How to Become an IT Consultant

[@umerk2305]

I am just beggining to enter studing IT field this September at age 45 with lots of enthusiasam. Watching your videos and hearing all these valuable advices give me lots of strength and motivation. Thank you so much for doing this wonderful work.

[@moscanoche4457]

I stumbled across this video and listened out of curiosity. This may be a video from 2010, but 90% of what Eli speaks about is still very relevant. This is applicable and valuable advice for anyone starting any small business and not just IT. This should be mandatory for High School students in their senior year of a business class.

[@TheArtOfTechSupport]

this still applies in 2023

[@mj0hnny]

12:44 minutes into i had to pause this video because i could no longer contain myself. YOU ARE AMAZING. i still have 49:28 of amazing to go through. honestly i am positive this video has inspired so many people, basically change their lives. i kept on procrastinating on this consultant idea for a while now, and this video has showed me that i have wasted so much time. no more wasting time! thanks for inspiring me Eli :D

[@simonec3893]

How is your life going right now bro

[@BlakeBurroughs]

All I can say is WOW! You solidified my business model and talked me into getting off of my butt and knocking on doors. I just found you yesterday and can't stop watching!! Thank you and God bless you!

[@echips505]

Eli, Like many others have written I too wish to say " Thank You, " I began work as a Consultant after getting sick and losing my job. Well let's just say long story short, best thing that could have happen to me.. I have viewed many of your videos and I must say starting in the 90's until now I have experienced the trends, owned my own shop during the bubble [ great times] But my thank you is for the validation for doing the things just the way you said them and enjoying freedom too.. IT WORKS! Last but not least, I hope you continue make => NO BS ~ " Real Talk Videos "

[@hardware20x]

Regarding purchasing Hardware, I would never purchase anything for the clients upfront. I would get the clients to purchase the hardware directly (from Dell, or wherever). When it arrives, I would set it up and charge them a pre-discussed flat-rate service fee. This way, you don't have any upfront costs at all, so if the client goes bankrupt (or the deal goes south), the only thing you'd be out on is your time in labor.

[@jjkhawaiian]

Hi Eli, You rock! TY!!! I came across your webvids to update network skills when someone asked me tonight if I would be interested in building one for their Father's business. Personally and in business I've worked on many a computer/server/network and, "Yes, I too, CAN be an IT consultant!". You covered everything to start your own business. I'm in my first year as a real estate investor, so I just learned these things. Now, I can run 2 NEW businesses easily from my home office.

[@stellatoweett1201]

I loved your Arduino lesson.. so I decided to back to learn more... I have known you for ages but never watched your videos due to the length.. only used to watch any video that are less than 20min .. so I regret to have missed you.. you are the best.. Bucky mislead me... I couldn't get any grounds. Thanks ally Eli.

[@angelthewolfman8210]

Thank you Eli for your inspiring, simple, and practical approach to becoming an IT consultant.

[@ONNEYY]

Your advises are incredibly helpful, after seen your video I decided to become a computer consultant and even made a webpage and and printed some business cards, thank you!!!

[@MrHav1k]

You have inspired me. I was thinking I'd just work for some firm for a while until everything got outsourced. Now I think I'm going to work for a few years, gain certs and experience, then maybe start my own consulting thing.

[@femijeffery]

Holy heaven ! , i must confess, Eli is the best. Your videos/ teachings made me feel like am not missing anything, kip it up boss, your the BEST.

[@nonchalantd]

This guy is successful in part because of his voice and attitude. He gives off a positive, professional vibe, which is good for sales.

[@dwice13]

Under Promise and over delivery + Errors and omissions insurance advice are the pieces of the puzzles that I needed. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@nonchalantd]

I work in tax, and my strategy for keeping the bill reasonable is that I do not bill for the time I spend learning. I just bill for the time it takes me to execute the work once I have learned what I need to do the job. I also use a timer app as part of the chrome browser to time myself. I use Casefox to keep track of clients, cases, billing, etc.

