[Cognition]

In your opinion, what's the market for someone who wants to provide online remote technical support to PC users?

Demographic of user: Tech-savvy, but not proficient in troubleshooting and resolving operating system errors/software usability issue.

In essence, I would be another player in the same field as GeekSquad: Geek Squad - Online Computer Support - Remote Laptop/PC Help Desk - Geek Squad. Use Us

Thanks for your feedback.

[digiworx]

Originally Posted by Cognition

In your opinion, what's the market for someone who wants to provide online remote technical support to PC users?

Demographic of user: Tech-savvy, but not proficient in troubleshooting and resolving operating system errors/software usability issue.

In essence, I would be another player in the same field as <link removed>
Thanks for your feedback.

i would say there is a market there, but there's a few things you need to take into account such as why would the user pick you over the competition and if they are able to get online and are in need of support what can you offer that a forum cannot, this second one could be the killer of your start up if not researched and actioned correctly

post a few polls on a few forums that deal with technical issues so you can get an idea of what service it is that you would need to be able to offer in order to have your business running effectively

[Cognition]

Originally Posted by digiworx

i would say there is a market there, but there's a few things you need to take into account such as why would the user pick you over the competition and if they are able to get online and are in need of support what can you offer that a forum cannot, this second one could be the killer of your start up if not researched and actioned correctly

post a few polls on a few forums that deal with technical issues so you can get an idea of what service it is that you would need to be able to offer in order to have your business running effectively

Thanks Digiworx for that. I will start on that asap.

[digiworx]

no problem hope it all works out for you

[hitboxnow]

I agree with Digi.

You are up to a challenge because alot of products such as Norton have their own remote teams that remotely log into your computer when users have problems with that specific product.

Also, what if you can't always fix the problem because let's say the user is running a user (protected) version of norton at work?

I think you are on to something but the challenge will be trying to get the world to know you exist. Try to find a specific niche (operating system, program)

Infact, maybe you might be better off creating your own little remote desktop service and instead of working with the residential side of things you work with the commercial side of things.

As an example, maybe you would contact an "up and coming company" that you feel will be big in the future. Let them know you exist and you would like to provide their remote desktop support for their customers on their exact service or product. If the company saves money by using you (which they will). You probably have a great shot.

Don't stop at one company. Keep going...

[Cognition]

Originally Posted by hitboxnow

I agree with Digi.

You are up to a challenge because alot of products such as Norton have their own remote teams that remotely log into your computer when users have problems with that specific product.

I think you are on to something but the challenge will be trying to get the world to know you exist. Try to find a specific niche (operating system, program)

You're exactly right, Hitboxnow. My remote support services will be geared more towards problems consumers encounter with the various operating systems such as XP, Vista, or Win 7. My target demographic are those users who are average PC users, yet lack the knowledge/savvy to diagnose errors when they occur, even with tech support forums out there.

If a user can't not go online to request assistance, then they can call our toll free number and a rep will walk them through getting back online, where we will then intervene remotely to fix the remainder of the problem.

A big market out there is resolving spyware/virus intrusion, as users simply don't have the basic knowledge of protecting their PCs with competent software and preventative methods. This is the equivalent of the "practicing safe sex" market. Will we offer superior software and education to aid PC users in the computing experience.

Infact, maybe you might be better off creating your own little remote desktop service and instead of working with the residential side of things you work with the commercial side of things.

As an example, maybe you would contact an "up and coming company" that you feel will be big in the future. Let them know you exist and you would like to provide their remote desktop support for their customers on their exact service or product. If the company saves money by using you (which they will). You probably have a great shot.

Don't stop at one company. Keep going...

I will really like to do this. I would love to contact these startup companies and propose providing remote support services for their product towards their clients. What about a track record? I can think of no other way to prove myself than getting my feet with the consumer market aforementioned and then branching out to the commercial side.

[Cognition]

Originally Posted by digiworx

i would say there is a market there, but there's a few things you need to take into account such as why would the user pick you over the competition and if they are able to get online and are in need of support what can you offer that a forum cannot, this second one could be the killer of your start up if not researched and actioned correctly

That's a very legitimate question, Digiworx. My firm's proposed services are for those users who are well acquainted with the operating system they operate, be it XP, Vista, or 7, but lack the logic and accompanying knowledge to assess errors they may encounter while using the operating system. This is where forums would be of no help to them as they usually have little to no idea of how to decipher, a lot of the times, the language or "jargon" used on them.

For example, last week I had a client who encountered a very inconvenient virus that corrupted her file association structure. And it wasn't just that she couldn't run mp3 files, but EXE files. A problem exacerbated 5X over. Sure, they were plenty of forum threads on the subject, but I knew that she was someone who didn't know how to use that information, filter it, and apply it to resolving her issue. Needless to say, she contacted me to resolve the problem and we had it corrected, with her security and system performance optimized. All this at a fraction of the cost and time of the competitors.

Even if I couldn't have fixed the problem, I wouldn't have charged her a dime, but I'm sure my competitors still want money for the time they spend on resolving an issue, and not whether the issue is actually resolved.

I like to idea of technical support services because the results are completely objective-based. If the client has an issue, then it's whether you resolve the issue or not. There's nothing, for the most part, subjective about resolving technical issue. And that's why I decided to step away from web design and other highly subjective work that I've done in the past.

The issue still remains though: How do get these people to know about me and how do I get my hands in their pocketbook?

[Future of Edu]

Hey Cognition, I did not read all of the responses above but I will when I have a little more time and change/add to my reply if needed. I saw a couple of comments about setting yourself apart from competition and anti-viruses such as Norton.

The average consumer is a great customer, HOWEVER, it is much easier and more profitable to hit new small business owners. If you are sales savy and can pitch or get someone to pitch for you, there is a huge benefit in landing new small businesses. I cant explain completely on a public forum how you can put yourself above the competition but if you pm me i'd be happy to chat with you about it.

I'm working right now on a way to network into some markets and using contracters to complete my work. I realize that some others believe this has already been done but I've got a spin on it. Experience with large c-lecs helps when it comes to winning a customer over. Play off their hate and save the day.

Using companies like Comcast, ATT, Time Warner, etc.. you can build an amazing local clientele base. Like I said,, I cant be too specific here for reasons. But PM me and we can chat.

[Cognition]

Originally Posted by Future of Edu

Hey Cognition, I did not read all of the responses above but I will when I have a little more time and change/add to my reply if needed. I saw a couple of comments about setting yourself apart from competition and anti-viruses such as Norton.

The average consumer is a great customer, HOWEVER, it is much easier and more profitable to hit new small business owners. If you are sales savy and can pitch or get someone to pitch for you, there is a huge benefit in landing new small businesses. I cant explain completely on a public forum how you can put yourself above the competition but if you pm me i'd be happy to chat with you about it.

I'm working right now on a way to network into some markets and using contracters to complete my work. I realize that some others believe this has already been done but I've got a spin on it. Experience with large c-lecs helps when it comes to winning a customer over. Play off their hate and save the day.

Using companies like Comcast, ATT, Time Warner, etc.. you can build an amazing local clientele base. Like I said,, I cant be too specific here for reasons. But PM me and we can chat.

PM sent. Thanks for your response.