The Joys of being a Computer Technician!
Isn’t being a PC Technician considered a joy!? Having the opportunity to troubleshoot computers, repair computers and networks, maintain hardware and networks and service customers while making a killer income is a dream career isn’t it? Yes it is!!
Not so fast though; the life of a successful computer technician is not as glamorous as most up and coming technicians assume. Whether you are starting your own repair shop/business, or seeking a career as a computer tech, you must know what you are up against to avoid utter disappointment!
Let’s dig deep into the first 3, of the 6 Career Killing Mistakes That PC Technicians Should Avoid!
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1. Being in it only “for the money”
I know….you are probably thinking: “aren’t all businesses formed to make money?” The answer is OF COURSE THEY ARE! There is a significant different between starting a business to become profitable, and starting a business just for the money. It takes time to grow a business and many technicians who get into business for themselves realize that it is more work than it is play, to start and grow a successful business. Some computer repair/consulting businesses can become profitable in less than a year after startup, while others can take 2 to 5 years or longer, to break even or make a profit.
If you have little to no love for technology, computers and computer related technology, you may have regrets in the future after starting a PC repair business; since working long hours, few to NO days off, unpredictable income, and lack of initial profit, are all realities that “weed-out” the technicians who are ill-prepared to run a business. If you truly love computers and have a knack for technology, your success in the PC repair business is off to a very good start. As the saying goes… “do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life!”
2. Not knowing how to remove malware
One of the most common problems encountered by computer users these days, is malware. Viruses, spyware, trojans, worms, adware, and other threats are here to stay and wreck havoc on computers and networks. Were you aware that 35,000 new types of malware are released daily? Yes..DAILY. If you were to survey 100 computer repair and IT support companies, you would findthat removing malware (as well as preventing malware) makes up a very significant portion of their business’s income.
A high percentage of computer repair companies would close their doors and shut down their businesses if malware removal was no longer needed. What that means for computer technicians, is that not knowing how to remove malware from an infected computer does little to nothing to establish credibility as a reputable PC technician.
Many computer problems are caused by viruses (and other malware), and in many cases troubleshooting computer issues, more often than not; includes scanning for malware, and removing any that is found, prior to narrowing down the problem(s) to other culprits. Not only should a technician know how to identify the symptoms of malware (when possible), but should also know how to remove malware using software tools.
A highly skilled technician will have the ability to remove most types of malware threats without antivirus & antispyware tools! If identifying, removing and preventing malware is not your strong point, I HIGHLY recommend “The PC Technician’s Virus Removal Handbook”, for a complete solution with unlimited support and updates. Check it out today!
Remember….computers problems are either software related, or hardware related. It’s counterproductive to troubleshoot software problems without first knowing how to identify and remove malware, prior to wasting unnecessary time with in-correct diagnosis’s. Learning malware removal will pay off in the long run; figuratively, and literally!
3. Not liking to “deal with people” (being non-social, introverted, speaking “tech talk” etc)
Many technicians who have experience repairing computers feel that a computer repair business will be a perfect solution for their career goals. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Many people have the conception that computer technicians are “geeks” and “nerds” who wear glasses, hang out alone, are anti-social and do not know how to communicate well. Several of the aforementioned characteristics actually describe many computer techs to a tee, but not all.
In my experience dealing with technicians, many have not been in an environment that promotes communication skills; for example a customer service position. Customers and clients make decisions to buy based on emotion, and when communicating with “non-techies,” it is a must to speak in a way that the person understands.
For instance, a customer inquires about a new computer that is being advertised, and would like to know how it can help them. Many technicians will immediately respond: “it is a dual core AMD processor with 4 gigs of RAM, a 512MB video card, a TV output and Window Premium.” That is a perfect example of how to confuse or annoy a customer with tech talk!
A very good way to communicate the benefits of the new computer to the customer would be: “Can you tell me what you usually do with a computer? It is a dual core processor which will allow more power for multitasking, has 4 gigs of RAM which is beneficial if you use multiple programs at once, or if you would like to play games; it also has a video card that will allow watching HD movies and playing newer games as well as a TV output so that you can use your television as a monitor. It also includes Windows Premium which will allow more security features for keeping the computer protected on the internet…etc..etc. Notice the difference?
It is a MUST that a technician has experience dealing with people on a face to face level, and understands how to communicate with customers without seeming too intimidating, confusing, or rude. I would highly suggest customer service training of some type for technicians interested in starting a PC repair business.
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Happy Computing!
tektime tektime for pc technicians
Jarvis Edwards – TekTime
pc technicians
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pc technicians
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The Joys of being a Computer Technician!