[@kenhiggins129]

Great advice Eli. The only thing missing for me is what I need for training and what services to focus on.

[@stephenrandiga8750]

Thank you Eli for your tutorials,i have gained a lot by practicing your teachings. Keep up the good work.

[@bmhbh]

What he is saying is true and great advise. I know and have been there several times. Getting up front with your customers is what its all about.

[@gregflorko8402]

I agree that social networking is important. When I was out of work (laid off from a major financial services company) in New York City, I made a contact at a local bar that lead to a cosulting job that lasted five years, (twice as long as the job I had just lost).

[@kingyellow21]

ELI U DA BOMB DIGGITY...U HAVE OPENED THE NURONS OF MY NUGGET..U WILL BE BLESSED FOR FREE FOR TAKING TIME TO VIRUTAL EDUCATE A OUT OF WORK IT GUY....RESPECT TO A MAN THATS BEEN THER AND KEEP IT REAL.

[@bobbyshabangu]

The last part of this video Eli speaks truth on power. Very true, that knocking on people's doors and advertising your company feels a bit degrading but it has to be done.

[@itsSpecialSteve]

Thank you Mr. Eli!!! Just for fun. When you were going over DBA and named your business "Eli the computer guy." "I concocted Stevie the computer genie" Haha. Thank you so much for giving us the knowledge, wisdom, and encouragement!

[@UTUBE5388327]

Thanks for the great advice! I took copious notes and everything you said made sense to me. My own business was embezzled and I did *everything* wrong, everything you said not to do I did. Nice job~any advice on getting trough my CompTiA A+ exam without babbling and drooling?

[@brandonfarfan1978]

I've been thinking, about this IT consultant thing, for a while now. I'm glad I watched this vid.👍

[@genx7693]

Thanks for what you do. Your advice will be priceless for those just starting out. Good job!

[@NickDePanfilis]

Yes, exactly. He's not a textbook consultant, because he does other IT work. He just talks about it because when you have your own business you can do any work you want.

[@overmind1612]

I must say dude you do great work for the you tube community. Hell all I watch is youtube Keep it up bro

[@djbreal87]

Step 1:Blame the distant end. Step 2:Convince them they need fiber optics and new switches. Step 3:Profit

[@mohammedsaud3704]

Eli, Thank you so much for your advices and life concepts. allah bless you

[@tanicewilson4878]

I shall stay with your tutorials from beginner to"How to Become an IT Professional"! Thank you

[@cageybee777]

[I continue from my previous post] For example, if you go into physics, or math, or finance and accounting, these subjects have lots of authors and many books on the same subject that are in 14th or 15th editions. Many of these authors have BA degrees and most likely took creative writing classes. These people know how to present an abstract idea in terms that we can grasp. On the other side, however, a person with a BS or BSEE doesn't know any of this and that is the key difference.

[@angrysquirrel11]

Really great video Eli. Very interesting, humorous and practical. Thank so much for the valuable upload, like so many of your videos.

[@AJBodhisattva]

my guru..u r the best teacher in the world

[@TheB2steaksauce]

By far my favorite Eli the Computer Guy intro. Just hilarious.

[@silvernode]

have you done a revised version of this video which only specifies the differences from 2010 and the current year?

[@amankasnia]

+silvernode +Eli the Computer Guy I think thats a great idea

[@ericdickson2065]

+silvernode or a video in which they learn how to spell "then" properly? "It's easier THAN you think."

+Eric Dickson As a consultant he's done the traditional half assed job that'll have to be patched up later.

[@pointblank6702]

+Seán O'Nilbud your mom will need to be patched up later ;)

[@JagjitBrawler]

Damn.....Savage af xD

[@Deadsoulsamrat]

when i want to learn i only watch your videos coz you are the best!! (complete,informative,and lt more ) :)

[@VonGoldfinger]

Nice video.Thanks for the bedroom appartement advice haha I'll be doing that for sure since I dont need a office!

