Hey, Everyone!  First time poster here...

I'm considering starting a side job teaching people how to use Windows.  It would be a 2-day a week thing initially (in addition to my daily, mortgage-paying job).  I have several questions regarding this endeavor, and I'm hoping you can shed some light.

My mother-in-law called me one night with a Windows problem on her computer (turned out to be virus-related), and it got me thinking about possibly starting a small in-home Windows training business.

Here is what I know so far:

• Most of my students would probably be elderly (I'm 50 myself).
• I would go to their home and teach them there.
• I have no formal certifications in Windows, but I consider myself very proficient and feel I could effectively pass that knowledge on to others.
• I plan on letting them choose the topics based on their individual needs.

Here's where I have questions:

• Do I need to start a formal business?
• Since I plan on teaching in other peoples' homes, should I have some kind of insurance?  If so, what kind?
• Should I draw up some kind of proposal paperwork and/or contract?
• Would I need Microsoft's "blessing" through a certification of some kind?

Any help you can give would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

Tony

Hi Night Person,

First I must congratulate you on your decision to start a biz.

No Lic required or cert. If you use your own name you can cash the checks made out to your biz. Example Nightperson Windows PC Consultants. Your name being night person, last name only is O.K. Open a business checking account with your name that way. Other wise you will need to file a fictitious business statement with a local newspaper and the local hall of records if you plan on a business name that is not your personal name. Second if you have anything you can be sued for then I suggest you at least purchase a bond in case you break some thing while in someones house. As for the work you do, make up a contract that warranties the work you do only to the amount of fee you charged and they paid.

Hope this helps,

Be Cool,

Ed

Hi niteperson,

I am sure there is money to be made in the business you are thinking of starting. It reminds me of The Video Professor commercials that I see on TV, where the guy teaches different Microsoft applications and things like eBay.

Your business of course, would involve you visiting people in person, which has its benefits as well as drawbacks.

I'm not sure if you have to get a business license or not, but the rules might be different depending on the state you live.

Cheers,

Ryan