How to run a successful computer training business at home

by Cheryline Lawson

The first thing you need is the skills. Not because you can open a documentor create a table means that you are ready to be a computer trainer. Neither doyou have to be certified, but you must have enough skills to teach a class or aperson.

Here are my suggestions to get started:

1. Go to CompUSA and purchase a computer software book, for example, GettingStarted with Microsoft Word by Certification Insider Press. This is the bookyou use to prepare for the Microsoft Office User Specialist Examination. Again,you do not have to become certified, but I do recommend that you do. The bookcomes with a CD and it has practice exercises to help you evaluate and updateyour skills. I believe the cost is only $19.99.

2. Become Certified. This gives you the edge and credentials to make peopletake you seriously. Go to http://mous.net to find out more about becomingcertified.

3. Practice, Practice, and Practice. You would be surprised at how smart andperceptive your students can be. They may ask you a question and may notremember how to perform a simple task. This can be embarrassing. So always keeppracticing your skills.

4. Take a few classes yourself. Prepare, Prepare and prepare. I cantstress that enough.

The following software training is in demand:

 Microsoft Word

 Microsoft Access

 WordPerfect 8

 Microsoft Excel

 Visual Basics

 Microsoft Powerpoint

Most companies want to hire people with one or more of these skills. The moreskills you possess, the better it is to land a good paying job. There are lotsof people who want to improve their skills for a better paying job and yourtraining will offer that to them. If you offer a variety of classes, you willhave more clientele. A person who takes the Microsoft Word class may come backfor the Microsoft Excel class.

Here are a few places that offer tutorials and online courses for improvingand learning new skills:

http://www.learn2.com

http://www.smartplanet.com

http://www.onlinelearning.com

http://www.open.ac.uk

http://www.2work-at-home.com/tutorial

Some people find it easier to take a course than to learn something from atextbook. When you are looking for a course, look for something short andsimple. Look for courses that last five or ten evenings.

Self-Instruction is another method of learning. If you are good at perceptionand understanding things easily, then you can instruct yourself. You canpurchase books on the particular subject you would like to improve and gothrough the book on your own. If you purchase a computer program, it usuallycomes with a manual. You can use that, as well as, the "help feature"in your computer program to learn how the new program works. You would besurprised how many people learned new things by following this step. Noteveryone is able to do this though, so make sure you are, before you go out andpurchase a manual. You must also be able to follow through.

Your Market

Your market can be just about anyone but try to find a target market. Here isa list of possible targets:

Children

Children are now using computers to do their schoolwork and parents arebuying computers for kids to use. Computer classes are now being taught at someschools but not on a wide scale or in depth. We are moving into advancedtechnology and most parents who can afford to, will want to want to get computertraining for their kids.

Stay-at-home moms

I cant say enough about this group, of which, I was once a part.Motherhood is a job by itself, but of course, this is not what my book is about.I probably will write a book someday about this second job, taking care of yourkids. Mothers sometimes are not rewarded for what they do and taking a computerclass is a self-esteem booster for stay-at-home moms. Mothers will use this as aback up for when the time comes when she has to return to work.

Elderly

Not because you are old means you can't learn. Keeping your brain active isvery good especially when you are getting old.

Baby Boomers

These are the people who were not fortunate like you and I to get thebenefits of a computer during their age but it is never too late.

The Disabled

A disabled person needs to earn an income as well and though they may bedisabled, they still have a brain that keeps working.

College Students (you would be surprised)

A lot of college students do not have time to figure the details whenit comes to computing because they are too busy studying. If you are not anInformation Technology student, you may need computer lessons.

Someone who is trying to switch careers

A lot of people these days are unhappy in their careers and want to make theswitch but don't have the appropriate skills. This is where your expertise comesin.

Companies who invest in training their employees

Companies are now investing in upgrading the skills of their employees. Askyour employer and find out how they would go about seeking someone to traintheir employees. You might get some good ideas from that.

Someone who just bought a computer or got one for free

Wow! You wouldn't believe how many people are buying computers these days anda lot of them are older folks and of course, parents buying for their kids. Somepeople do not like to commit to a large computer class so they would rather haveyou come to their own home to give them private lessons. This group is one thatyou need to take a very close look at.

Your Marketing Plan

Your target market is one aspect of your plan that is very important andsince we have already identified your target market, it is time to putyour plan into action.

Print Flyers and leave them everywhere. Your hairdressers is a good place tostart, your local church, maybe. Stores and other small businesses places aregood places also. Your local copier center is a good place. In most cases, youhave to ask permission.

Create and give out your business cards to everyone you meet.

Put an ad in your local paper. This is called a test ad.

Word of mouth ---tell your friends and your associates.

In other words, talk, talk, talk....as much as you can

Offer discounts and referral packages.

Offer a free class if time permits.

If you are Internet Savvy, create a web site and list your site address onevery sales material that you reproduce.

Pricing Your Services

Call around town and find out what other computer tutors are charging.Another great resources that you should have is my book on "How to getcompanies to hire you as an Independent Contractor." I have a whole chapterdealing with pricing your services. Interestingly enough, I also have a chapterdedicated to "Marketing Your Services," as well. If you areinterested, send me an email.

Your Dream

You can make this dream a reality. I did and so can you. You can also make ita success. Do not give up your dreams but try to stop thinking about them and dosomething about it. Do not procrastinate. You will never know unless you try.

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