[@JediIsLegends]

Great break down on how to get started!

[@Medicranger]

How hard would it be to maintain a small IT consultancy on the side, while having a full time job?

[@mongobongo2209]

Great choice of words man u are an excellent speaker.

[@Laughin9M4N]

I thought the LLC was to protect your personal assets vs company assets so the person suing couldn't make you sell your home/car whatever because of your businesses issue

[@calvinwilliams3]

I looked through most of the comments and didn't see this,, wondering about proof of experience? I have over 20 years experience but don't have any certs or degrees. how would I get work or trust to get work without being able to show these things? or am I just screwed... just wondering your thoughts to how I can get around this. This is also why I am having trouble getting a good job in the new area that I moved to I believe. thus why I was thinking about doing my own thing. thanks in advance for any help you can give.

[@adekpedjoudine8507]

Thanks Mr.Eli for sharing this with us.

[@P666Young]

Eli, Thank You. You are so inspirational.

[@yolondawaters1106]

This is a nice vid. Very motivational. I believe you can start this at any age, too!

[@wwallace135]

Thanks for all your videos .......i have learned a lot !!!

[@V081WLBlue]

You are a nice, real guy. God bless you.

[@bionicth]

very gracious of you to share your insight

[@SamuelCoyeAdams]

You the man, Eli.

[@nightzombieslayer]

i like u eli you have a fun way of explaining IT and im going for my associate in PC networking an admin. security u make it easy for some one new to learn IT and how to make money KUDOS

[@PrateekJain23317]

Thank you Eli for the invaluable guidance.

[@TheWizardjones]

Thanks old school Eli!

[@stephen9944]

Eli..... I've been in the business working for a large outfit getting paid $20 an hour for 7 years without a raise, killing myself making this company look good....I'm done with it. I need to see this, just to remind me that I need to get my poop in a group and do something about it. Thanks for inspiration man. Rev

[@nathanlief]

I having the experience and knowledge but lack the degree, I can honestly tell you that you are one in a million without the experience. Anyone who knows anything about computers can pay $200 and get an A+ cert. What you personally need to do w/o experience is get experience. If I was in your situation is provide my knowledge for free to small biz that will allow you to show fiscally that you helped them and allow you to prove this with papers. You are 1/1m who get a degree w/o exp every year.

[@johnbarasch1917]

I know nothing about computers how do I start?

[@russellgrover]

Totatlly agree on the Under Promise and over Deliver! :)

[@MrHav1k]

Very helpful video Eli. THANK YOU!

[@rayho9012]

Appreciate your hearty sharing to start the business..

[@ToimintaMies]

i hated and loved this guy.. now i just randomly accept this guy. SUBBED! :D

[@darthorpheus]

Thank you! You make a lot of sense when you talk.

[@JA2NJ]

started from the bottom now im here

[@pucktoplay1]

Yes you will still be sued either way, but the difference is that with the LLC, they can't come after your personal assets, only whats in the name of the business. So with LLC, they can only take the business and assets for business, without it, they can take your house thats in your name, car in your name, investments in your name, and leave your family in the streets. LLC is its own 'person'

[@raheim21]

Hi Eli!! Been a fan for about 10 years. Is this video still relevant on steps to become an IT consultant?

[@vincentc.9415]

I'm a 14 year old trying to fix computer to pay for my high school tuition i don't know about the F.E.I.N though and i'm scared.

[@SteveSmartiMartinez]

I just got Laid off and this is exactly the pep talk I needed. Thank you bud!

[@nonchalantd]

Flat rate billing works best if you know how much time you are going to spend on the assignment.

[@zlovredniyTip]

Netbook would be sufficient as a 1st pc or not really?

[@dmitryagapov8087]

finally. i just had to create a new email account and a new you tube account because my cookies setting were stuck on off or something and would not allow me to post anything . any suggestion on how to fix this. and yes ive tried changing the settings even tried restoring them to default still had the lil cookie w a line through it in the top right corner. any other suggestions???

