A Parachute Option... for Cloud-Data?

When aviation was in its infancy, it was enthralling, and aviation still is for many who are captivated by the thought of flying in the clouds. However in those early years of flight, when things didn't go as planned, mortality was high because parachutes were an afterthought. Today, ICON Aircraft, Inc. has developed a parachute system directly into their A5 model. In business, CEO's and others in the upper echelons of commerce often seal their hiring with a parachute clause. In these situations, the intent of the expression 'parachute' is that when things don't work out as planned, you can come out of the situation relatively unscathed.

ICON Parachute System (IPS); courtesy of ICON Aircraft, Inc.

In a similar sense, cloud-based platforms are fine when things are going business-as-usual, even exciting when everyone is in wow-mode. But what happens when all of that ends? What happens when the visionaries who created the business model decide to leave? What happens when a cloud-based provider no longer wants to be in business, or the company strategy becomes to sell-off to another owner? Is there a data parachute option for users who voluntarily want out, or those who are forced out?

Some might recall that Solidworks was sold to Dassault Systemes in 1997, only two years after its first release in 1995. Could something similar happen to Onshape as it continues its trajectory of success? Also, there have been closings of cloud-based programs before. Remember TeamPlatform for cloud-based design collaboration? It was a noble venture that after being purchased by 3D Systems was thereafter closed. With that in mind, the end of Microsoft eBooks has provided a fresh view of what a very prominent cloud-based platform closing looks like. A fresh reminder that it doesn't matter how many backup servers are dedicated, if it's in the cloud, you really don't own it. Granted there are distinct differences between eBooks and cloud-based CAD programs currently on the market, and even how data rights management (DRM) are handled. However, there are similar principles that demonstrate the real vulnerabilities and risks involved when relying on a program owned / controlled by others.

It's understandable how enticing a cloud-based platform can be for owners and developers. It provides them with 100% total control and real-time analytics on how the program is being used, by whom, when, etc. What company wouldn't want that depth of consumer insight on the use of their products? For example, Onshape is a reputable and well-received platform for CAD and they are no doubt benefiting from this insight as they continue to  develop and mature. Conglomerate Dassault Systemes is trying vigorously to stay relevant with their burgeoning 3DExperience cloud-based platform, evident by how frequently the marketing names for their new products are being revised that their domain admins are struggling to keep up.

It's also understandable that many startups and small lean-mean-business-machines have embraced cloud-based platforms. Why shouldn't they when every day and everybody you work with has a go-for-it, throw caution to the wind and take it on, kind'a day? For startups and small businesses, it's all about risk and seeing what happens!

Onshape is touted as being like a Google Docs for CAD. That analogy seems a very appropriate way to help understand how it works, how data is edited, managed and made accessible to others for collaboration. The striking exception in this analogy however, is there is no off-line mode with Onshape. There is no way to work with Onshape data untethered from the provider. And that seems to be at least one of the aspects of the trepidation felt by so many others regarding cloud-based CAD platforms. Fusion 360 by Autodesk has addressed this need with a hybrid approach, but not everyone wants a full program download nor maintain the hardware needed to operate the program. Add the fact made evident with Microsoft recently closing shop on their eBooks, that local files you thought you owned can and will vanish if a provider implements DRM tactics. Hence the reluctance by many to embrace cloud-based CAD. Users simply don't have control over their cloud-data in a tangible way that feels akin to ownership.

In our complex and dynamic world, it's no surprise that technology, companies, and programs are ever changing, being improved, or phased out. The surprise is when it affects us personally. So it's easy to understand that dependency on a cloud-based CAD platform or provider should warrant a user to question how to recover should the service abruptly end or fail to meet expectations.

Some might argue that there is dependency in every aspect of computing and that is true when talking about computer or server operating systems, programs, devices and the like. The difference is there is still a measure of autonomy with such systems. When product support ends, the user still has general control of their data, of when they want to phase out and trade up or convert. When a cloud platform ends, there is little to no control for the user. In such cases, any action plan and timing is inextricably defined by the owner of the platform.

