A lot of Linux professionals are contractors because full-time work is sporatic. Here are general suggestions for your new Linux business:

1. Read the Big Online Book of Linux Startups
   Do some research and know what you're up against. Have you thought of location? Money? Business partners? Risks? This book contains lots of general advice and things to consider when starting an IT business.

2. Join an Existing Team
   Computer geeks are notorious loners. It's easier to find work by combining your strengths rather than competing against one another. Don't fly solo to prove how good you are because nobody cares.

3. Web Site and Domain
   Create a professional looking web site with your own domain. If you can't build a good looking one, hire someone who can. Make your web site useful for your target audience.

4. Promote your Skills
   Post your resume on your web site.

5. Create Flyers and Brochures
   Create a professional brochure and see if local computer shops will carry them. Write the brochure for your target audience: people looking to hire you. If you can't, get someone who can.

6. Advertize
   Advertize in local papers, Linux magazines. Don't be afraid to spend several hundred dollars so that people will know that you exist.

7. Google for Businesses in Your Town
   Mail brochures to who can use your skills.

8. Read RFP Web Sites
   Many industries and governments have web sites where they post requests for proposals for work. Find them and read them and be prepared to travel for meetings.

9. Hang Out With Potential Clients
   Join small business, rotary, chamber of commerce organizations. Go to places where clients may hang out. Doing web sites for sports stores? Then join the YMCA. People will trust you more if they've seen you around so get out of the house.