Starting My Own Company

[IT_Master]

Ok. I have filled out 1001 Computer Technician application forms since last year December, all came back by post: ''Unfortunetly you have not been successful'' blah blah blah. From I was employed as a computer repair technician in Jamaica, I wanted to be my own boss. My feelings tell me that I will never get employed in the UK. Is it because im from Jamaica, no qualifications, over experienced, no UK driving license or its because im just from Jamaica?

 

Im very compitent in my line of career, Repairing Computers. Computers are very cheap in the UK. I think that if a part goes bad, someone can easily buy a new computer.

 

Should I register my own IT Company? Should I do a questionnaire just to get a feel of the market out there? Is it hard to start up a company in the UK?

[Kitkatninja]

How long have you been trying to get into the IT field? It took me 5 years and it took someone I know 10 years to get into IT. Each time I asked for feedback and it was always because I didn't have this or that (it was because I didn't have a driving licence or qualifications at the time).

 

-Ken

Edited March 28, 2009 by Kitkatninja

[IT_Master]

Since the week after I came in the UK. I came in the UK December 13, 2008. Im not used to be out of a job for more than 3 weeks. My wife is due to have a child today and I want to have ££ for my child. I want to start a future. Today I fell like printing some questionnaires and hand them all out. I love to work.

 

.....10 years seem like life in prison.

[kmount]

What specific skills do you have?

[IT_Master]

What specific skills do you have?

 

Repairs in PCs and Macintosh

Server 2003

Exchange Server

Windows 98-Vista

Printer Repairs

UPS Repairs

Structured Cabling

Electronics

 

My past job was field base. So our clients' devices varies.

[mb2k01]

IT Master,

 

By chance, I happen to have read a few of your previous threads, so am more aware of your struggle than some others.

 

I have to say, your implicit remark about the possibility of racism is very unlikely to be the reason you're not in employment. The fact that you suggest it might be seem to me like you might have some issues of your own along those lines to sort out.

 

Your other threads have really covered all you need to know.

In this current climate no one can expect to simply walk in to a job - they need to fight for one, and to be prepared to stand out from everyone else. They also need to keep going and learn to deal with rejection positively, asking for feedback and working towards resolving critique.

 

A previous thread said you were thinking about taking some exams, and you felt sure that you could simply put in for the exams without even studying! If that is truly the case, I would suggest it is a good starting point. You might have all the experience in the world, but without proof it isn't going to get you noticed.

 

This post might seem a bit harsh, but in some ways I think this is what you need. If you KNOW you are able to perform in a high-quality role then focus on that and spend your energy searching for posts and filling in application forms. Don't give up or think negatively.

[IT_Master]

IT Master,

 

By chance, I happen to have read a few of your previous threads, so am more aware of your struggle than some others......

 

No harsh. Where racism is concern I think people are brain washing me. But I can clear up that. I do want to be certified but my wife then said that she has no money at the moment. The money is for the coming baby. I think im just stressed, being inside all day is not what im used to. I dont watch tv nor having the heater on. I'll do some pc repairs until I can pay for certifications. Who knows...I may be the next Geek Squad in the UK.

[mb2k01]

If your situation calls for it, then it wouldn't harm getting a job outside of IT for a while...?

Sounds like your main concern is money and the baby arrival - so any job is better than no job? Once you've worked for a while and been able to save a bit you can start taking some IT exams and applying for more positions?

[IT_Master]

Yea but most jobs iv applied for, not IT, needs CV. My CV is IT related. Im used to resume not CV.

[witch]

You have been applying for jobs for less than 6 months - in IT and in the current economic climate, that really isn't very long. All I can say is echo what others have said: get some paper qualifications, if you can, keep applying for jobs and eventually you will be successful.

RING UP AND ASK WHY YOU DIDN'T GET ANYWHERE.

I wonder why you havent got an interview - do you have the right to work in the UK - and if so then is it stated properly on the forms, whether or not they ask for it? eg where they ask for nationality but not work status, you could put: "Jamaican with full work permit for UK" or whatever.

I would like to see a specimen application form that you are filling in - perhaps you are not getting across your experience and what you actually did in your previous jobs?

I used to be an electronics recruitment headhunter so perhaps I can help you - by all means pm me if you think I can.

[IT_Master]

I think I know what the problem is. When the ask for school qualifications I put CXC instead of GCSE. Make matters worst I dont have those past papers. Hurricane destroyed them lol.

[localzuk]

I think I know what the problem is. When the ask for school qualifications I put CXC instead of GCSE. Make matters worst I dont have those past papers. Hurricane destroyed them lol.

 

Can you not contact the school or examination board in Jamaica and get copies?

[IT_Master]

Yea...I can do that. Ill have my mom deal with that.

[Messa]

Starting your own business can be just as hard as getting a job, you need to build up your customer base which im sure a lot of people will tell you isn't easy.

[contink]

As someone who started up my own business I can confirm that it's no picnic. I took things slowly and I was lucky enough for the first year to have a girlfriend who was the career orientated one and covering the bills.