To borrow the cliche, "it's not if but when" your CAD provider changes their business-as-usual approach. It could be tomorrow, it could be next year, or in five years. Honorable intentions aside, when change comes from your CAD platform, and it will, what data parachute options will you have? While it remains to be seen, based upon current technologies, the better cloud-based CAD provider will include the self-sufficiency of off-line mode for assurance and access to data, AND they will be prudent enough to include a data parachute. In other words, providing users upfront with the means to access their data using a simple export engine, and / or the means to translate data into another format if you want, when you want, independent of the platforms own existence. Perhaps through a consortium approach that can rightfully address the current risks to cloud-data. [Update: At present, Onshape is setting a leading example in addressing the concern of cloud-data accessibility. As noted in their privacy overview, they provide export of design data into any of several industry standard or proprietary formats. Notably, they also provide a full, free API that let's you access all of your data programmatically. Thus enabling you to get your data into, and out of, Onshape at any time. Adding, their philosophy is that by making it possible for you to leave at any time, they're forever motivated to improve their service so that you'll want to stay.] 

As beautiful as the clouds may be on a bright sunny day, how confident would you really be to fly with a provider that sells itself as reputable and reliable, yet purposefully neglects to provide you with a pre-flight safety plan in the event you encounter the unexpected? So, with a cloud-based platform entrusted with your data, wouldn't you expect to have a parachute option?

How to Start a CAD Business?

Interest in 'How to Start a CAD Business' is among the variety of subjects regularly searched and viewed on this blog. Therefore to assist further in this regard, please find a brief review and links to four earlier and popular posts that may help in providing direction and encouragement toward starting a CAD business.  We hope you find the information beneficial toward developing your interest, your approach and your potential as a CAD entrepreneur!

First, Are You Considering Starting a CAD Business? discusses three specific options you have for working in the field of CAD.  This post was the very first for this blog and lays the groundwork for considering which direction you might choose to utilize your CAD skills and interest.

Second, Basic Steps to Starting a CAD Business presents four facets that would be essential for establishing a CAD business.  Because any business venture requires a measure of investment of some sort, the information is written from the perspective of starting lean and building later as opportunity affords.

Third, Starting a CAD Business... Surprisingly Easy! provides the elementary requirements to make a CAD business a reality.  Many may be surprised to find that starting a CAD business is not as daunting as they might have thought!

Fourth, Go For It! ...Ways to Generate CAD Business Opportunities encourages an awareness of potential opportunities for CAD work.  While certainly not an inclusive list of ideas, it does bring to attention the two primary types of opportunity that exist.

As many have found, working with SolidWorks can be both enjoyable and rewarding.  It is an incredible 3D CAD software package with some of the finest features and user interface found in the industry.  To grow from a SolidWorks CAD user to a SolidWorks CAD entrepreneur can be a worthwhile endeavor, but as with any secular venture it is important to weigh the cost, as it were.  The reality is that not all business ventures will turn out successful.  However, sincere desire and effort with integrity may well provide the impetus and foundation needed toward starting a CAD business.

With that in mind, please take the time to review the variety of additional posts found throughout our blog archive.  As you will find, the effort behind each is to share topics relevant and practical to fellow SolidWorks CAD entrepreneurs, or those considering to be!

Recieve credit card payments directly... with Square!

For the CAD contractor, having a variety of methods to receive payment just makes for common sense. 
Reputable online payment solutions such as PayPal and Moneybookers are well established in the world of freelance work.  However until recently, many independent contractors may have been reluctant to handle credit transactions themselves due to banking contracts and processing fees.  That is no longer a concern with Square, co-founded by Jim McKelvey and Jack Dorsey in 2009.  The company is headquartered in San Francisco with additional offices in Saint Louis and New York City.

(C) Square

Square enables people from all walks of life to accept credit and debit cards.  While currently available only for a variety of devices on the Apple iOS and Google Android platforms, the clear advantage of Square is its simplicity, both in processing and function.

Square's credit /debit card processing fees are static flat rates, accepting Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Discover.  That's it!  There is no activation, gateway, monthly, early termination, hidden fees or any additional costs to use.  Square also does not require a contract upon sign up and since they only charge per transaction, it doesn't cost you anything if you don't use it!

