AT Home There’s No IT Department, No Help Desk
Posted by Liz Strauss · 6 Comments
Another problem that I heard when talking to folks about their move away from a traditional organization environment was the lack of technical support.
Some of us are lucky enough to have a friend or relative who is an IT maven. Most of us do not. The move outside of an organization means finding someone who can help when computer issues occur — issues both big and small. Without that someone, we’re likely to attempt a fix ourselves. Self-help computer style can work out well. It can also exacerbate a small issue into a major complication.
Online tech and tech support for most hardware and software companies has been designed to serve the corporate user or the lowest common denominator, i.e. the folks who can barely turn on their computer. As a result, using their services can involve a substantial investment of time that we don’t have — when often all we really want is the answer to a simple question.
The key is the same as finding someone to work on a car. We want someone we trust to give us advice. Before you leave a traditional setting, start to look for who might fill this need.
Liz
The Perfect Virtual Manager offers a Professional Help Desk Service,
Now that’s an idea for serious consideration. I wish I’d thought of that!
Hi Jeff,
It’s a way to be helpful. I like to do that!
Great to see you here! Thanks for coming to visit me.
When a friend of relative isn’t about to help with those little issues, online forums are a boon. They offer a huge amount of assistance with good people there, and are free to use.
Thanks TechZ,
Some online forums are a real help in those cases. You’re right! Great blogger relationships are formed in forums that last and become frienships as well as helpful connections.
Liz, just came accross the site – keep up the good work. Thought I would just say that I agree that the whole IT help thing is a real struggle (in the UK too). Earlier this year I set up a business that I want to be become a trusted partner for exactly this kind of problem. The trouble at the moment is finding people that need our help… will keep an eye on things!
Hi Toby,
Nice to meet you. Keep me aware of how your business goes! I’m interested in hearing.