Hey Folks,
As many of you know, I used to build websites as an on-the-side freelance job while being a student at the same time. Over the past year, as I have begun writing a business plan and thinking about my future in the technology industry, I have come to the conclusion that I am not interested in continuing with the nitty-gritty of web development. While I am certainly willing to make minor modifications and additions to existing websites, I feel that I do not have the creativity, the interest, the experience, nor even the software to create a good website. And I'm not interested in buying the software.

However, as some of you also know, I am considering launching my own (current) business into a full-time operation when I graduate from college in the spring. After a lot of thought that I have already put into it, I may decide to wait a year or two before the launch. However, if I go through with it, let's just say that I have lofty goals, and that within 5-10 years I could possibly be running my own data center in the work I will be doing (Technical support, IT consulting and other IT services for churches, non-profit organizations, and global community development organizations). If I launch, do intend to go global!

I already do web hosting and technical support on a small scale, part-time basis. I am always looking to increase my web hosting clientele, although I know that once I reach a certain point, I will need to have better Support options than I currently have.

Building websites is not something I am writing into my business plan, nor do I want to pursue the idea, due to the reasons I already highlighted. However, as a company that provides web hosting solutions, and as a previous (freelance) web designer, I know that I will certainly have people contact me with a request to build a website for them or for their organization/business.

What I am looking for it a business or a VERY reliable individual to partner with so that I will be able to send web design clients to that source, and I can rest assured that those clients will get quality services. I'm looking for not only designing capabilities but also programmers familiar with databases, etc... I want this to be a partnership where I do not have to go searching for a new designer every 2 months.

In return for me providing clientele to the individual / business, I am looking for someone who would be willing to give me a sales commission per job (maybe percentage based?). The contract would be yours (not mine) and you would work for yourself, NOT for me. Clientele that I would send you, if I go through with the launch, would most likely be non-profit organizations and churches. However, there may be some that do not run a specifically "Christian" organization / business. Please bear in mind, however, that I will never work with, nor give any recommendations to people who are looking for services for their blatantly illegal website, or for pornography, etc... You get the point.

I'm also looking for designers who are interested in partnering with me in sending web hosting clients my way. Of course, If I'm going to ask you for a sales commission for your web design contracts, I need to be willing to give you a commission for my web hosting clients. I realize this, so am willing to discuss this option.

I am currently located in the Chattanooga, TN area, although it is possible I will move when I graduate (my 1st choice is to stay here though). It would be great to be able to meet those whom I partner with, however.

Even if I do not go through with the launch of my business into full time operations until a few years from now (or ever), I am still looking for this partnership, as I do plan on continuing my business operations (part time) indefinitely.

If you have any recommendations or suggestions (or comments about this whole idea / thread) please feel free to respond. If you are interested in this possibility of partnering with me, please respond to this thread, or contact me through my website (See my Signature for IT Services and Web Hosting Solutions).

Thanks for your time,
David

PS: I have a potential client now, although this contract would be handled through me (and I would ask you to be a sub-contractor) due to unique circumstances. The client is already a web designer. The client just doesn't know diddly squat about building websites using straight HTML or PHP, and has a large project she needs help with.