Hello tclug- I have been acting as an 'independent consultant' [read: building websites for clients, cause i cant seem to find a good linux sys admin job in tc area] and am aiming to be more professional, and 'real' if i can call it that. I am wondering if anyone has any experience, and is willing to share a few thoughts. Ive been thinking of ways to 'improve' my business... and Ive realised that i need to define a few things, and am looking to the local linux community to help me. The following presumes i have 4 of 5 clients, spending one day a week with each... **What sort of response time can i give my clients if they are having network problems, or any problem for that matter. Do i set thier expectations that ill call with in 2 hrs, and go from there? Maybe show up within 24 hrs (presuming metro area clients) **I need to think about my availablity as a consultant. 1. what hours a day am i avail. 2. whats my weekend work policy? 3. Evening policy? 4. What do i do for vacation 5. What if im sick. If i advise someone on what hardware / software to buy, how much responsibility do i assuem when it doesnt work, or has problems? prob. quite a bit. What sort of equipment do i need? laptop cell phone desk somewhere, with office supplies computer 'toolkit' [crimper, cat 5 clips, screwdrivers...] What are other consultant/tech support places around the TC area charging per hour... I know this is very wide open, and could take a long answer. Thanks for your input. real time must have made all of these decisions, care to input? thx duncan