The Entrepreneur Forum | Financial Freedom | Starting a Business | Motivation | Money | Success

Welcome to the only entrepreneur forum dedicated to building life-changing wealth.

Build a Fastlane business. Earn real financial freedom. Join free.

Join over 80,000 entrepreneurs who have rejected the paradigm of mediocrity and said "NO!" to underpaid jobs, ascetic frugality, and suffocating savings rituals— learn how to build a Fastlane business that pays both freedom and lifestyle affluence.

Free registration at the forum removes this block.

Mobile Computer Support?

Idea threads

DreamBliss

New Contributor
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
45%
May 20, 2023
22
10
Lost on the Way
So I have been wracking my brain, trying to figure out some sort of small business I could start. I have a 2-year degree in computer support. I know there are few if any computer service stores in my area, and I am not sure if Geek Squad, which would be my only competition, is still around anymore. MJ still hasn't told me the real path to wealth - currently going through the stuff on the slow lane. So I won't know until he does if this is something I should even be considering. Maybe this is another wrong path. Dunno.

But assuming starting my own business is the way to go, I was wondering what your thoughts on something like this would be. Do you think it is even worth pursuing?

Appreciate your feedback.
 
Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

Robdavis

Bronze Contributor
FASTLANE INSIDER
Read Fastlane!
Read Unscripted!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
154%
Nov 16, 2022
299
460
United Kingdom
So I have been wracking my brain, trying to figure out some sort of small business I could start. I have a 2-year degree in computer support. I know there are few if any computer service stores in my area, and I am not sure if Geek Squad, which would be my only competition, is still around anymore. MJ still hasn't told me the real path to wealth - currently going through the stuff on the slow lane. So I won't know until he does if this is something I should even be considering. Maybe this is another wrong path. Dunno.

But assuming starting my own business is the way to go, I was wondering what your thoughts on something like this would be. Do you think it is even worth pursuing?

Appreciate your feedback.
Who would be your customers and how could you find them?
Do you have any local newspapers where you could advertise, or could you set up a simple website to advertise your services to people? How could you find your potential customers cheaply?
 

DreamBliss

New Contributor
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
45%
May 20, 2023
22
10
Lost on the Way
Who would be your customers and how could you find them?
Do you have any local newspapers where you could advertise, or could you set up a simple website to advertise your services to people? How could you find your potential customers cheaply?
Well I worked the Help Desk at the local college, which at the time allowed students to get experience while providing free help to the community. It was always busy, so I know the customers are there. If I keep the prices reasonable, once the word is out I'm fairly certain I'd be super busy.

As far as advertising there is a local paper and a free paper. I'd have to price it, but I could probably use Wix for a web presence. I could even get free hosting and code my own page, but I would still need payment processing and stuff.

I would likely stick with word of mouth, local advertising, that sort of thing to start. I just need to know if this is a business model that has a hope in heck of succeeding. I assume the customers are there, but I have no idea how computer repair services hold up long term.
 

Robdavis

Bronze Contributor
FASTLANE INSIDER
Read Fastlane!
Read Unscripted!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
154%
Nov 16, 2022
299
460
United Kingdom
I just need to know if this is a business model that has a hope in heck of succeeding.
If there are customers, then it can probably be made to succeed.

It was always busy, so I know the customers are there.
Then it is probably possible to succeed.

but I have no idea how computer repair services hold up long term.
You will find out if you try it. No one can see the future and guarantee you any success. If you try and succeed then you will have a business of your own. If you try and don't succeed, then you will learn a huge amount in the process.

You have low risk, because your start up capital should be quite low. So I suggest that you just start doing some basic marketing and see if you get any enquiries.

With respect to a website, you wouldn't need to have online payments on day one, you could just have a website that describes what you do and says "phone this number" or "email this address" in order to get customers to contact you.

If you get work then you can improve you marketing and approach as you go along.
 
Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

Oso

Gold Contributor
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
289%
Jan 18, 2022
406
1,174
MJ still hasn't told me the real path to wealth - currently going through the stuff on the slow lane. So I won't know until he does if this is something I should even be considering.
MJ's contributions to your success are his books. Neither MJ nor anyone else can make your life decisions for you.

Instead of waiting for MJ to give you permission to execute, make him proud and just go execute. That said, if all you need is a yes, well... I'm definitely not MJ, but I don't think he'd have an issue with me encouraging you to execute a (legal) business idea while utilizing his books as a foundation.

So...

* Yes, tech repair/support/literally anything else tech can be a long-term business as long as people are utilizing tech.
* Yes, your marketing would be nearly the same type of marketing as any other new business: website(s), PPC, SEO, google business listing, content, and yes, even newspapers/phone books (and if you really need to save money, social media is the best free marketing in existence).
* Yes, you can apply MJ's CENTS principle to any business, tech repair/service included.
* Yes, you can research whatever local competition you may have, and then figure out your USP from there.
* Yes, you can begin networking on LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.
* Yes, you can begin building your business page, figuring out your processes, figuring out your packages/prices/hourly rate, etc.

Yes. It will continue being "yes" until either one of us dies or you're so successful my words of encouragement are irrelevant and misplaced.

Good luck and cheers.
 

ChocolateFactory

Contributor
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
89%
Apr 2, 2023
57
51
I like the idea, but how can you keep the cost low?
Some things you may be able remotely, if you can get the users to install remote control software on their PC.
But say someone needs help with setting up their new printer, or their PC "won't start", or they have some sort of virus/spyware on their PC. Now you have to send someone to their house. This can quickly get really expensive, to the point where it might be cheaper for the customer to just buy a new PC instead of fixing the old one.
Maybe you could hire college kids for this, but even then I would imagine your own costs could go up quickly with taxes and social security (not sure what it's like where you're at). Also you'd have to think about how you could verify the qualifications of those college kids.
Might make more sense to brand yourself as a kind of "luxury" company for rich people, but even then... I think the economics could be a challenge.
 

DreamBliss

New Contributor
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
45%
May 20, 2023
22
10
Lost on the Way
I like the idea, but how can you keep the cost low?
Some things you may be able remotely, if you can get the users to install remote control software on their PC.
But say someone needs help with setting up their new printer, or their PC "won't start", or they have some sort of virus/spyware on their PC. Now you have to send someone to their house. This can quickly get really expensive, to the point where it might be cheaper for the customer to just buy a new PC instead of fixing the old one.
Maybe you could hire college kids for this, but even then I would imagine your own costs could go up quickly with taxes and social security (not sure what it's like where you're at). Also you'd have to think about how you could verify the qualifications of those college kids.
Might make more sense to brand yourself as a kind of "luxury" company for rich people, but even then... I think the economics could be a challenge.
Well I am not too worried about this, as it is my business and I set the prices. I just have to be smart and charge enough to cover my time and expertise. Still mulling over numbers, but thinking something like $20 - $40 per hour of work. As long as I earn enought to keep the business in the black, and earn a profit, that's good enough.

Stupidly I am thinking of using public transportation instead of a car, which requires insurance, maintenance and gas. But this presents a logistical issue with the length of the average bus ride. However, we also have an on-call service I can schedule. So I will be looking at that.

As far as tools I have those already, and about 20 years of experience, so other than travel and the required expenses to start and run a business, I should be set.

I was even thinking I could blend some content creation on YouTube into this. Maybe seek out a collab with Linus Tech Tips for good parts.

Right now looking for the basics of entrepreneurship (can anyone really spell that without autocorrect?)

Thank you for your encouragement and feedback! I agree... If nothing else I will learn something.
 
Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

ChocolateFactory

Contributor
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
89%
Apr 2, 2023
57
51
Still mulling over numbers, but thinking something like $20 - $40 per hour of work.

