Just thinking out loud here. I don’t know too much about starting my own business, but I have a pipe dream about having a side gig building on-site mini servers for clients who want to start their own businesses.
I could speak with the client, find out what type of business they’re developing, then pair them up with FOSS applications and hardware they’d run on their property. I could also update it all remotely. It would be like a plumber/electrician that can show people how to manage the tools I bring to them.
I was thinking of doing this as a really small personal business, meeting with the clients and installing systems for them.
You think there’s a market for something like this? I don’t really have anyone in my circle who knows the business or tech side of this.
ok, so… what you’re describing is a small-scale IT freelancing consultancy, specializing in local startups and FOSS foundations. While this is all very idealistic, realistically, a lot of people whoa aren’t familiar with FOSS OSs and office software will be… apprehensive about adopting that as a foundation, especially right out-of-the-gate. So, that will have to be the focus of your sales pitch: convincing your sales targets of why they should either start with our switch to a FOSS package (assuming you have a few different levels), and, particularly, yours.
This isn’t a new industry, btw, and you should do your research on what’s worked (and what hasn’t) for others in the past. You can make ok money doing it, especially in your local area. There might not even be a market for it where you live-- and doing this online and selling services globally is a whole different beast. There’s certainly a demand, and a growing one for it. There are also IT firms that specialize in it, and if you’re in a medium-to-large city, you may look for local job listings for companies that do systems conversions.
but, if you’re looking to do it freelance or start your own small business, go for it.
edit: where you live has a huge amount to do with this
Thank you for your feedback and advice. I’ll certainly take it cautiously.
The location is certainly a consideration. Median age is 65. Semi-rural. I think it would take a lot of patience and in-person planning.
Lots to think about!
oh… so is farming and farming equipment going to be a big consideration? because that is a big deal, especially when considering tech deployments and how it works with FOSS. spoilers: it doesn’t (or not well)! it’s a huge problems, in fact, and you’ll have to do your research for that.
but if it’s not a farming community, you. may have a lot of opportunity for systems conversions, especially personal/home conversions for those with older hardware. lots of older folks who could use a system tune-up/refresh with a nice linux install! make a old system new kinda thing, and now the whole town loves you! and a great way to scout out bigger business, especially if they have needy relatives! never turn down an opportunity to network!
edit: any local businesses/shops will be easy, though. don’t bother with corps/banks though. they’ll answer to a state/national office and wouldn’t deal with a freelancer/sole proprietor anyway.
as a freelancer, 90% of your business will come from networking and referrals
anyway, good luck in your endeavors!
Thank you! It so happens that one of my first clients runs a farm, but just my size. I’ve already shared some solutions with the owner, but as free advice to gauge interest.
Some farm equipment is so old, in fact, that it only runs on extremely hacked now open source (kinda) software. In fact, the whole world is rather fascinating and rather underground. If you do your research, you can really get into it.
Currently, farm software/equipment and the whole agricultural and industrial world is that the center of the Right to Repair movement moving through the US Congress, also in Europe.