 

That relationship didn't work out but the relationship I built up with my schools and the business I've developed over time has grown very, very slowly to the point where I'm finally earning a decent wage and I'm now expecting my first child with a very supportive wife.

 

If I had anything to suggest it would be the point a few people have pointed out already...

 

You need an income more than you need to be in IT so start looking for other jobs that at least pay the bills. That will reduce your stress levels enough that you can use spare time to develop your business plans and/or continue looking for other jobs. The more options you leave open the better your chances and whilst it may feel like you're closing doors if you take a job, especially when you're not keen on it, it is really never that bad.

 

I would certainly recommend sorting out the paper trail, so that all your qualifications and expertise is easy to review and think about ways you can demonstrate that experiences and skill. Perhaps consider joining Fixya.com as an expert and start answering the questions on there. Likewise think about sharing your knowledge here. Make sure you take questions you can answer in a professional manner and who knows someone may well pick up on your skills and say "We NEED this guy!". It's all about the little things and above all else it's about not giving up.

 

Corny as it sounds the film "The pursuit of happiness" is a good primer on this... Anything is possible but you make your own luck by hard work, persistence and more hard work.

 

If you're really set on the self employed side of things I'd look at it as a spare time approach. Can you refurbish spares & repair items and then resell them at a profit? If you can, it'd be a real niche opportunity because people are looking to keep things working longer now that they can't afford to replace them.

 

I could go on for hours here but I think everyone's covered the bases... Time to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and spread your wings somewhat to give yourself as many opportunities as you can.

 

Best of luck...

Edited March 28, 2009 by contink

[matt40k]

The problem of the education sector is getting in, the benift is it's hard to get out (unless you want to hand your notice in).

 

It's either a question of working for free somewhere, then make sure you time it right, so that when you leave they miss you and want to hire you. Failing that, try and your foot in the door, part-time work blah blah. It's a few hundred quid to do a qualification in networking (ie installing Cat5e), a job no one really likes doing and is willing to pay £££ for someone else to do it. Again, it's a foot in the door and it pays the bills!

 

(Need speller checking software!!)

[srochford]

I think I know what the problem is. When the ask for school qualifications I put CXC instead of GCSE. Make matters worst I dont have those past papers. Hurricane destroyed them lol.

 

I don't know how old you are but the school exam results become pretty irrelevant when you've got a reasonable amount of work experience.

 

It doesn't really matter whether you call it a resume or a CV - it ought to cover pretty much the same stuff. The important thing is that the CV and covering letter are the only things a potential employer has in order to decide if they want to interview you. Try and stand back from what you've written and pretend that you don't know you and are reading this for the first time. Would you be impressed by what you see? If not, then neither will an employer.

 

I know it's probably obvious, but over the years I've read far too many forms and letters of application which tell me very little and really don't sell the candidate. Look carefully at any job advert - there will always be a list of requirements. Go through them, think about what you've done that means you fit those requirements and explain that. If you can, get someone else to read through what you've written - check the spelling and grammar; make sure the layout is good (but don't make it too fancy)

 

Watch out also for just producing a list - eg if I say I want experience with Windows desktops, experience of configuring switches, experience of backing up servers then don't just put "I have experience with Windows desktops, experience of configuring switches" etc. Tell me what you've done - how many machines have you worked on, what sort of things have you done?

 

Many employers will get tens or even hundreds of applications for a job. They'll go very quickly through the forms or letters and any which are poorly presented will get chucked. Any which don't give good info about the candidate will also go. You have to make sure that the content of the letter/form really makes the person reading think "I'd like to meet this person; I'm going to call them in for an interview"

[matt40k]

I don't know how old you are but the school exam results become pretty irrelevant when you've got a reasonable amount of work experience.

 

Job I got now, I got because of my past experience. Last job I applied for, I was in a rush, so it was extremely basic, I just put down a few bits I've setup and used which I though they might want to hear I could do.

 

Basically if it's a school, they want to know you can maintain the network, deal with the kids (ie not kill the little $***%%) and deal with the staff who know nothing (or know too much).

Edited March 28, 2009 by witch

[dhicks]

Computers are very cheap in the UK. I think that if a part goes bad, someone can easily buy a new computer.

 

Just my opinion here, don't take any of my advice too seriously, but I reckon now is a good time to be running a "upgrade and fix" type service instead of a "buy a new PC" service. People don't have the money to buy a whole new PC, and even 5-year-old PCs are perfectly serviceable. Actually, most new netbooks sold pretty much match 5-year-old PCs in terms of computing power, they generally just need a RAM upgrade and a re-install of Windows XP and away you go. You could offer that for, say, a £100 fixed fee - "get your old computer running as good as new, with RAM upgrade and reinstall of Windows and all data transferred accross", and all you need is a Windows install CD and an external harddrive to store user files. Always handy to have a few webcams and second-hand LCD screens on hand to sell, too.

 

--

David Hicks

[itschad]

Let me give you my two cents on it. This is what I did and what helped me however every situation is unique. I got out of school and right away had 5 interviews and was able to get one job offer. I took that job thinking that it was my dream job. I soon realized it wasnt the field for me. So here I was with a programming degree specialized in video games. I thought I would walk into any business programming or repaied based and they would be fighting over me....Boy I was wrong.

