With all the economy turmoil caused by COVID-19, many folks are considering taking their careers in new directions. We caught up with Yardell Perkins to talk about how he started his own business. Through Perkitech, Yardell helps businesses and individuals establish or re-establish their digital presence. Links * Main website: perkitech.com* Links landing page: landing.perkitech.com* Telephone number: 215-325-0403* Video camera: Panasonic HC-V770* Catchafire (Volunteer Job Board): catchafire.org* Yardell’s Catchafire profile: catchafire.org/profiles/167053/ * Episodes mentioned in the show:* Focusing on Customers Relationships with Mark Avery* Building Revenue Streams with Don Reid, Jr. Notes What did you do to start your business? * Yardell was working as a Sysadmin at MCLINC, a no-profit providing IT systems and support for the library system of Montgomery County, Pa.* While Yardell was happy with his boss and colleagues, he was getting burnt out on the work. It wasn’t what he really wanted to do. He wanted to start his own business.* Yardell came across Rob Cubbon on the internet; Rob was coaching people to save 6 months of income so that they can launch their own business.* Yardell decided to invest his $1900 tax refund into Bitcoin – and his invest took off! He ultimately $30,000, which is what he needed to take the leap to start his own business. What steps did you take to get your business off the ground? * Yardell established his LLC company before he left his job with MCLINC.* While still employed, Yardell used Udemy to learn about running his business; he obtained work through Catchifier. * While at MCLINC, Yardell had a lot of support for starting his own business from his current boss. How are you managing your business during COVID-19? * Through Perkitech, Yardell fell into a niche of helping realtors and real estate investors.* When COVID-19 hit, the reality industry became to do more virtual events that they were going to ease into it. * Because COVID-19 forced businesses to pivot very quickly, Perkitech got very business as lockdown orders came about. How has your business pivoted during COVID-19? * Following lockdown orders and social distancing, Perkitech has been pivoting to a more comprehensive video and social media services.* One of the most valuable shares on social media is video.* Yardell is candid about his early video work: He told customers that it was not his strength, but that he could provide it. The lesson was get something online. Something is always better than nothing.* On managing expectations of prospective clients: In his first year of business, a prospective client came to Yardell seeking a website and was offering a blank check. Yardell knew he wasn’t the person for the job. As he learned more about the client’s needs, Yardell helped that client get set up on Wix. * Yardell’s business lesson: “We have to consider our reputations and our consciences.”* In time, Yardell has upgraded his video equipment setup:*