- 1). Decide on a business model. Some popular ones include selling support contracts to individuals and businesses, retail (online or otherwise) companies that sell systems preconfigured with a Linux operating system, and application development for Linux-based systems and devices. There are many other models, and no reason you can't open some hybrid of a couple types; for example, many computer retailers also sell support contracts.
- 2). Remember the community. Whatever business model you decide on, you will be part of the greater Linux community. This has many advantages, including the ability to leverage its resources and benefit from its work. However, you also have an obligation to the community. You will be expected to contribute to it, not necessarily with code, but remember that by using software that is under GPL (general public license) or any of the other open-source licenses, you also agree to be bound by it. There should also be a good deal of transparency in your business, which is looked highly upon. You'll find when dealing with the Linux/open-source community that the more information you provide the more interested it will be in your products or services.
- 3). Market your business. The majority of small businesses fail within their first year. Part of their problem is usually ineffective marketing. There is no need to buy TV time or an ad in the newspaper, but it is very important to make your business known. If you are already involved with the community, then you have a huge advantage. If not, get out there. There is no better way to market you business to the Linux community than to become part of it.
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