It seems reasonable to assume that anyone harboring ideas of starting a computer business already has a deep familiarity with computers and related systems.  That said, the particulars of your training and experience, and your willingness to learn more, are vital in determining the type of computer business best suited to your talents.  Have you ever dissected, reassembled, or repaired a computer?  Are you familiar with all major operating systems?  Have you worked in the computer field before?  Honestly assess your readiness to start a computer business, or ask someone else with industry knowledge help you make the assessment. Completing a degree in the computer field will certainly help you in starting a business, but it is unlikely that most customers will ask to see your diploma.  More important is your ongoing gathering of experience, whether through education, training, or employment. Certification is a good way to indicate expertise, though.  You may want to seek A+ certification from the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), or the related N+ network certification, or become a Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE).  These can help give your business card an air of legitimacy. With any small business, you need to carefully consider the local demographics, the identity and needs of your target population, and the particular products and services they are likely to desire.  How can you tailor your planned business to meet these conditions? In this so-called “post-PC era,” you may find demand for traditional computer sales, service, and/or support to be much reduced, especially among a younger, tech-savvy population.  However, especially in areas with older populations and/or small-town and rural areas, you may find a greater percentage of people in need of PC repairs and support.  Remember, you need to keep up with the latest technology; many of your potential customers do not (and will not). Despite changing technology and consumer tastes, there are still opportunities to establish a business based on sales of computers, parts, or accessories; editing and design services; troubleshooting and/or training; and repairs or refurbishments.  The key is flexibility and an ability to change along with the technology.  New technology is meant to make life easier, but many consumers find it to be just another layer of confusion.  General set-up and troubleshooting tasks, like setting up printers and wireless networks, data recovery and wiping, and media archiving or editing, may remain a viable component of your business, even if PC repair requests decrease. If you can prove yourself to be an expert on computers and related technology, and can build a positive reputation, you should be able to find a niche for your computer business. Are you looking to start a computer business as a side job, or a source of supplementary income?  Or are you hoping to build the business into your full-time career?  Either way, it is probably best to start small and determine the market and prospects for your business over a period of time.  If you’re looking to keep your computer business as a part-time job, then keeping your focus on repairs and troubleshooting may suffice. Building your business into a full-time occupation, however, may require further diversification of the products and services you offer, perhaps by selling parts, accessories, or entire systems.  You’ll need to draw in a loyal client base and build a positive reputation in the community.

Summary: Assess your skill set. Analyze the local market. Consider your business options. Set your goals.


One of the best ways to build good habits that support a fulfilling life is by doing something each day that challenges you. Identify one thing you can take action on that pushes you beyond your comfort zone and do it.  At the start of each day, ask yourself, “What can I do today to challenge myself?” The answer will vary. For example, some days, this might be leaving the house to connect with others. On other days, this might be sharing ideas with your boss when you typically stay quiet. End each day by reflecting on your daily challenge. Try writing your thoughts in a journal, and be sure to note any accomplishments you made during the day. Look for the areas in your life with the least growth or the most stagnancy to tease out unhealthy habits. Then, replace them with better, healthier ones.  For example, if you've been trying to lose weight, but you spend a lot of time on the couch, reduce your TV time or do an exercise while you watch. Try replacing one bad habit at a time in order to keep yourself from getting overwhelmed. A fulfilling life is a charged and excited life, so seek out inspiration on a daily basis. Revisit your goals, make a vision board, listen to podcasts or audiobooks, or recite empowering quotes each day. Even if you're not so happy with where you are right now, seeking out daily motivation can help you stay powered up to change your situation and reach your goals. Reach out to your social circle for help sticking with your goals and building better habits. Make a Facebook post to your larger network, verbalize your plans in front of family or friends, work with a buddy, or create a rewards system to stay accountable. For example, if you're heading back to school you might make a post that says, "I'm finally going to go back to grad school. I'd appreciate your support and encouragement on my journey!"

Summary: Challenge yourself daily. Replace your bad habits with good ones. Motivate yourself daily. Hold yourself accountable.


Removing the marker stain will be easier if you have all your materials ready and accessible before you start. You’re going to need:  A mild abrasive cleaner or enzyme cleaner. You can get these at any big box store and most supermarkets. Rubbing alcohol, also available at most supermarkets, drugstores, and big box stores. A damp washcloth. Hold a clean washcloth under running water and squeeze out the excess water. You want to make sure the spot you’re cleaning is facing up so that the cleaner doesn’t run down the surface of the wood. Make sure you cover the entire area of the marker stain. Let the cleaner sit for 2-3 minutes. Wipe in a circular motion until you remove the stain. This may take a few minutes. Rinse any remaining cleaner from the wood using a clean corner of your damp washcloth. If the stain is still there after using cleaner, soak your washcloth in rubbing alcohol. Wipe the alcohol-soaked washcloth over the stained area a few times, then rinse.

Summary: Gather your materials. Turn the piece of wood so that the marked surface is accessible. Spray the abrasive or enzyme cleaner onto the surface of the wood. Wipe off the marker stain with a damp washcloth. Remove remaining marker with a washcloth soaked in rubbing alcohol.


Think of any items the person has asked for in their stocking, as well as any hobbies or things they enjoy. This will help you create a list of possible ideas (as well as places to shop) for their stocking stuffers. For example, if the person loves nature or asked for a stocking full of fun items, you might look for a mini flashlight, patterned gloves, travel games, and stickers with animals on them. This is especially helpful if you’re filling a stocking for more than one person, as the cost of all the small filler items combined can get quite high. Choose a budget for each stocking, such as $25, to help make sure they’re all of a similar quality and you don’t spend too much. If there are things that you put in the stocking every year, purchase these items and plan for how much space you’ll have left over in the stocking. If you don’t have any traditions for stockings, consider starting one! Popular family stocking stuffers might include oranges, a toothbrush, or LifeSavers Storybooks. The theme ties together all of the items in the stocking, narrowing your search to items related to one specific subject that the stocking recipient would like. The theme might be something like sports, princesses, sweets, or books.  For example, a sports-themed stocking could include items like candies in the shapes of footballs or basketballs, a mini sports game, pencils with baseballs on them, or sports-themed stickers. A princess-themed stocking might have a toothbrush with a princess on it, a tiara, plastic jewelry, and a princess coloring book.
Summary: Select items depending on the recipient’s interests and preferences. Choose a budget for each stocking, if desired. Incorporate family traditions when choosing items. Consider choosing a theme for the stocking.