Look at what’s left of that after deducting your expenses. Taxes (sales tax/VAT, corporate tax, personal income tax/capital gains tax), social security contributions, health insurance, liability insurance for the business, transportation (even if it’s just a bus ticket), maybe phone/laptop for your staff, … not sure what else you might need.

There’s absolutely no way you can be profitable at $20/h. It’s not like what you charge your customers is your take-home pay.
Do some proper research about your costs. You may find out that if you pay someone just $15 an hour for the work, just to break even, you have to charge $70 an hour. So if your employee spends just half an hour traveling to the customer and half an hour back, and two hours fixing the customer’s computer, you have to charge $210 as the bare minimum, just to break even. So if you want to have just $10 profit per hour, you’d have to charge $240 for that job. You need to have enough of a margin to cover your fixed expenses like salaries and insurance even when there are no customers for some time. And your costs may be higher than that. And then you’ll have to figure out if people really are willing to pay a couple hundred bucks to have a company send someone to fix their PC. Or if they might not prefer asking their neighbor’s son if he can do it for $20 cash.
 

Kirby73

Contributor
Read Fastlane!
Read Unscripted!
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
111%
Oct 31, 2021
28
31
Instead of thinking about an idea for a business, look for problems people have with computers/laptops and see if the problem is big enough for a business to be created out of it

Businesses offering PC Support/Repairs have been around for decades, so you would really need to solve a problem that others haven't and that people are willing to pay for

And follow the MJ CENTS model
 
Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

Rangermac2

Bronze Contributor
Read Rat-Race Escape!
Read Fastlane!
Read Unscripted!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
103%
Jun 1, 2020
124
128
Tennessee
MJ still hasn't told me the real path to wealth
He can't. Nobody can. But his books provide the information necessary to getting on the path of wealth and the fastlane. It's like a key. Keys open the treasure chest - but keys do not necessarily contain the treasure

Once you start finding problems that have a hole, as in underserviced or catered to with products/goods, then you will begin the path of wealth
 
Last edited:

ZackerySprague

Gold Contributor
FASTLANE INSIDER
Read Rat-Race Escape!
Read Fastlane!
Read Unscripted!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
117%
Jun 26, 2021
1,180
1,385
Fort Worth, Texas
So I have been wracking my brain, trying to figure out some sort of small business I could start. I have a 2-year degree in computer support. I know there are few if any computer service stores in my area, and I am not sure if Geek Squad, which would be my only competition, is still around anymore. MJ still hasn't told me the real path to wealth - currently going through the stuff on the slow lane. So I won't know until he does if this is something I should even be considering. Maybe this is another wrong path. Dunno.

But assuming starting my own business is the way to go, I was wondering what your thoughts on something like this would be. Do you think it is even worth pursuing?

Appreciate your feedback.
The path is long and hard, I come from an IT background of 7 years. PC Mobile Support I do agree has been around for quite sometime. GeekSquad is pretty huge and would be one of your main competitors, PC/Mobile support though as a specialized-labor service would not be a bad idea and would actually be a good start. You can go to Nextdoor.com and offer the service there.

I, to, had your mindset of wanting a Step-by-Step plan to wealth. But there is none, you will never find that Step-by-Step blueprint or else the entire world would have it and then we'd all be in the 1% class. You have to find problems that in the market and then develop the product/solution. As per James Jani's video and MJ's teachings, the only way you know what the market wants is to just get straight the marketplace, poke it, see if they yell at you, give you money, or just look at you like your some weird by standard and walks off haha!

That's the only way to know, fear has been one of my main controllers of life, scared of people due to past issues I had to get over. And because of this fear, you will inevitably study, buy course, after course. I ignored everyone's advice, I was wrong... extremely wrong. Never taking any action in the process.

The best way honestly to find problems (which I in the process of developing my spidey senses) is to review those words MJ states in the book. Who comes to you with a problem? What is the problem and how could you possibly solve it? Example, many years ago my social circle needed websites? *There's an opportunity.* My friends wanted to learn how to get their very first job. *There's an opportunity*.