The application process is quite straightforward, only requiring (1) a US based bank account, (2) a US based physical address, (3) Social Security number, and (4) EIN number (optional for businesses only).  Once approved, Square will provide a free card reader within 1-3 weeks.

Square's download app enables accepting cards by simply plugging the card reader into the ear phone jack, and then swiping the card.  Additionally, the app allows the option to accept payments manually by entering card information for phone, mail, or internet orders.

While receiving payment for your CAD work is always rewarding, it's now much easier with Square!  With a free card reader that accepts all credit cards, and with no hidden fees, commitments, extra equipment, complicated contracts, monthly fees or merchant account required, Square is a revolutionary method for the CAD contractor to accept credit cards directly!

Simplify Your CAD Business Tax Season

For some, the least appealing aspects of managing a CAD business is with regards to bookkeeping and taxes.  But as an older gentlemen who had imigrated years ago to the United States once said, 'I am very happy to pay taxes, because in my old country I could not even earn enough to have to pay them.  But now I can.'  So with appreciation that earnings in your CAD business also neccesitates governmental obligation, let's look at how we can simplify routine bookkeeping, and what typical small business tax deductions might apply.  Of course, please do not construe the following as representative of legal advice.  As always, it is recommended that one become familiar with the specific legal requirements unique to the business location, thereby determining what methods may be best for personal business needs.

Bookkeeping Basics
A very simple, yet functional spreadsheet should contain the following columns to account for business profit and loss:

• Date - calendar date
• Item - brief description of the item being documented
• Income - payments received
• Advertising - business cards, promotions, etc.
• Travel (miles) - travel expended for interviewing with clients, business promotions, etc.
• Commuting (miles) - travel to and from contracted work sites
• Office expenses - computers, software, etc.
• Supplies - paper, printer ink, etc.
• Taxes & Licenses - annual business license, periodic tax payments, etc
• Travel, Meals, & Entertainment - airfare, cab, eating out of town, etc.
• Loss - any unreceived money toward invoiced accounts

You may be pleasantly surprised to know that with this simplified spreadsheet layout, one might only need to spend 3-4 minutes each week keeping records up to date!  Yes, having a good routine makes updating business records that much easier.  For example, if you routinely submit invoices for your work on, say... a Friday afternoon, then use that opportunity as a prompt to document the weeks activities.  Also, you may choose to use this time to store any of the weeks business receipts in a designated envelope.

Maintaining these records will ensure the information is readily available with little extra effort required, when preparing periodic or annual tax forms.

Common Tax Deductions
Typical small business tax deductions are nothing new or secretive, but it can be helpful to have these items highlighted for any who simply have never needed to give thought to such.  Some of these topics will be similar, if not the same as the columns we discussed earlier regarding Bookkeping, so again we can see the intrinsic value of good record keeping.  For example, State and Federal laws may allow for deducting business expenses related to:

• Vehicle
• Commuting mileage
• Home office
• Office supplies
• Computer / Software
• Telephone / Internet
• Education / Training
• Travel / Meals / Entertainment
• Advertising / Promotions

Again, these are just some of the topics that are typical to a small home-based CAD business, and therefore you too can benefit from these tax related deductions.

In summary therefore, we find that a little routine maintenance in bookkeeping can make for a much less complicated or harried tax season.  Additionally, it affords one to hold a clean conscience in legally availing yourself of any tax advantages ascribed by law.

CAD Contracting... the growing trend

It is apparent that many larger companies recognize the value of hiring contractors for a multitude of services.  Bringing both monetary and intrinsic benefits to an employer, hiring contractors is an increasingly appealing option across the spectrum for what companies are looking for.  Without delving into the macro or micro-economics involved, the trend toward hiring contractors is evident in the numbers.

If you are already positioned to provide contracted CAD services, then you have a unique option for remaining active in the ever changing landscape of employment opportunities.  If you are one who is contemplating whether creating a CAD business is worth the time and effort, then it might be shrewd to listen to those who are paid to study economic trends.

