4 ms·

Hey Mike, question for you related to my project. Curious, but do you (or do you know of techies like you), who sometimes feel obligated to help when friends/f

by jayliew 15y ago

Hey Mike, question for you related to my project. Curious, but do you (or do you know of techies like you), who sometimes feel obligated to help when friends/family come to you for desktop tech support, even when you can't quite afford the time to troubleshoot and hand-hold them through simple PEBKAC problems?

mikegreenberg 15y ago
The friends and family thing is difficult. Most important thing you can do is set expectations early for the sorts of problems that I can help with. Whenever I explain to someone that I'm a computer engineer or software developer, they automatically think that I'm available to help them solve their computer problems. Typically, I help verbally direct them to resources that will provide solutions to their problems (customer support for the manufacturer, nearby/local resources, websites which have helpful peer support, etc). If they want my personal time, I explain that I can consult with them for a little while but it takes me away from the time I use to generate money to support my <insert responsibilities here>. Spend a small amount of time with them pro bono if you feel like you should, but set expectations early and let them know if you'd like to be compensated for your time.
- jayliew 15y ago
  Ah, so you would nudge them towards current solutions, e.g. Best Buy, local mom and pop brick and mortar repair stores, etc. Would you be concerned that they would get ripped off?
  - mikegreenberg 15y ago
    I would only direct them to resources that I, myself, would trust/use. Especially if they are friends and family. Additionally, I would also give them advice to mitigate the need for future external support from the very beginning. (Like direct them to vendors with strong products and great customer support.)
    - jayliew 15y ago
      In this particular example, what resource would you trust to use? Which specific vendor? Here's a prototype of what I'm building, would love your thoguhts: http://www.killerbees.co http://www.killerbees.co
      - mikegreenberg 15y ago
        Well, in the case of my parents (who ask me the most for help, who feel the most obligated to help), I know resources where they live (which is far from me) who can help them solve their problems simply. I usually get a call from them directly when my dad brings the computer in so he can get a technical description of the problem he's having and the technical solution I recommend for him. They know I know what I'm talking about and they know when to offer their opinion and when not to. This is perfect arrangement for all parties as they will act as my ears, eyes and hands; offer feedback appropriately; and follow detailed instructions. Regarding your site, I think it's a great idea. Not sure how you intend to monetize this yet (which you identify and embrace, great!). I'd personally decide on the business model and test it now. If you don't charge any money to start, there's no way to know if there's a viable market to build your business around. (The real proof is when people pay you to solve their problem.) Even if you don't charge the person who needs help, find some business model and test it out. There's not much i can recommend at this stage of your prototype. I tried a few zip codes but couldn't find anything where tech listings would show up to see layout. (This matters.) I'd make the copy more succinct and straight-forward. Your mission has great information in it. Find a way to distill this down in to short bites of text that visitors can quickly scan and absorb. (Visitors decide if they need your site in seconds!)
        jayliew 15y ago
        Thanks Mike! I appreciate the input :)

by jayliew 15y ago

mikegreenberg 15y ago

The friends and family thing is difficult. Most important thing you can do is set expectations early for the sorts of problems that I can help with. Whenever I explain to someone that I'm a computer engineer or software developer, they automatically think that I'm available to help them solve their computer problems. Typically, I help verbally direct them to resources that will provide solutions to their problems (customer support for the manufacturer, nearby/local resources, websites which have helpful peer support, etc). If they want my personal time, I explain that I can consult with them for a little while but it takes me away from the time I use to generate money to support my <insert responsibilities here>. Spend a small amount of time with them pro bono if you feel like you should, but set expectations early and let them know if you'd like to be compensated for your time.

jayliew 15y ago
Ah, so you would nudge them towards current solutions, e.g. Best Buy, local mom and pop brick and mortar repair stores, etc. Would you be concerned that they would get ripped off?
- mikegreenberg 15y ago
  I would only direct them to resources that I, myself, would trust/use. Especially if they are friends and family. Additionally, I would also give them advice to mitigate the need for future external support from the very beginning. (Like direct them to vendors with strong products and great customer support.)
  - jayliew 15y ago
    In this particular example, what resource would you trust to use? Which specific vendor? Here's a prototype of what I'm building, would love your thoguhts: http://www.killerbees.co http://www.killerbees.co
    - mikegreenberg 15y ago
      Well, in the case of my parents (who ask me the most for help, who feel the most obligated to help), I know resources where they live (which is far from me) who can help them solve their problems simply. I usually get a call from them directly when my dad brings the computer in so he can get a technical description of the problem he's having and the technical solution I recommend for him. They know I know what I'm talking about and they know when to offer their opinion and when not to. This is perfect arrangement for all parties as they will act as my ears, eyes and hands; offer feedback appropriately; and follow detailed instructions. Regarding your site, I think it's a great idea. Not sure how you intend to monetize this yet (which you identify and embrace, great!). I'd personally decide on the business model and test it now. If you don't charge any money to start, there's no way to know if there's a viable market to build your business around. (The real proof is when people pay you to solve their problem.) Even if you don't charge the person who needs help, find some business model and test it out. There's not much i can recommend at this stage of your prototype. I tried a few zip codes but couldn't find anything where tech listings would show up to see layout. (This matters.) I'd make the copy more succinct and straight-forward. Your mission has great information in it. Find a way to distill this down in to short bites of text that visitors can quickly scan and absorb. (Visitors decide if they need your site in seconds!)
      - jayliew 15y ago
        Thanks Mike! I appreciate the input :)