[CS-FSLUG] Wacky thought - Linux consulting

[Brian Derr]

On Tue, Apr 06, 2004 at 09:32:46AM -0400, K Montgomery wrote:
> I've had a germ of thought recently to break into a new business (new to
> me, that is): helping churches and perhaps small businesses to integrate
> Linux into their organizations.
> 
> Naturally, I thought this would be the perfect group to ask.  Does
> anyone know how one goes about breaking into that?  (I think some people
> here have done it, if only informally.)  Any books I should read, web
> sites I should look at, people I can talk to?

Well, I can somewhat speak to you about the church aspect.  I am the
"sysadmin" for my churches RedSplat 7.3 server which is running our
website and email server.  I sort of stepped into this position rather
than pushed them into it so I can't give you any advice on how to sway
them towards linux other than the normal "more secure, easier to
administer, more uptime" mantra we're accostumed to.  Perhaps one idea
would be to look up all the local churches in the phone book and then
see if they have a web site.  If they do they might already have some
knowledgable people there and you may or may not want to waste your time
asking them about their computer needs.  If, however, they don't have a
website you could call them up and see if they have a need or desire for
a web site and email, etc, etc.  Linux would especially fit for them if
they are on a budget (what church isn't?) and can't spend $500 for a MS
XP license.

I've actually thought about this myself and haven't actually taken the
plunge yet, however, the best way to get into this niche is just sell
yourself everywhere.  I've just started getting my name around and the
guy who is a "computer genius".  Once you have people with your name
synonymous with computer repair/setup they'll tell others about you when
they hear about problems.  Instant marketing.  That is really the only
real way to get clients other than mass mailings which would cost a
fortune and probably annoy people more than anything.  :-P

Hopefully you can get something put together!  I know that I've been
thinking about taking that sort of path myself and perhaps I should take
my own advice and do it.  :-)

Brian

-- 
The just man walketh in his integrity:
his children are blessed after him.  -- Proverbs 20:7
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