• CNNMoney.com reports in an article entitled The Rise of Freelance Nation, "Don't wait for the company to push you. Start thinking like an entrepreneur now".  In addition to identifying that independent contractors will increase from the present 30% of the U.S. job market in 2009 to 40% in 2019, the article adds that 'the trend is expected to spread to professions such as accounting, engineering, health care, law, and sales'.
• MSN Money also stated in a December 2009 report of CEOs interviewed for PricewaterhouseCoopers' Private Company Trendsetter Barometer survey, that "among the 35 percent of leading private companies that believe they will have to fill in some skills gaps... 22 percent plan to use contractors as means to fill skills gaps at their companies."

Yes, as the numbers indicate, more and more companies are realizing the benefits that independent contractors can add to the dynamics of a workforce.  That being said, having ones own business to provide CAD services allows for an added and significant measure of hiring advantage in these times of changing economics.

Starting a CAD Business... suprisingly easy!

Although one can readily see that small businesses are virtually everywhere, the understanding of what legal steps are required to start as a CAD entrepreneur might seem a bit daunting. Like many in technical professions, you may have invested a large portion of your life to developing your CAD and engineering skills and abilities, and probably never gave much thought about the details of a small business until, well... now.

Whether driven to an entrepreneur spirit by circumstance or desire, fortunately it is not complicated to get a small business legally registered. Some measure of apprehension is normal, and that actually indicates one appreciates the seriousness of such an endeavor, which is commendable. But there really is no mystery or insurmountable legal hurdle to overcome. As we will see, there are essentially three basic steps involved. Before discussing these, however, it would be be good to consider a few aspects that will make those legal steps that much easier, along with bringing added benefits once you've 'thrown your hat in the entrepreneur ring', so to speak.

Bringing Your Ideas to the Table

• Give thought to a business name that tells people something about your services. That doesn’t mean it can’t be catchy, but it should inspire people to look to you for more information and promote confidence in your professional skills. You probably should avoid being too vague, but keep in mind the services you provide might expand in the future, therefore you shouldn’t be too narrow in the scope of the name either.
• Familiarize yourself with web services. A suggestion in this regard might be to avail yourself of free web site hosting (i.e.: Google, etc) and free advertising opportunities (i.e.: Yellow Pages, Google / Yahoo business listings, Craig’s list, etc.). Such services obviously minimize the initial expenditures of a business start up. However, if your CAD business plan warrants a paid web domain name, then by all means pursue that avenue. It really comes down to a personal choice and the scope that you foresee your business taking.
• Also, give consideration to a marketing plan(s), including a networking approach (i.e.: your LinkedIn account), to professionally promote your services to others.

So, having the aforementioned concepts of your proposed business in mind, the next steps are then to make it a reality by having your business legally registered. Please bear in mind that the following information is provided simply as a guide and should not be viewed as professional legal advice. As with anything where legal aspects are involved, one should investigate what requirements apply in a business owners community, county, state, and country. You may also find it beneficial to familiarize yourself with the business terms used and their definitions to gain a clear understanding of the topics.

Taking the Steps

There are three basic steps to becoming legally registered. For the intent of this article, we will use the example of CAD Graphics, LLC, located in Madison, Wisconsin, USA.

• Create a Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC): This step involves contacting and registering your business with your respective state. For Wisconsin, one would contact the Department of Financial Institutions and follow the instructions provided. Determining your business type, whether a Corporation or a Limited Liability Company, is of course a personal decision dependent upon the CAD business model you are developing. There is an initial filing fee required, and a yearly renewal fee of moderate amount.
• Request an Employer Identification Number (EIN): This is simply an Internal Revenue Service identification number for your business that you will use for any monetary or tax related identification, and is available without charge.
• Create an Operating Agreement: This is a written operating agreement that you would keep in your business records file. It may or may not be legally required, dependant upon location and state. It also may not be necessary if one is a single proprietor. It's purpose is to identify managerial rights and duties, and examples are readily available on-line.

So in conclusion, it is surprisingly easy to create a legal registered company that reflects your CAD aspirations. Additional personal research on the topic of business creation is recommended and will contribute greatly to building your confidence that this can be a rewarding endeavor. Laying such a foundation may well provide unique opportunities that highlight your personal commitment in providing professional CAD services.

CAD... Big Job, Small Job, Long Job, Short Job!