[@KingAnne]

You get paid for watching a movie.. and that's GREAT! :) love this man. thanks a lot!

[@PhilInsane]

Hey I work in support 1st / 3rd level and wish to move to project management. Can you do a video on this? I'm sick to death of running after stupid users problems and constantly being called with printer issues i feel I could make better money in pm and already have some pm qualifications.

[@simrankaurvirdi9146]

Hello. I recently got a job as an IT consultant but i still seem to find myself not technically strong. How can i improve myself technically in troubleshooting Please advice

[@wordp_app]

How are u now?!

[@simrankaurvirdi9146]

toufik s in HR now, much happier :)

[@wordp_app]

@@simrankaurvirdi9146 you are alive !haha good luck

[@Hoppy5454]

I had a laugh when you mentioned working from home and watching TV. I am doing 2 clean installs on desktops just now and watching your videos. :-)

[@yubapaudel]

Useful and fact information. Thanks Eli.

[@mason6347]

Thank you for the tip my man, I've been wondering how I start. No one would help me, but I think I've found the dude, who will help! Thanks!

[@PremiumFuelOnly]

Thanks for the info. You discourage renting office space. But if you have a home office, how do you meet the client? If you drive to their place, you may loose money on wasted trips.

[@hardware20x]

He mentions that most of the time, the client wants you to go to them. The rarely uses his conference room.

[@TheInsideSnoop]

Awesome video! Thanks for putting out quality content. It's surprising how much crap there is out there.

[@YababaVideo]

IT consultancy is high paying. If you are a cyber security consultant you can get paid HUGE lump sums.

[@frinzfriez390]

Does CCNA a good stepping stone for becoming IT consultant?

[@itpugil]

Tried that, and no. Since it is too vendor-specific. Try learning linux or any certificate from Windows to get a step up if you want to start your career without needing a bachelor's degree in IT.

[@overmind1612]

Yes indeed word of mouth does travel far but in this age its best to jump on all forms of advertising that you can that is free or low-cost. the key is being able to be visible. Then let your work do the talking

[@aparicio760]

if you do a written contract with a lawyer is that a one time charge for the lawyers service?

[@mahdijaff1]

thank you man for the great video

[@LazerPotatoe]

how do you bill for websites? Do you make the client pay for hosting and domain with their credit card?

[@2000nooran]

Thank you much, your soul is wonderful, you like my brother which I don't have...... Your advices also ..... Great

[@bubz75]

Great information Eli!

[@arunbm123]

fantastic Presentation..I like it

[@postwala2667]

Hi Eli - can I refer a consulting/contracting software that your users can use for Free

[@Sycth50]

what courses in school do you need to take to be qualified in computer stuff?

[@getitenterprise]

ok im 15 min into the video and all i can think about is geez u f**king look happy talking about the business ur in.im 25 an in the process of starting my IT business, an i hope i can still enjoy netflix and coronas as much as you do.. ps damn u charged 50 bucks a few years ago. im charging 25/hr no wonder people love my rates!!!!.. great video

[@techguy3424]

22:00 mark I've had that happen before, thankfully it was only about $30.

[@algorithmism8559]

What courses/information is needed to do this? Networks?

[@grebeau1]

Thank you for this video. Good advice.

[@quantum_fluff1344]

Thanks Eli for the great tips!

[@ibrahimmarin3541]

Man, you are amazing Thank you!

[@TochukwuOkafor]

I want to become a free lance consultant. but i still have my 8 to 5 job, how do i make the side hustle work since i intend to make this side income become a full income in the future.

[@indiglowdrow69]

The start reminds me of the Jerk. This screw driver. That's all I need... and this laptop... and this wireless card. That's all I need.

[@amkrjha]

Great Work !!

[@vkkkv23]

Superb Video .,

[@knowl8ge]

Thank you, Sir.

[@sixwingproductions]

what does this have to do with computers?

[@Goldmanvision]

Thanks Eli!