 

I applied at many programming companies, had many many interviews. In most cases even a second interview. However, companies didnt like me because I programmed video games. I had one even say "We program serious things here, we dont make play things".

 

Anyways, I moved to where I currently lived because I saw a need for an honest computer repair business. I had a little savings, and my girlfriend had a decent job. We discussed it and decided to give it a go. It was a ton of sacrifice. I think there were days I didnt go home. However, I ran a decent business. Some months were amazing the next were slow. However I think if you took what I made and make it a salary I was making less than 8 dollars an hour. What I earned from it though was amazing.

 

When I ran my business there were months that were slow and some were hectic. I knew I needed a bachelors degree to be considered for a good paying job and I set out to earn that as well. I wont lie it was extremely tough to mange your time of your life/work/school however it was possible and a sacrifice I made. I graduated within a couple years with my degree. I then applied for jobs again and got the very first job I applied for which was a good job.

 

The schooling wasnt even the biggest thing I achieved. The ability to run a some what successful business is a training course no school can offer. You may think your repair abilities are grand, but I guarantee you will learn more and gain some business skills that will help with any job you take int he future.

 

If you choose to start a business do the following:

Look up business plans and create one.

Do a SWOT analysis.

Remember residential computer repairs will help you some months, but that wont be your bread and butter.

Try to get service contracts with business's.

Be fair and do good work.

Never charge to much, or to little. If you charge to little people will often not even consider you.

 

Any way it goes I wish you the best of luck!

[ICT_GUY]

If you want to get hired, the get your A+ and start to get your MCSE. It's costly but if you want to get hired you need some sort of qualification. Once hired you can move on with a good work record.

 

Working for yourself as a repair tech? Possibly but you will need network knowledge and experience if you want to make a living.

[Jiser]

I had quite a few jobs from pchomehelp.org. Also the website takes a rip off amount of money from you.

 

Shame though - its drying out now.

[apoth0r]

With regard to starting your own business, it is very hard. VERY hard.

Having spent this past year setting things up along with juggling a full time job it has been extremely exhausting. When you're not thinking about work in a fulltime job you are thinking about the other work you have to do. I wish it was as simple as setting up a business and getting on with a job you enjoy. It's far from that.

Taxes / Invoices / Websites / Market Research / Business Banking / Self-evaluation / Competition

It really is a lot of work, and most of it does not pay anything. I would recommend finding yourself a job in the meantime outside of the industry because it certainly gives you a thirst for it when you come home, giving you a fresh mind to concentrate on your own work.

It sounds like you aren't in the best situation for starting a business, it seems like an easy road but you really don't get paid for a long time after starting it. The other problem is, it is quite expensive if, like me, you start it with next to no cash. The only real benefit I had was paying for my webhosting outright, that gave me the time to work on my selling points, what I wanted to achieve and where I want to take my business.

It is a very competitive market at the moment and not easy to get into, especially if you are unfamiliar with the UK's tax system. Theres a lot of hidden bits to it that make me cringe, and I have the benefits of having a taxman as a good friend and a girlfriend with a father as an accountant.

 

Dont rush into starting a business due to financial reasons, it often fails. Find yourself a job to get yourself by and work on your business in your spare time. It's the only way it's financially viable.

 

Good luck

[Messa]

With regard to starting your own business, it is very hard. VERY hard.

Having spent this past year setting things up along with juggling a full time job it has been extremely exhausting. When you're not thinking about work in a fulltime job you are thinking about the other work you have to do. I wish it was as simple as setting up a business and getting on with a job you enjoy. It's far from that.

Taxes / Invoices / Websites / Market Research / Business Banking / Self-evaluation / Competition

It really is a lot of work, and most of it does not pay anything. I would recommend finding yourself a job in the meantime outside of the industry because it certainly gives you a thirst for it when you come home, giving you a fresh mind to concentrate on your own work.

It sounds like you aren't in the best situation for starting a business, it seems like an easy road but you really don't get paid for a long time after starting it. The other problem is, it is quite expensive if, like me, you start it with next to no cash. The only real benefit I had was paying for my webhosting outright, that gave me the time to work on my selling points, what I wanted to achieve and where I want to take my business.

It is a very competitive market at the moment and not easy to get into, especially if you are unfamiliar with the UK's tax system. Theres a lot of hidden bits to it that make me cringe, and I have the benefits of having a taxman as a good friend and a girlfriend with a father as an accountant.

 

Dont rush into starting a business due to financial reasons, it often fails. Find yourself a job to get yourself by and work on your business in your spare time. It's the only way it's financially viable.

 

Good luck

 

Agreed, it is hard work!

[IT_Master]

Thanks for your replies and mind-sharing. Im currently getting help with my CV. Help that I never got before. Now im getting the understanding of what a CV entails. But I used to juggle back home and I never needed any form of income, so you do I need it here? Whats the difference? The only income I need is bus fare lol. But all that is said, you guys are the greatest. Thanks for your word on things, it really helps.