CAD Side Business

[TateJ]

I'm thinking of starting a CAD - 3d Modeling - side-business. I can carve out 10 to 20 hours each week for short-term projects. Of course I wouldn't compete with my employer - so that's not an issue. As an example - I'm thinking that drafting for patent applications would be a good quick turn-around business. I'm wondering if any of y'all are doing this. Keep in mind - I'm not an engineer... just a humble CADgeek.
So, is a

http://WWW page

a good place to solicit business?
Or maybe a mass-mailing to all the potential clients I can dig up?
Should I down-play the fact that I'm a 1-person operation, or is this an asset - low overhead?
Should I offer better-than-competitive rates, so I can build a portfolio?
At a minumum, I'll get a cell phone so there will be one contact-point exclusive to the biz - so my 10 yr-old won't be answering a potential business call.
Additionally, I'd appreciate any other advice ya'll can spare.
Thanks for hashing this out with me...

Read my profile & make me an offer... now!
tatejATusfilter.com[/u]​

 

[Wkeenan81576]

You have alot of work on your hands. I starting doing Freelance CAD work about 1.5 mnths ago. I have to tell you I spend about 10-15 hours just looking for projects. Most of the work I pick up is generally from small contractors looking for plans to build decks and basement finishing.

 

[fndn]

You have to realize that you must do a lot better than your old OT paycheck. You'll now have overhead, insurance, stationary, utilities. So I'm trying to let you know that you should charge at least 3 times waht your gross hourly pay was in the past. Congrats for starting a business for the right reasons-to contribute and not be restricted.

As for where to get clients, go to

http://www.score.org

and pick one of the retired coaches, and pose your questions there. They are very good.

 

[TravisMack]

I applaud your efforts..however, be sure to heed the warning of not to use your current employer's hardware or software. It creates a very large conflict of interest and will likely get you fired. Developing the business slow while you have steady employment is a good recipe for success. I wish you well.

As far as types of work, if you are proficient in CAD, working for the construction industry could be very lucrative. Many smaller contractors need help getting plans and layouts into CAD form in order to get permits.