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Based Business Idea
C
O M P U T E R T R A I N E R:
What
Does a Computer Trainer Do?
 Computers
are everywhere - that is a given. Our children have become
quite astute in the intricacies of the personal computer. It
is now a necessity to not only learn to use standard word
processing, email, communication software but to master some basic
skills as well. This is an opportunity for the small business
entrepreneur who has a background in training, computer science and
basic software (preferably from Microsoft, Apple).
Each day there are new and powerful applications being
developed so you will see this business growing and evolving at for
years to come.
This is a "hot" market. You can expect there to be a need for
computer trainers to provide instruction to businesses, schools
and individuals. A trainer is the expert for his
clients. Become proficient in a number of software applications
that suit your clients needs. If you are skilled in the hardware
as well you can add the complementary service of maintaining,
updating, fixing and installing systems for your customers.
Your
Unique Skills
You
are the brains behind the monitor that will give your client the power
to go forward in the future. You will need to not only master but
preferably become a certified instructor in some
products. Determine which popular program you would
like to begin training on and understand the ins and outs of the
product.
You
will be your clients teacher. Often individuals learning the
computer for the first time will not only be intimidated but a bit
apprehensive to say the least. There is even a word for it -
"techno-phobia". You need to ease their worries and
present the information in the most "user-friendly" manner
that you can. The clients are not there to learn how much you
know. They are interested in what you can actually teach
them. There is so much detail when you go to uncover the potential
of a computer system. The rule of thumb is keep it simple and keep
it practical. Utilize
your person-to-person skills to set their minds at ease so they can open
up to this new world of computers. Say things like "If I can
do it - then so can you!"
Actually
having a teaching degree would be a major plus. If you don't have
a degree you may want to see if you can either take a class or read
extensively on the topic. Learn the methods of testing, how to
present information so that it is more likely to be retained and to
involve your clients in the process.
You
must be intuitive into what the student is trying to grasp from the
session.
Exceptional
communication and writing skills for creating instructional
documentation.
Tools
of the Trade
Of
course you will need a computer that is powerful enough to load all of
the software that you would be potentially training your clients
in. Determine the location in which you will be training. If
it is their home or office be prepared to understand how to navigate
around the operating systems of many versions under which your training
software will run. You may want to carry a backup, such as a
laptop in the event that there system has a problem.
As
a computer trainer you need to always be prepared. Some people
believe that with technology what can go wrong - will. Be prepared
not to overreact and think ahead of the problems that could prohibit a
successful training session. Remember you are trying to alleviate
their fears not increase them.
If
you want to teach a group you'll need additional computers or a location
that is conducive to training.
To
start-up this business you will need to invest from $2,000 up to $10,000
depending on the technology you need, licensed software and marketing
collateral. You should factor in an expense for additional training and
workshops that you will need to stay up to date. You can also
purchase paper and a binding machine to create your own training
materials to lower the cost of a professional printer. Don't
forget to insure your home office equipment
Getting
Your Foot in the Door
Determine your market. There are so many ways you can take this
business it is up to you. Who do you really enjoy working with
because that is the real question. If you like to help children
and open up their little eyes to the possibilities of computers then you
can create a program that targets them. You will build your
service to fit their needs, schedules and abilities. Maybe it is
seniors or housewives. Each of your clients will not only be
available at different times but have different interests and
requirements.
You
may decide to target a specific industry or application such as
insurance, finance, law etc. If you have extensive experience in
an industry and understand their needs and specialized applications you
can create a successful business by targeting them directly. Many
organizations will outsource training of employees to an independent and
either have you train on or off-site.
A
degree in computers/information technology or a related field is a
definite plus in gaining credibility. Otherwise post any awards,
certifications etc. on your marketing brochures.
Join
a computer club or networking group. There are groups sprouting up
in almost every big city and this is not only a way to improve your
knowledge of the products and industry but potentially exchange referrals
with other trainers.
Many
specialty application programs have user groups that were established to
assist customers. Get your business name listed on their websites
as a resource in the area for phone or in-person support.
Traditional
advertising to acquire local clients for standard applications may be
the way to go in certain geographical locations.
Creative
Marketing Techniques
Be
creative: Instead of just going after corporate customers, consider the
at-home market. Could you create an "Internet for Families"
course, teaching parents and children how to find and use
"family-friendly" Web sites and promote it through local
schools, community centers and "Y's"?
There are many ways to market a computer training business.
In addition to networking and word-of-mouth advertising,
trainers who are certified can get referrals from the
manufacturer of the software they intend to teach. The key is to be creative. Instead of focusing only on
businesses, consider going after the at-home market with
family-friendly workshops like "Family Fun on the
Internet."
As
an independent contractor set the specifics of a contract with
any corporation that you deal with. Even if the student is
a no-show you have prepared for the class and invested the time
so be sure that you are compensated appropriately.
Your
training materials are yours - they are your copy written
documents. Even if you leave the copies with the students
- the company is not allowed to go off and produce it for
internal use. Make this very clear. Keep ownership of your
original training materials.
Show
Me the Money
A typical computer trainer will either charge by the class or by the
hour. Hourly rates range from $35 to $150 an hour, depending on the
complexity of the programs you're teaching and local market conditions.
You can increase your fees by bundling in software, training documents,
an additional fee for extended phone support, a follow-up visit etc.
Specialized programs (i.e., development software, graphics applications,
specialized financial systems) allows you to command a premium for your
services.
If
you secure a corporate program where you teach on-site you can set a by
class price. A full-time
trainer can expect to bring in anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 a year.
You
may want to establish a "train-the-trainer" specialty class
and start your own corporate training troupe where you can collect a
percentage of each trainers fees.
Online
Resources:
Independent Computer Consultants Association
11131 South Towne Sq., Ste. F
St. Louis, Missouri 63123
(800) 774-4222
www.icca.org
For
Inspiration:
DigitalLifeGuide.com
- Atlanta tech trainer - Susan Chambers has taken a
passion for technology and enlightened both home and small
business owners on the magic of technology.
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