Employers

Approximately 863,100 computer support specialists are employed in the United States. Computer support service owners work for a variety of different clients, servicing the personal computers in home-based offices, as well as contracting with large companies for long-term assistance. Though many people have computers in their homes for their personal use, few of them seek professional service. The main clients of support service owners will be accounting firms, insurance agencies, government departments—any business or organization that relies upon computers to perform daily operations. Even a company that has its own full-time support staff will occasionally hire outside consultants. Computer support services are in demand all across the country, but are most successful in large cities because they can draw from a broader client base.

Starting Out

As with many start-ups, it's good for you to focus your talents. Decide on a niche, such as networking or computer security, and then promote those specific services. It's also important to use good marketing techniques and a professional image when promoting your business. Many support service owners now have Web sites that tout their services. 

Once they are established in their niche market, support service owners can expand to include other services. Some computer support services are able to offer much more than technical assistance; they also hold training sessions, prepare multimedia reports and presentations, and design Web pages. The more business connections a support service owner can make with support services, computer manufacturers, and other companies, the better they'll be able to build their client base. As their business grows, support service owners can hire staff to deal with administrative duties, as well as technicians to assist with servicing their clients' computers.

Join professional associations such as the Association of Support Professionals for networking opportunities, continuing education workshops and seminars, and other resources.

Participate in internships or part-time jobs in computer support that are arranged by your college’s career services office.

Become certified in order to show employers that you have met the highest standards established by your industry. Those who are certified often have the edge over noncertified colleagues when trying to land clients.