In the field of providing CAD services, the array of job opportunities that become available can be quite varied, and of course unpredictable at times. It isn't always feast or famine, as it were, but is typically somewhere in between.

As the title to this segment indicates, the extents of job opportunities will range across the spectrum of client needs. The challenge really then becomes managing your time and effort, in a manner conducive to effective and efficient work. To this we will view a number of job opportunity scenarios, as discuss the benefits and potential concerns of each.

Big Jobs:
Big jobs intrinsically carry the sense that you will be working at an extremely involved level with a shared deep commitment with an employer. They will expect much for the time expended. Additionally, it may well require that you work very closely and cooperatively with others on the project. This may even require employer stipulations that you work on location with the employer only during their business hours.

By handling this responsibly, you may well earn a good reputation and gain a client who will look to you for their extended CAD needs again in the near future. A possible concern could be only in failing to communicate effectively and thereby falling short of the expectations that you will be held to.

Small Jobs:
Small jobs are small only in a relative sense. They still require the full scope of your effort to accomplish a quality result for the time expended. And it is important it bear in mind that small jobs could easily have the potential to become larger in the future, especially for clients that are growing.

Some real advantages of small jobs are the varieties of CAD work that can make for an interesting and robust portfolio. A potential concern is to avoid the trap of thinking that a small job somehow requires less than your best effort. Always remember that a dissatisfied customer, however small, can easily erode the good name you have endeavored to make.

Long Jobs:
A long term contract job is ideal in the practical ways of being able to provide a steady income while working in a familiar setting for an extended time. Similar in many ways to the 'Big Jobs' mentioned above, it also allows the opportunity to become an even more trusted contributor to the client or employer. In fact, many fellow workers that you work closely with may begin to interact as if you were one of them: a regular full-time employee. Be cautious therefore, not to lose sight of your professional responsibility. That means working as diligently late Friday afternoon as you did on Monday morning, regardless of what water cooler banter about the upcoming weekend is going on around you!

Although a long-term contract client will most likely negotiate a lower rate, the duration of the longer terms will easily make up for any perceived sacrifice. And there is a potential that an employer may come to be so pleased with your CAD services that an offer for full-time employment could even be extended to you.

Short Jobs:
Short jobs can be unique and afford an opportunity to expand your client base. Similar in many respects to ' Small Jobs', these are limited in terms of contract time required. Consider that a short job client might simply be 'testing you out', as it were, to determine if you would be a good candidate for more involved or lengthy contract work. That being said, you will certainly want to take advantage of developing good communication and rapport with those you will be working with.

Realistically, the variety of job opportunities may not always come as you may desire, but being flexible and balanced in your accepting work are important decisions, all the same. Your personal needs and goals in developing and maintaining your CAD business should obviously be weighed in as you consider which jobs to take or decline.

Finally, if your circumstances allow, don't forget that even offering to do a very small job for no cost can make a huge impression. Genuine appreciation expressed by word of mouth will not only promote your SolidWorks CAD business, but also indicate that you are the type of person that others should be interested in contracting with!

CAD Business Network Essentials

Does networking seem to be an inconvenient necessity? Is there significant value in networking for your CAD business interests? Well, it can actually be easier and bring greater, more far reaching benefits than one might initally think.

Let us begin by considering something we may not have given much consideration to: Most of us already have a social network, be it family or friends. That being said, it is easy then to look upon our existing social network and realize the value that communication provides. Communication is the essential ingredient to the degree of good relations and mutual support that we might share with such ones. And we are naturally motived to communicate with those whom we care about and share interests with.

Now extending that understanding and these principles to the business realm can enable us to build and maintain a solid professional network that provides shared value. Yes, no doubt you have met or worked alongside engineering, manufacturing, or marketing individuals whom you recognized to have skills, talent and abilities that you admired. And, if you are one who conscientiously strives to give your best to the tasks at hand, then your peers have most likely noticed such qualities in you as well. So there it is! Your current or past work associates, and those you have performed CAD services for, easily make for a good foundation to your CAD business network that simply needs to be built upon and maintained.

In essence then, a business network is a very powerful existing marketing tool that requires recognizing two key aspects.

