Comments on: Selling Computer Training – A Quick Guide

By: Advanced Computer Group, Inc.

Advanced Computer Group, Inc. — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:25:10 +0000

Great Post! We have been thinking of doing this at public libraries to increase PR exposure and fatten our client base. David, That is great that the library paid you for your training, and you also made more in doing work for them, great! Can anyone recommend a lesson plan guide/template for computer training?

By: Beth

Beth — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:50:34 +0000

This is a fantastic idea and I think lots of people would be willing to pay for a private computer tutor. It’s much easier to learn something when someone is right there to show you and immediately answer questions. When my family purchased a computer for my Grandpa this past year, it was almost agonizing for my Dad to teach him everything. It is very easy to forget how overwhelming using a computer can be if you have never used one!

By: David Anderson

David Anderson — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:02:07 +0000

Training is always a good thing. Like others have said, the three keys are patience, patience, PATIENCE!

I have done classes every year for the past 6 (I think) at our local Public Library. It works like this: they get a grant to pay my invoices, and then the classes are available to the public for free. You should expect to teach somewhat more formally, with a lesson plan of some kind, Powerpoint slides, whatever. I use Powerpoint (except when TEACHING Powerpoint) and the Library Staff prints the slides in Handout format. It works out pretty well for us, and as a side note, last year I got the chance to build and sell them a thin-client lab complete with one of our company’s servers, the associated networking, and 10 hp Thin-Client terminals with LCD monitors.

This is the kind of relationship you could use to get your foot in the door of the city government if they’re not already your client.

Thanks,
David

By: Computer Repair

Computer Repair — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:52:04 +0000

The article is dead on right! Techies typically talk down to people. Be humanistic about your customer. Understand their needs. Doing so will build a long rewarding computer repair relationship with your client.

Thanks for the info.

computer repair service
http://www.computerrepairservice.net

By: Phishie

Phishie — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:28:44 +0000

This is actually extremely good advice. I have also taken a few jobs like this at discounted rates. You’d be surprised how many people buy computers and don’t know how to use them. Many of them have a fear of breaking the computer, so they want somebody there to guide them through.

And like you mentioned, many of the things people would like to learn are second nature to us Techies. And that is no joke. Don’t worry too much that you are not a professional teacher and don’t exactly have a lesson plan. The customer will tell you what they want to learn.

The key is to be patient. If you can not be patient, you definitely should not be trying to teach computers. When we can do something in 5 seconds and it takes the customer over a minute. It can get pretty frustrating. But you are getting paid by the hour right? =]

I find that teaching sessions like this create a relationship between you and the customer. They remember that you are the one who did such a great job of teaching them and they will come back to you when they need help later.