In reply to The Lemming:
> (In reply to blanchie14c)
> [...]
> Things aren't looking too rosey. :-/
>
>
> [...]
>
> Perception is everything and I don't think that a stall in Bispham Market will give the perceived image that you are hoping to achieve of a cutting edge technical wizard/expert. A web presence would be your best bet.
Word of mouth is pretty powerfully locally, I remember looking for a radio for a new car I had bought, I just had to mention ' car radio ' to friends and I was given a name and phone number, I called it and when I got to his place it was a back kitchen stacked with radios of every type floor to ceiling, his bench was a kitchen table and a lap top to find the codes, some soldering equipment and that was it.,
So not always Is there a need to appear high tech, just get a good reputation of knowing your stuff, and not letting anyone down
The radio guy knew his stuff and had lots of work. Without fancy shops, or high street presence. Amazingly I got a receipt !
The point is, friends, social networks, local clubs and pubs , business forums etc. is where a lot of people get their tradesmen recommendations , golf clubs, bowling clubs, football supporters clubs pubs etc. can you get to know someone and get get some cards to barstaff at local pubs who overhear conversations, and can pass on cards or just a phone number. What about fixing the local pubs computer?
As others have mentioned most folk just need someone when it breaks down, local small business are more likely to be prepared to sign up to have someone they can get to do maintenence or preventative checks, and of course someone who they can depend on to turn up locally at the drop of a hat to solve urgent IT issues and get their business back on track.
In my job I need to source goods and services very quickly, I often prefer local small local business, to larger organisations, as I find them more responsive.
Good luck.