Computer Guy’s Corner #5
By: Matthew Rodela on February 14th, 2009
Categories: Computer Guy's Corner
Welcome to the 5th edition of Computer Guy’s Corner. This is where I collect a small handful of links to useful news, reviews, and blog postings that relate to Tech and Small Business from a computer consultant’s viewpoint. Feel free to comment about any of the links and let me know your take!
Tech Stuff
Build a complete IT toolkit for go-anywhere tech support [VIDEO] (TechRepublic) - Nice basic introduction to the hardware necessary for traveling computer techs. You can get most of this in an all-in-one kit like this one.
Dealing With Clients Questions (Technibble) - Great post from Bryce over at Tech nibble with some suggested responses to difficult questions customers may ask.
10+ IT pros share the utilities and tools they can’t live without (TechRepublic) - See what some IT veterans list as their go-to software tools.
http://cloudcadet.com/ - My buddy Eric Hamm has taken computer consulting to the “cloud”, offering blogging and web related services. Consider offering these services in your own business…the demand is only going to increase.
The IT Crowd [VIDEO] - Just a taste of a hilarious new british comedy about IT workers.
Small Business Stuff
85 Absolutely Free Online Business Classes (SmallBizBee) - Amazing list of free online business courses available for any skill level.
Laid Off in 2008? Start a Business in 2009 (Entrepreneur.com) - An interesting look at the new wave of entreprneurs that have been forced to fend for themselves.
Staying “Front of Mind” with Referral Partners (Sales-Excellence) - Great advice on how to keep your services in the minds of your clients by leveraging the all-mighty referral. The importance of getting referrals from your existing satisfied customers is of the utmost importance to the independent computer consultant. Not to mention it’s a great way to avoid playing that “pushy salesman” role, which I don’t find too appealing personally.
Sound off!
Do you find these links helpful? What kind of links would you like to see featured here in the future?
February 14th, 2009 at 11:12 am
Thanks for the mention, Matt! I definitely feel that the ‘ground work’ will always be in high demand, but there’s no doubt that cloud consulting is only going to increase as the cloud becomes more entrenched with apps and interconnected websites. I also like the freedom it allows me. I can be anywhere in the World and still get the job done. But some would certainly miss the actual connection to the client. Anyway, thanks for sharing the links and info with us. Eric
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Matt R.
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February 14th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Yeah, they’re both very important and necessary services. It’s also a great hybrid possibility….doing blog/web consulting along side hardware/repair consulting.
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February 14th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Hey Matt-
Great stuff here, and thanks for passing my link along. I’m checking out the other articles now.
Thanks,
Matt
[Reply]
Matt R.
Reply:
February 14th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
No problem, that post is an important resource that I felt needed to be shared!
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