Go to Nextdoor.com review people's post, what are the complaining about, what kind of questions are they asking? What recommended service providers are they looking for? Could you come up with a solution for that?

Here's an example:

1. I see almost everytime I went on Nextdoor.com that almost every pet owner has lost their pet and can't find them or are people asking others to help find them. I begin to ask myself, there must be a need here, so I can a quick scan of the number of Facebook groups there are on Facebook in my area for lost pets and there are tons with tons of members in their. Each group alone almost has 10 posts a day that is created. You know there is a need for some kind of solution that you can create to help pet owners find their dogs/lost pets. Then you can go find other like minded ecommerce stores or companies that provides such a solution. Review their store. If there are several then you know there's a market you can get into and it's very niched as well. Now instead of trying to re-invent the wheel, what value skews or other areas could I improve that makes me different from the rest of the competition. Figure that out, and then present your product to the marketplace. See if you get a cha-ching or sale. If you do, the market see's what you have created as valuable, now time to create a productocracy.

At the end of the day, what got me so hung up on was the money, I was too focused on it for several years, you could say I was almost entirely desperate because of the self-created situation I had created for myself. I had to learn the hard way to stop looking at just the money and start focusing on people who truly wanted help. Reverse your polarity.

I hope you find this post valuable :D!
 
Last edited:

DreamBliss

New Contributor
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
45%
May 20, 2023
22
10
Lost on the Way
Thank you all for your replies and helpful suggestions! I am currently in the information gathering phase. But don't worry, I won't stay there for long. Just as long as needed to become well enough informed to stay out of the pitfalls others fall into who have not done their due-diligence.

I need to get some more ideas for businesses I could start that accomplish two main purposes:
1. Meeting a need
2. Playing to my abilities, strengths, talents, etc.

Right now I just have the one idea, but am writing down anything that comes to mind, regardless of how much I would not want to do it, or how silly it is (male escort anyone? Is there a market for nearly 50-year old 300 pound hairy men?)
View: https://youtu.be/vcfyZr5buDA


I will look around at NextDoor.
 
Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.
Last edited:

BigRomeDawg

Gold Contributor
Summit Attendee
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
223%
Jan 22, 2014
472
1,054
Canada/USA
Thank you all for your replies and helpful suggestions! I am currently in the information gathering phase. But don't worry, I won't stay there for long. Just as long as needed to become well enough informed to stay out of the pitfalls others fall into who have not done their due-diligence.

I need to get some more ideas for businesses I could start that accomplish two main purposes:
1. Meeting a need
2. Playing to my abilities, strengths, talents, etc.

Right now I just have the one idea, but am writing down anything that comes to mind, regardless of how much I would not want to do it, or how silly it is (male escort anyone? Is there a market for nearly 50-year old 300 pound hairy men?)
View: https://youtu.be/vcfyZr5buDA


I will look around at NextDoor.
The best ideas are found when you're out in the world getting sh!t done! And you could've made some money in the meantime.

You already know enough. Get started!
 

ChocolateFactory

Contributor
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
89%
Apr 2, 2023
57
51
Maybe running your own business is just not for you? Something about this whole thread just seems… off. You complain MJ hasn’t given you the secret to becoming rich, you have an idea (PC support), but then don’t even do basic calculations or take any action. Instead you ask strangers on the internet to suggest other business ideas to you.
You don’t have to start your own business. Being an employee is fine. Sure, you probably won’t get rich that way, but there’s no success guarantee in business either. For some people, having a stable job is a much better choice than the uncertainty of having your own business.
 

Oso

Gold Contributor
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
289%
Jan 18, 2022
406
1,174
Maybe running your own business is just not for you? Something about this whole thread just seems… off. You complain MJ hasn’t given you the secret to becoming rich, you have an idea (PC support), but then don’t even do basic calculations or take any action. Instead you ask strangers on the internet to suggest other business ideas to you.
You don’t have to start your own business. Being an employee is fine. Sure, you probably won’t get rich that way, but there’s no success guarantee in business either. For some people, having a stable job is a much better choice than the uncertainty of having your own business.
Based on their other posts, I believe you hit the nail on the head.

