"Another one of these threads?" Yes.

[Koala]

Hola Amigos,

Well, I'm sure these threads pop-up frequently but I couldn't constrain myself from doing so, here we go.

A little about me.....

Currently, I'm employed at a Trucking Company which is located in the city of Long Beach, CA. I help supervise (along with my manager) what goes into what ocean container and make sure everything is as it should be, and I'm the one that enters all data for every load. Do I like it there? Sure, but I don't love it.

When I'm not working there, I fix computers as a side gig. It has been slow for me but that's mainly my fault since I have not been enthusiastic in finding customers.I get the usual customers here and there and the occasional call for suggestions by friends. I would post ads on Craigslist but see that there's so many people that flag in my area and it got frustrating.

I am currently working on my website in which my primary focus is Remote Support. I am also doing on-site repair but that's going to be limited since I work full-time and the occasional overtime. I do have the ability to work on computer remotely from work so that's a plus. If not, I have a friend that will be on standby for the times I'm unable to. The remote software that I will be using is ScreenConnect. I am also integrating RepairShopr into my website and will be buying the Technibble Computer Kit for its forms.

Almost all customers I've talked to in the past are unaware that most computer problems can be fixed remotely. They literally have no clue. I want to introduce this to all potential customers with let's say...an inviting flyer? A free session for a limited time? Who knows, I haven't gave it much thought. A chunk of my customer base are Spanish-Speaking individuals so my website will have a language option for their choosing.

Tools:
Stick with Windows ISO's
Stick with GeToolkit
Working Mat
Universal Laptop Charger
Power Supply Tester
Anker USB 3.0 to SATA Adapter [I have an extra one that's sealed, might do a giveaway here ]
StarTech USB 3.0/eSATA Duplicator Dock with UASP [Also, have another sealed, giveaway? ]
Miscellaneous cables
Probably missing a few things but all suggestions are welcomed!

I would love to receive advice from all of you, as far as recommended software or business wisdom. I really want to be successful and would do anything to achieve it. I believe I have found a forum that can help me in the right direction.

Thank you for reading!

 

[cypress]

Hey there and welcome!

First off you will find a nice portion of techs that have started in similar situations as you. Working a full time job and managing their side business during the evenings and weekends. You are on the right track with Repairshopr and getting the Technibble Business Kit. I wish I would have gotten them a lot sooner, would have saved me so much time in the long run.

Having the essentials such as Remote software and proper tools is also another plus. I am not sure what you use for Virus scanning and such but you may want to check out such tools as TechWARU and D7. Also other tools like Windows Repair Toolbox. I think the idea of having your website with an option for spanish speaking is pretty unique and cool.

Remote Support is something that you have to gradually build towards your client. Many of them really don't even know what the word means, and remoting into their PC is like a whole new world for them. Flyers might help, but approaching the clients you have done previous work before and bringing up the benefits of remote support would be a good start.

You may also want to check out Kabuto. Their website is www.kabuto.io ,it is a software that includes monitoring features along with Managed Antivirus. You can at the very least install it on every machine you service and it keeps your company info on their desktop. You can check that out at www.kabuto.io

I am sure others here will be able to chime in with other useful information, but besides that I would keep reading articles posted here and check out the forums in further depth.

By the way if you wanna do a giveaway I'll take this tool:

Anker USB 3.0 to SATA Adapter [I have an extra one that's sealed, might do a giveaway here]

Lol mine is a little outdated. Haha.

 

[coffee]

I would love to receive advice from all of you, as far as recommended software or business wisdom. I really want to be successful and would do anything to achieve it. I believe I have found a forum that can help me in the right direction.

Then you have come to the right place. I do not think there is any forum on the web that consists of such a wealth of knowledge.

Welcome. Your journey starts now

 

[Koala]

You are on the right track with Repairshopr and getting the Technibble Business Kit. I wish I would have gotten them a lot sooner, would have saved me so much time in the long run.

I honestly just found out about them about 2 months ago and thought they were perfect for what I'm searching for.

Having the essentials such as Remote software and proper tools is also another plus. I am not sure what you use for Virus scanning and such but you may want to check out such tools as TechWARU and D7. Also other tools like Windows Repair Toolbox. I think the idea of having your website with an option for spanish speaking is pretty unique and cool.

As far as scanning, I use tools such as MBAM, Hitman Pro, Sysinternals, etc. I have gotten a lot of mixed reviews regarding TechWARU and D7, so I was a bit skeptical on actually giving it a chance. What do you personally use? I have never tried Windows Repair Toolbox, I will research that this week when I have free time.