Business is Business
A business or professional network is exactly what it says it is. In other words, your relationship to such individuals is business or professional in nature. Therefore, when you do communicate, whether in person or electronically, you will want to be conscientious and respect that their time is of value. Use discernment and good judgement in the amount of time you would take to show genuine personal interest and sharing updates with one another. Displaying such respect will go a long way in fostering a continued favorable view of you, and notibly it is accomplished without many words.

Network Street is Two-Way
Beyond mutual respect, ask yourself 'what ties me to this person?' Well, your answer should be not only what this person may offer in the way of supporting business potential, but equally important is what can you offer them? Acknowledging your role in this way is vital. Displaying a selfish, self-serving attitude will quickly diminish not only your professional reputation, but also your business prospects. In practical ways then, let those in your network know what you can do for them in promoting their interests. For example, one way to address this is to simply ask: "Is there anything I can do for you?" It seems so obvious, but in a hurried world such kindness is often overlooked. When sincere thoughtfulness is expressed, it will be genuinely felt, long remembered, and most likely returned.

Obviously, your interests to build and maintain your CAD business network will determine the extents of who you will be in contact with, and the frequency. Aside from maintaining your own personal records of contacts, professional networking sites such as LinkedIn can provide an easy-to-manage resource tool to keep contacts up to date. Therefore, by recognizing the inherent value of your business network and applying the two key points discussed above, one can affectively utilize professional relationships to maximize business opportunities, and doing so in a respectful and dignified approach.

Go for It! ...Ways to generate CAD business opportunties

Generating new CAD business opportunities can initally appear to be an intimidating challenge, especially if you don't consider yourself to have marketing savvy or shtick. However, a genuine approach with sincerity and enthusiasm can do much to counter any deficit when it comes to creating and building business rapport and opportunity with others.

With that in mind, begin by noting that there are two basic types of CAD jobs. The first are those that may involve repeatable or continuous work, and the second are those that may be single or one-time jobs. Therefore, it only makes sense that one can alleviate a great deal of anxiety by focusing mainly on the former, and fitting in the later as circumstances might allow. With this understanding, one can then tailor their approach to bring the greatest reward for the effort invested.

Repeatable opportunities:
Repeatable SolidWorks job opportunities might include working locally with the following:

• manufacturers
• fabricating shops
• design firms
• providing instruction at a high school or technical college
• sub-contracting under another associate

These above areas, while potentially being more self-sustaining will also require an investment in time and resources to make initial contacts. State and local websites listing businesses in your area are an excellent resource to finding contact information to assist in your endeavors. Thereafter, regular networking and routine inquiry should become a pattern.

For general convenience, you might choose to designate your home as 'ground zero', per se, and make your intial contacts within a defined radius of your location. This radius can then be expanded as necessity warrants.

It should go without saying that you will want to document all your contact efforts. Doing so will allow you to not only become better acquainted with the many businesses in your locale, but will also aid in establishing your contact database to make your future efforts that much easier.

Single one-time opportunities:
Single or one-time jobs may come from being contacted by or pursuing:

• independent inventors
• home-owner projects
• internet freelance jobs

These single type opportunities will typically come about from being contacted through your marketing efforts or from referrals. Internet freelance jobs are, on the other hand, dependent upon finding, bidding and being accepted.

So, being creative with SolidWorks can mean much more than just modeling and design. For the SolidWorks CAD entreprenuer it also involves using your ingenuity to enthusiastically pursue and generate your business opportunities!

Basic Steps to Starting a CAD Business

Establishing any business requires basic precepts. For the sake of this article, we will entertain that you already have an idea as to a business plan and goals, along with the desire to follow through on your commitment.

Your thoughts should then extend to the following areas:

• Legal Registration
• Equipment
• Maintenance
• Marketing

Legal Registration:
Most states, if not all, now accommodate on-line business creation wizards that can walk you through the process. With on-line registration, one can select a suitable business structure or organization (i.e.: 'limited liability company') and complete the steps typically involved including naming your company, providing ownership information, and arranging registration payment.

Equipment:
As regards the most basic CAD equipment requirements, access to a SolidWorks-friendly computer and the Internet are obvious. Your monetary resources will then be a factor as to 'if' or 'how' you further build your equipment overhead. Such additional factors to consider might include purchasing a printer or having access to a local print shop; purchasing 'legal' CAD software; and having reliable transportation whether public or private. With such decisions, many may choose to start lean and then make further investments in equipment as the company develops.