This is the quintessential "alright folks, time to go home, nothin' to see here" thread.
 
Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

ChocolateFactory

Contributor
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
89%
Apr 2, 2023
57
51
Oh, so for context, OP is 47, weighs 300lbs, he's unable to work 8+ hours per day, broke and living with his parents:

Not sure what you're doing for a living at the moment, I guess you're living off your parents' pension? How did you spend the last 30 years? I'd probably start by fixing your health first.
 

Oso

Gold Contributor
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
289%
Jan 18, 2022
406
1,174
OP, I read the above thread. I'm brainstorming ideas for podcast and blog content, and you are precisely the type of person I'm interested in.

Be my data and money shot. In exchange, I'll morph your life. PM me if you're down.

Cheers.

Edit: It will require legitimate work and dedication, so if your objective is to host a pity party, I'd rather you not connect. Either way, I wish you the best!
 

DreamBliss

New Contributor
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
45%
May 20, 2023
22
10
Lost on the Way
Maybe running your own business is just not for you? Something about this whole thread just seems… off. You complain MJ hasn’t given you the secret to becoming rich, you have an idea (PC support), but then don’t even do basic calculations or take any action. Instead you ask strangers on the internet to suggest other business ideas to you.
You don’t have to start your own business. Being an employee is fine. Sure, you probably won’t get rich that way, but there’s no success guarantee in business either. For some people, having a stable job is a much better choice than the uncertainty of having your own business.
Just going to address one misunderstanding here... I was not, and am not, complaining about MJ, "giving me the secret of becoming rich." I was referring to where I was at in his book. I was reading about the Sidewalk as I recall when I started this thread. I believe I said this.

I figured that MJ was leading up to the whole "start your own business" thing, and I was right. But at the time I started this thread, I did not know that. Unlike some others here, I try to be careful not to make assumptions and generalizations.
 
Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

DreamBliss

New Contributor
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
45%
May 20, 2023
22
10
Lost on the Way
OP, I read the above thread. I'm brainstorming ideas for podcast and blog content, and you are precisely the type of person I'm interested in.

Be my data and money shot. In exchange, I'll morph your life. PM me if you're down.

Cheers.

Edit: It will require legitimate work and dedication, so if your objective is to host a pity party, I'd rather you not connect. Either way, I wish you the best!
Oso... I do not appreciate your negative comments.
 

DreamBliss

New Contributor
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
45%
May 20, 2023
22
10
Lost on the Way
Oh, so for context, OP is 47, weighs 300lbs, he's unable to work 8+ hours per day, broke and living with his parents:

Not sure what you're doing for a living at the moment, I guess you're living off your parents' pension? How did you spend the last 30 years? I'd probably start by fixing your health first.
Let's be blunt, shall we? I knew, long before I started to read MJ's book, that the employment path was a dead-end. I ran the numbers, and I know how much rent is in my area. I also know what is entailed in moving. I also know from direct experience what it is like to be raised by people who, due to their beliefs and mindset, are chronically poor.

I do what I can and contribute where I can. I help my dad clean a local school - which entails cleaning toilets and mopping - for 4-6 hours a day, twice a week. I do not get paid. When was the last time you volunteered to clean a toilet?

I am well aware that my situation is untenable. My health is irrelevant. Even if I am coughing up blood and unable to walk, I have to change things. I can worry about my health later and if it kills me, I'm fine with that.

Please do not assume I am sitting around here contributing nothing and doing nothing. You have not the slightest clue what I am going through, what I have endured, what I have survived, or my current mental state.

I appreciate your consideration.
 
Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

DreamBliss

New Contributor
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
45%
May 20, 2023
22
10
Lost on the Way
I have signed up at NextDoor and begun the process of connecting with my local community. To those users who contributed actually helpful, positive or useful advice and information, again, thank you.
 

savefox

Bronze Contributor
FASTLANE INSIDER
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
178%
Jun 15, 2022
263
467
Let's be blunt, shall we? I knew, long before I started to read MJ's book, that the employment path was a dead-end. I ran the numbers, and I know how much rent is in my area. I also know what is entailed in moving. I also know from direct experience what it is like to be raised by people who, due to their beliefs and mindset, are chronically poor.

I do what I can and contribute where I can. I help my dad clean a local school - which entails cleaning toilets and mopping - for 4-6 hours a day, twice a week. I do not get paid. When was the last time you volunteered to clean a toilet?

I am well aware that my situation is untenable. My health is irrelevant. Even if I am coughing up blood and unable to walk, I have to change things. I can worry about my health later and if it kills me, I'm fine with that.

Please do not assume I am sitting around here contributing nothing and doing nothing. You have not the slightest clue what I am going through, what I have endured, what I have survived, or my current mental state.

I appreciate your consideration.
You do need to focus on your health first. Especially your mental health and mindset.
 

Saad Khan

Amazon Ads Guy
Read Fastlane!
Read Unscripted!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
174%
Mar 14, 2021
684
1,190
20
Pakistan
I have signed up at NextDoor and begun the process of connecting with my local community. To those users who contributed actually helpful, positive or useful advice and information, again, thank you.
Good luck!

Now focus on this question and act accordingly...

What are the critical steps I need to take to get my first gig? Don't think about anything else for now.

And remember. Action beats just thinking by a long shot. Even if you believe otherwise.

Just do it.
 
Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

DreamBliss

New Contributor
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
45%
May 20, 2023
22
10
Lost on the Way
Yeah, dude needs to focus on that.
I appreciate your advice and concern. But I am still physically capable, so I am going to throw myself into learning how to, then starting, a small business or side hustle.

Already spending lots of time looking for needs at NextDoor. Mentioned if anyone needs help with their computer to contact me. Contributing and helping where I can.

Should someone contact me for computer support, I will help for free as I build my rep and get the word out.
 

farahead

Bronze Contributor
Read Rat-Race Escape!
Read Unscripted!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
236%
Feb 25, 2023
96
227
18
Slovakia
MJ still hasn't told me the real path to wealth
How could MJ dare to not give us list of cryptocurrencies to invest in or top 10 products to dropship in 2023 in his books. I was looking for shortcut not hard work ! :rage: i feel scammed #wtf
 
Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

DreamBliss

New Contributor
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
45%
May 20, 2023
22
10
Lost on the Way
How could MJ dare to not give us list of cryptocurrencies to invest in or top 10 products to dropship in 2023 in his books. I was looking for shortcut not hard work ! :rage: i feel scammed #wtf
Again, when I posted that it was referring to where I was in the book. That's all I meant - the book was implying that this secret was about to be revealed. I already guessed what it was - start a business. But I was trying not to assume anything.
 

farahead

Bronze Contributor
Read Rat-Race Escape!
Read Unscripted!
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
236%
Feb 25, 2023
96
227
18
Slovakia
Again, when I posted that it was referring to where I was in the book. That's all I meant - the book was implying that this secret was about to be revealed. I already guessed what it was - start a business. But I was trying not to assume anything.
Okay i have to apologize for my post earlier, i felt pretty bad after submiting it. Im in the beggining stage aswell. I hope we can still be friends. Good luck with your journey!
How could MJ dare to not give us list of cryptocurrencies to invest in or top 10 products to dropship in 2023 in his books. I was looking for shortcut not hard work ! :rage: i feel scammed #wtf
Yeah not the best first impression.
 

Post New Topic

Please SEARCH before posting.
Please select the BEST category.

Post new topic

Guest post submissions offered HERE.

New Topics

Fastlane Insiders

View the forum AD FREE.
Private, unindexed content
Detailed process/execution threads
Ideas needing execution, more!

Join Fastlane Insiders.

Top