Remote Support is something that you have to gradually build towards your client. Many of them really don't even know what the word means, and remoting into their PC is like a whole new world for them. Flyers might help, but approaching the clients you have done previous work before and bringing up the benefits of remote support would be a good start.

Yes, I agree. It is a whole different world, with many benefits for both ends. I do remote work for some clients and they're very happy with how convenient it is for both of us. Once I feel that my site and everything is ready, I will be persistent in enlightening potential customers. I am willing to use a week's vacation from work to do so.

You may also want to check out Kabuto. Their website is www.kabuto.io ,it is a software that includes monitoring features along with Managed Antivirus. You can at the very least install it on every machine you service and it keeps your company info on their desktop. You can check that out at www.kabuto.io

Just browsed their website and I am so impressed by it. That is exactly a recommendation I'm looking for. I am certainly going to use that for my clients. Signing up now.

By the way if you wanna do a giveaway I'll take this tool:

Anker USB 3.0 to SATA Adapter [I have an extra one that's sealed, might do a giveaway here]

Lol mine is a little outdated. Haha.

PM me your address and I'll ship it to you

I'll do a giveaway for the duplicator dock.

 

[Koala]

The Kabuto service is priced at $120 per year, that is really affordable for what it does.

 

[cypress]

I honestly just found out about them about 2 months ago and thought they were perfect for what I'm searching for.



As far as scanning, I use tools such as MBAM, Hitman Pro, Sysinternals, etc. I have gotten a lot of mixed reviews regarding TechWARU and D7, so I was a bit skeptical on actually giving it a chance. What do you personally use? I have never tried Windows Repair Toolbox, I will research that this week when I have free time.



Yes, I agree. It is a whole different world, with many benefits for both ends. I do remote work for some clients and they're very happy with how convenient it is for both of us. Once I feel that my site and everything is ready, I will be persistent in enlightening potential customers. I am willing to use a week's vacation from work to do so.


Just browsed their website and I am so impressed by it. That is exactly a recommendation I'm looking for. I am certainly going to use that for my clients. Signing up now.



PM me your address and I'll ship it to you

I'll do a giveaway for the duplicator dock.

I use D7 and Windows RepairTool Box. I automate my Virus and Tune ups for the most part. Prep the system and check off the boxes I need done and let the tools do its work. Other tools that I didn't seen mentioned. Have you used JRT and Adwcleaner? If so give them a look.

Windows Repair Toolbox was developed by one of the members here @AlexCa and here is the website for it.

http://windows-repair-toolbox.blogspot.com/

In regards to Kabuto, start out with the Free Plan if you want. Give the monitoring, branding and Managed Anti-virus a good test. Add some test systems and also a client system or two. Once you feel that is something you want to pursue then jump into the Growth plan for $120. I been testing the managed anti-virus for a week solid now and definitely works great. The monitoring is also a plus for you.

I am sending you a PM about the giveaway tool. Thank you for that! @Koala

 

[Pixelated Tech]

I've been on this wagon since @cypress introduced me. Kabuto is worth its weight in gold for the branding and pipeline to you by itself. The added integration with Repairshopr and the Leads module makes your workflow smoother as well.

 

[Diggs]

Don't forget a portable USB DVD reader (/writer?). So many laptops today don't have a DVD yet their owners want all their old software put back on them. (First time I ran into a diskless laptop I was not prepared.... heh)

 

[cypress]

Don't forget a portable USB DVD reader (/writer?). So many laptops today don't have a DVD yet their owners want all their old software put back on them. (First time I ran into a diskless laptop I was not prepared.... heh)

Oh yes can't forget about those. They go for just around $20 on Newegg. Must buy tool.

 

[Mike McCall]

Welcome!

Lots of good suggestions already. The help & advice available here is outstanding, as I think you're finding out. I have a couple of thoughts I'll offer up for consideration.

• Anti Static Mat - I purchased the one you'll see via the link and am glad I did. One concern of mine at the time was running out of room on the mat. Not a problem with this one. It comes with a wrist band and a grounding wire as well. I've used every inch of it. It's thick and well made. If it too big for you it has a little brother. One of my better investments.
• Fab's AutoBackup Pro - Gotta have this!
• Administrative - It's easy to forget the seeming formalities like registering your business with the State, and obtaining the required business licenses, etc. Don't overlook that stuff.
  
