Starting a business, Need Certs?

[ckaspar]

I am currently trying to start a business for developing Access databases, networking, web sites and general repair work for customers. I do not have any certifications as of yet but do not know that I need any or if I do then what kind. Any help you can provide with would be greatly appreciated.

I have taught myself all that I know in the past 4 years regarding all of the services above but am curious how I should go about getting certified, if nescessary.

How do I know if I know enough to pass any of them. I would hate to waste the time.

I know I know my stuff but don't want to waste the money if I don't have to.

What do you think?

 

[SQLBI]

Ckaspar,

I am in the same boat as you, i develop bespoke applications using MS Office apps and have no formal training or certs.

I waited until i thought my skills had evolved to a point where i felf confident that i could deal with most of the challenges thrown at me by clients.

I'm looking into MOUS for Access and Excel, together with MCP SQL Server 2000, but i don't feel i need them to trade.

I think sometimes certs and qualifications can be a smoke screen, (not trying to devalue certs or quals). The client will make their own mind up about your ability to service their needs following your initial discussions.

It's working for me at the moment.

If you're UK based, i'd reccomend joining your local chamber of commerce. It costs me GB£120 per year and i've already made +30 times that from other chamber members.





Leigh Moore
LJM Analysis Ltd

http://www.ljm-analysis.co.uk

 

[ckaspar]

Thanks for the support.

I have always felt a little subordinate to those with Certs and a little anxious about meeting clients without Certs either. Maybe I just need to prove to them what I know but be secure enough in myself to know when I can't handle something and outsource it.

I do agree that Certs can tend to be a smokescreen for some, not all. I have never been able to acept that somebody knows something just because a piece of paper says they do. Prove it!

Also you said you are running a business building Access Apps for companies? Would you be willing to allow me to ask you some more questions specifically about that elsewhere, i.e. Email? Just curoius. I need all the help I can get.

Either way, thank you for the support and I hope to talk to you further.

 

[SQLBI]

ckaspar,

You can contact me via the website below.

Leigh Moore
LJM Analysis Ltd

http://www.ljm-analysis.co.uk

 

[miteetall]

Say Leigh, nice website, but you have "medium" misspelled on the home page of your site. Props to you for having your own business and being so successful, it is only something I dream about at this point, but hope to start one of these days!!

 

[SQLBI]

miteetall,

Thanks, will sort typo asap.






Leigh Moore
LJM Analysis Ltd

http://www.ljm-analysis.co.uk

 

[GlenJohnson]

Here's what I went through. Took classes in W2K server and pro. Gent that taught the classes told us to study with trancenders. Start the first test on the cd, stop it and study all the questions and awnsers. Take the test again, and finish it. Print ONLY incorrect awnsers, study them and take the test again. Once you get 100% on the first test, move onto the second. Once you have 100% on all 3 tests, you're ready for the MS test. The trick is NOT to memorize awnsers, but really study and understand the questions and awnsers. I've passed W2K pro and W2K server the first time through using this method. Good luck. (FYI, gent that taught the class worked for ms and was on one of the teams that WROTE W2K pro and server, so he knew what he was talking about.)

Glen A. Johnson
Johnson Computer Consulting
MCP W2K
glen@johnsoncomputers.us

http://www.johnsoncomputers.us

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