably 12 months.

 

[Thor]

Rule #1 when starting a company, have at least 6 months salary saved up, preferably 12 months.

Solid point.

 

[MagicDude4Eva]

Bad idea = running a IT support business while still holding on to a 9-5 job. Either your clients will be unhappy if you can not help them during your regular work hours, or your employer is going to be miff, if you use company time for your own business.