Entrepreneurship in Computing

Originally published
Note: This article was published while I was in my early 20s. I was much younger and dumber. Please don't hold it against me. One of the perils of having a 20+ year old website!
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Recently I gave a talk on campus about Entrepreneurship in Computing. I talk about my experiences as a freelancer and consultant and give some advice to the undergraduate Comp Sci and Comp Info Systems students, and anyone else who would listen. I’d like to break my presentation down to a few posts here, starting with how I got my start.

How I got my Start

I was a sophomore in high school and my parish approached my about a website. At the time I wasn’t too savvy, but I figured I had Microsoft Frontpage; what more did I need? (I had a lot to learn). In any case, the gig just fell into my lap. I really enjoyed doing it and decided to look more into web development.

Throughout high school, I did small site for other students, mostly bands or skateboard groups (this was about the time CKY/Bam Margera got big, so every skateboarder had a camera) who needed the five basic pages: Home, About, Shows (or Vids), Media, Contact Us. I’d charge them $50-100 for the whole site and be on my merry way. It wasn’t until my freshman year of college that I really became a web developer. In those first few years, however, I learn my most valuable lessons.

Have Confidence
If you don’t believe in your work, why should someone who is paying you?
People Skills
Communications is key. You need to be able to speak the client’s language. Put what you are doing in their terms, because if you don’t, they won’t get what they want and they won’t be happy about it.
Specialize
When I started out, I didn’t only want to do websites. I wanted to do everything- web development, graphic design, computer repairs, network set-up; you name it. However a Jack of All Trades is a master of nothing. So pick something you really enjoy and learn everything you can about it.
Proper Business Workings
I was at least smart enough then to start a spreadsheet with my basic revenue and expenses, though I didn’t realize what could be an expense at the time. I also learned what documents were important to try and protect myself and my business.

Next time I will talk about running the business, why it might be the right choice for you and what to keep in mind.