• Business Banking - It's important to have a separate business checking/savings account. Not only to you look more professional, there may be legal or tax issues involved. Seek out someone familiar with Ca. requirements.
• Credit Card Processing - Tons of options available. I currently use Square, but I'm small and prefer predictable costs. As I grow I'll switch to something that integrates with RepairShopr. The point is, cash & checks are fine when working with friends & family, but JQ Public wants more payment options.

I'll do a giveaway for the duplicator dock.

(Raises hand )

 

[Koala]

I use D7 and Windows RepairTool Box. I automate my Virus and Tune ups for the most part. Prep the system and check off the boxes I need done and let the tools do its work. Other tools that I didn't seen mentioned. Have you used JRT and Adwcleaner? If so give them a look.

Windows Repair Toolbox was developed by one of the members here @AlexCa and here is the website for it.

http://windows-repair-toolbox.blogspot.com/

In regards to Kabuto, start out with the Free Plan if you want. Give the monitoring, branding and Managed Anti-virus a good test. Add some test systems and also a client system or two. Once you feel that is something you want to pursue then jump into the Growth plan for $120. I been testing the managed anti-virus for a week solid now and definitely works great. The monitoring is also a plus for you.

I am sending you a PM about the giveaway tool. Thank you for that! @Koala

Yes, I use both JRT and Adwcleaner. I use them frequently

I feel as if shelling out the price for Kabuto is worth it just for branding customization. Yup, I'm going to make the final purchase this weekend.

 

[Koala]

Don't forget a portable USB DVD reader (/writer?). So many laptops today don't have a DVD yet their owners want all their old software put back on them. (First time I ran into a diskless laptop I was not prepared.... heh)

Didn't mention it on my list but I also have one. They're lifesavers!

 

[Koala]

Welcome!

Lots of good suggestions already. The help & advice available here is outstanding, as I think you're finding out. I have a couple of thoughts I'll offer up for consideration.

• Anti Static Mat - I purchased the one you'll see via the link and am glad I did. One concern of mine at the time was running out of room on the mat. Not a problem with this one. It comes with a wrist band and a grounding wire as well. I've used every inch of it. It's thick and well made. If it too big for you it has a little brother. One of my better investments.
• Fab's AutoBackup Pro - Gotta have this!
• Administrative - It's easy to forget the seeming formalities like registering your business with the State, and obtaining the required business licenses, etc. Don't overlook that stuff.
  
• Business Banking - It's important to have a separate business checking/savings account. Not only to you look more professional, there may be legal or tax issues involved. Seek out someone familiar with Ca. requirements.
• Credit Card Processing - Tons of options available. I currently use Square, but I'm small and prefer predictable costs. As I grow I'll switch to something that integrates with RepairShopr. The point is, cash & checks are fine when working with friends & family, but JQ Public wants more payment options.

(Raises hand )

Yes, I believe my original list had my anti-static mat listed. They're really comfortable to work on, I love it.

Fab's AutoBackup is one of the tools on my hitlist. I've heard nothing but good things from them, I checked out their site a few weeks ago and I like how it's constantly being updated.

Credit Card Processing is something I really have not looked at. I have been to a few businesses around my area that use magstripe readers and noticed how convenient they are for both parties. I need to do my research on this, seems great.

 

[Koala]

Administrative - It's easy to forget the seeming formalities like registering your business with the State, and obtaining the required business licenses, etc. Don't overlook that stuff.

I have plans on registering for licenses when things start growing as I'm hoping it does. At this moment, I believe I'm fine without and I'm not going against any laws. When I'm confident in applying for a license, that will mark a big personal milestone for me.

 

[Mike McCall]

Credit Card Processing is something I really have not looked at. I have been to a few businesses around my area that use magstripe readers and noticed how convenient they are for both parties. I need to do my research on this, seems great.

You'll want a regular Business account for that. Not a big deal to get.

 

[cypress]

Yes, I believe my original list had my anti-static mat listed. They're really comfortable to work on, I love it.

Fab's AutoBackup is one of the tools on my hitlist. I've heard nothing but good things from them, I checked out their site a few weeks ago and I like how it's constantly being updated.

Credit Card Processing is something I really have not looked at. I have been to a few businesses around my area that use magstripe readers and noticed how convenient they are for both parties. I need to do my research on this, seems great.

He had 35% off yesterday because of World Back Up Day, not sure if that still applies.