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Get certified. Although you don’t necessarily need a specific educational background or certification to start your own technology or engineering business, qualifying for certification or membership in professional societies gives you a competitive edge with some clients. There are many certification programs, especially in specific computer software programs and hardware skills, which give you credibility when marketing your services.

Work on your communication skills. Yes, you’re going to be hired for your technical abilities. But you’re going to need to be able to convey technical information to your clients in terms they can understand, and without making them feel “dumb.” Just as important as your verbal skills are your written ones—you’ll be asked to write proposals, project specifications, needs analyses, user documentation, and the occasional thank you note, so if you’ve always struggled a bit with writing, now’s the time to take a quick course at your community college.

Be clear about your fees and pricing. While there’s a huge need for technologists and engineers, clients often don’t know what to expect to pay for such services. A person who’ll pay thousands of dollars for home audio equipment may be surprised to get billed a few hundred dollars for installation or repair.

Be reliable. You’re well aware that techies (along with building contractors!) often get a bad rap for missing deadlines. Be the exception, not the rule: you’ll keep your customers happy.