Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some Answers. I'm sure there are more Questions
Q.
Hey I’m not a business, I just need someone to look at why my
XYZ isn’t working and help me with Excel pivot tables.
Are you willing to do that?
A.
Certainly.
Residential clients are key to my business.
I use one of three pricing models for residential jobs which
tend to be smaller but require just as much detailed attention as
the largest clients:
1.
Simply time and expense for training
and software configuration issues
2.
Fixed bid for hardware repairs,
cabling and wireless assessments
3.
Not to exceed quotes for virus
removal, data backups, software installation and operating system
(re)installs or upgrades
Of course there are
situations that don’t fit into the above models and I am always
flexible.
Q.
Do you only work with residential clients?
A.
Not at all. I
support commercial clients as well. In
fact, about a 40% of business is small business clients seeking to
keep costs in check while providing a stable IT environment.
Q. Will you be able to handle my small business
needs?
A.
With 30+ years’ experience as a consultant supporting Global
50 corporations, balancing multiple client demands has been key to
my success. I am confident I can be responsive to your needs –
whether they are urgent or routine.
Q.
You sound old and over qualified.
Are you current with today’s technology?
A.
Yes.
Yes.
And Yes. After
all Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and me share the same year of birth.
All that separates us are a few $000’s.
Seriously though, I have a
very deep understanding of what’s going on.
Historically, my IT skills were honed as an analyst for one
the largest global energy concerns and the largest personal computer
manufacturer. After a
failed internet startup back in ’00. I evolved to lead a global
consulting practice which delivered strategies to the
Communications, Media and Entertainment industries.
I helped make their products and services rank about number 4
on your list of monthly expenses (after Housing, Food, Healthcare
and Education). I get it – let me know how deep you want to go!
Q.
Won’t a traditional PC repair shop, IT support, GoDaddy like
company offer us better value?
A.
Perhaps. If you
have the budget, say $1,500/mo., and the willingness to sign a 12-24
month contract to outsource ALL OF YOUR NEEDS to a firm for
equipment leases and same day service support then yes, that is
probably a good course of action.
It is certainly less expensive than a full time resource.
On the other hand, if you
have don’t have the $15k-$20k needed and you have a “collection” of
technology assets. then I can develop a technology support approach
that is practical and fits your budget.
I do this far better than
the local / IT repair shop and web-hosting concerns.
My consulting experience enables me to quickly and correctly
assess your needs and issues. You
receive my full attention as the owner not the hit or miss
capability of an employee.
Finally, I can source and negotiate the cost of services and
needed equipment as a neutral party.
Basically you get the skills of a IT pro without the noise or
frills.
Q.
I’m confused. You say that can show me how to create Excel
pivot tables, remove viruses, fix computers and design an IT support
program. Are you for
real?
A.
Yup. Great product,
lower cost.
Q.
Do you warrant your work?
Within reason.
If I tell you something works
after I have configured software or repaired a piece of hardware,
then yes I will “own” the issues that come with that effort for
period of time.
If you ask me to install
and configure software but it doesn’t do exactly what you want and
unless I told you it would do exactly what you find lacking, then
it’s probably not covered.
I’ll help you the best I can, though.
At its core, a warranty is the transfer of risk from you to me. If you ask me to absorb too much risk, then either the price goes up or I’ll pass the work.
Let’s talk about what you need and figure it out. I’m flexible.