How do I start my own LAN wiring (cabling) company?

Question

I work in IT now. I've "ran" a T1 extension through a mall by toning and cross-connecting house pairs. I can punch down a patch panel. The (some) actual cable runs may be difficult, but it's "just" running cable. Then punch the jacks, test, and lable...

I don't know too much to the business aspect of it.
llc, inc? insurance? certifications? Start with side jobs?

Pretty much, how do I get the ball rolling? Can someone please point me in the right direction? :)

Answer 1

If you want to be successful as a LAN cabler, you should get certified by BICSI (Building Industry Consulting Service International, Inc.). BICSI trains and certifies telecommunications cabling specialists and it will show your clients that you have the training and understanding of cabling issues necessary to build a functioning cable plant. I took the week-long BICSI course several years ago and it was pretty rigorous.

For more information on BICSI, click on the link below.

As for insurance, any insurance agency can help you. You will need to establish your business as a corporation or other entity, which you can discuss with a lawyer. Talk to a bank to get a loan for any necessary equipment.

Your next step is to get out there. Place ads in the newspaper or local magazines. Get some business cards printed and hand them out to people who might be interested in cabling work. If you see ground being broken on a commercial building, locate the general contractor and ask if they have a subcontractor picked for the network cabling. Make them an offer they can't refuse and get to work.

Good luck!

Answer 2

its great that you will start your biz from the bottom floor knowing how to run/pull wire, conduit...etc is key so you will be able to give customer guesstimate quotes. as an biz owner you will need to know all aspects as you said sales [marketing, advertising...etc] service [warranties, service aggreements, parts/suppliers...etc] every biz venture need some simple info: who are your competitors? how much biz do you expect to take from them why will you be able to who are your customers? computer suppliers for schools, business,etc where to open location local loc? industrial park get a big map put all potential customers on it [call them] and open in the middle [ negotiate a lease that gives you a few months free to get set-up ot rising rent as you grow...many options] most important = biz plan plan plan plan and talk about it 24/7 to anyone who'll listen you should write tonnes of stuff down daily and get it in your plan need money your bank needs to see your realistic plan with a 2-3 year cash flow forecast