Starting lean may mean that initially you don't have the CAD software that you specialize in. However, you can still provide your services by offering to work at an employers location.

Keep in mind regarding equipment purchases, that many retailers today carry 'rewards' cards that provide a discount for using their services. As with anything business related, it is important for documentation purposes to keep business purchases separate from any personal purchases.

Maintenance:
As with any trade, the quality of your work will be directly related to the quality of your tools. Therefore it is vital that your equipment resources be properly maintained. It should go without saying that this involves protecting your computer and using it intelligently to avoid unnecessary risks. Parents are probably well aware of the dangers that younger ones present when 'playing' on the home computer!

Apart from physical maintenance, there is intellectual maintenance as well. Not to be overlooked are the many opportunities for free training to keep your CAD skills up-to-date. Many SolidWorks VARS (value added resellers) serving local areas (i.e.: Graphics/Systems which serves Wisconsin & Illinois) have regular free on-line webinars that highlight a particular topic, or they may host 'what's new' presentations for annual new releases. There are also numerous CAD user groups (i.e.: Madison Area SolidWorks User's Group) located in major metropolitan areas which serve as another means to stay active in the CAD community.

Marketing:
Similar to the need to balance start-up equipment decisions with available money, resourcefulness can go a long way in electronically marketing your business with little to no expense but for your time. For instance, you may choose to avail yourself of the many free features that reputable internet search companies provide. Creating a searchable website, e-mail accounts, business documents, and searchable business listings are all possible with companies such as Google and Yahoo. And all of these aspects can be created without the need for an IT degree or paying any additional expense apart from the cost you would normally pay to your internet service provider (ISP).

Your business cards or promotional items such as pens & shirts with your name and logo can all come later when you may have more capital available.

Not to be overlooked are the networking ties you may have generated with others. Periodic e-mail contact with peers will go a long way in promoting your availablity and act as a fresh reminder of your services to such ones. User groups too allow one to network with others in the field and may, with professional and tactful discernment, provide you with the opportunity to respectfully promote your business.

So with addressing some basic areas as noted above, it is possible to create a legal CAD business entity that is positioned for sustainablity, with very little start-up expense.

Are You Considering Starting a CAD Business?

So you realize your need for secular employment and have a passion for CAD but are unsure where to start so as to make it a personal or business endeavor? And with the world economic situation being uncertain at best, how can one continue in the field of CAD following... say a layoff? Well, a few options lay before you, and as with any decision there are pro's and con's for each.

An obvious option is to pursue an advertised job opportunity. The clear advantages are relative job stability and the intrinsic fiscal and insurance benefits that are afforded to company employees. Many enjoy a predictable routine, a professional office environment, in-house manufacturing, and training opportunities that larger companys may support. Disadvantages might include, ...yes, a predictable routine, or being limited to specific product design. Afterall, you've got this great imagination for design and your CAD software capability encourages you to look at all that it can do for you, and well... now you're stuck designing widget accessories... everyday!

A second option might simply be to offer your CAD services as yourself. In other words, pursue part-time or temporary work through reputable temporary work agencies or job ads. The advantages to this option are having little to no overhead or business maintenance concerns, along with workplace flexibility. Initial disadvantages may include having a limited reputation on which to build from. Since one could be pursuing jobs through temporary work agencies, each application would be essentially similar to a job interview. Over time however, the agencies along with the companies you might work with will gain knowledge of your CAD abilities and reputation and that could do much to ensure your future employment prospects.

A third option would be to establish a CAD business entity with yourself as the owner and operator. This is the option that enabled the establishment of CAD Graphics, LLC . Very similar in some regards to the second option of working as yourself, it also significantly promotes the seriousness of your intent to work in the field of CAD, and in this way expands on potential job opportunities. Perceived disadvantages, albeit inherent to a business, include the efforts one must expend to establish the legal arrangement, supporting the structure, and marketing the business. These aspects may initially seem impossing, however with forethought and moderate ambition, things can come together relatively easily.