Author Topic: Starting a Mac Consulting Business... (Read 2100 times)

ikoiko · « **on:** March 20, 2008, 08:36:33 AM »

I have been self employed in a different area for 14 years, but have been a mac user forever. I am thinking of creating a Mac Consulting business for a specific audience. I have little skills in the technical skills, errors, disk problems, etc. My skills are setting up, showing how to use, getting started, setting up the back ups, printers and such and basic networks.

So, right now - just looking for feedback.

My basis for this relates to all the people in the mac stores, buying equipment left and right - are they ready to get the most out of their new experience? Are they really going to read the manuals, the help books out there? No they are not. But are they willing to pay a fixed price which would include:

- setting up and getting started
- MAC 101 (getting started, finding your files, terms and words you'll see
- printing (setting up and using)
- using popular applications (music, word processing, browsers, etc)

Other services would include networking with your other machines;
- helping you pick out the best option for Macs, printers, storage

Thoughts?

(I am new to this forum)

kimmer · « **Reply #1 on:** March 20, 2008, 01:30:48 PM »

No real thoughts on the business you are proposing ... but wanted to say WELCOME to TS.

Xairbusdriver · « **Reply #2 on:** March 20, 2008, 06:46:46 PM »

First, Welcome Aboard, ikoiko!

Second,

QUOTE

- setting up and getting started
- MAC 101 (getting started, finding your files, terms and words you'll see
- printing (setting up and using)
- using popular applications (music, word processing, browsers, etc)

Other services would include networking with your other machines;
- helping you pick out the best option for Macs, printers, storage

I think these are exactly the services supplied at any Apple Store. For $99, they will cover all the software you want to use, one-on-one tutoring (once a week, I think). Transfer all files off your previous machine (PC or Mac), etc. Then there is ProCare, the Genius Bar, by appointment shopping help, workshops. Check these two links for info on what is offered at $99/year: <ProCare> and <OneToOne>.

In other words, if (and that is a big "if") there is already an Apple Store in your area, your likely to have a hard time convincing potential customers to use you instead of the people they bought from. I'm just not sure there is a market for what you're planning to offer. Your advantage, I assume, is that you would work at the customers location, not just at the Apple Store? But, as you admit, you won't be able to do any mechanical services on the Mac, they'll still have to go to the Store (although you might provide that as a service, also, if you have the time).

I'd suggest that you 'visit' a Store for as long as possible and as often as possible doing 'reconizance.' See if you can actually find customers wo express a need that the Store can't supply.

Is there a Mac User Group in your area? They might have a better handle on what needs are not being met in your area. But you may also find that they already are supplying the services you have in mind, you may even meet a competiter! Or you might meet an electronics guy who is looking for a software guy! Having a partner you can work with may help both of you get the business up and runing.

Have you had any experience working with people on a one-on-one relationship? Have you ever worked in an Apple Store? Any other retail experience? You might even consider trying to get hired at a Store to get a better/closer idea of what you might be able to offer.

I'm not really trying to rain on your parade, I seem to be doing that without trying!

Just offering some questions for you to ponder before you 'leap!'

You already seem to have a willingness to work, just be aware that many 'self-employed' work way more than they ever think they will. And you can't leave the problems at work!

Wish you the best! Let us know what you decide and where you'll be working!

krissel · « **Reply #3 on:** March 21, 2008, 01:24:13 AM »

to TS!

Much depends on where you live and what is available in your area. If you live in a fairly affluent area you may find sufficient customers who are willing to pay a little extra to have someone come to their home and set them up. Even though a lot of what you may offer is available at the Apple store as ABD describes, there are a lot of lazy people out there who would much rather have someone come to the house and do it for them.

A relatively easy and inexpensive way to find out if there is a need is to advertise in one of those coupon mailers. I noticed just such a service in the packet that my parents' received from businesses in their area. Of course he also was offering services to PC users as well so his target audience was considerably larger.

http://www.moneymailer.com/

http://www.hotcoupons.com/cgi-shl/cook/loc...p;x=17&y=10

Gregg · « **Reply #4 on:** March 21, 2008, 06:50:47 AM »

QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Mar 20 2008, 06:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think these are exactly the services supplied at any Apple Store. For $99, they will cover all the software you want to use, one-on-one tutoring (once a week, I think). Transfer all files off your previous machine (PC or Mac), etc. Then there is ProCare, the Genius Bar, by appointment shopping help, workshops. Check these two links for info on what is offered at $99/year: <ProCare> and <OneToOne>.

You know, the brochure they gave me when I purchased Pro Care does not mention tutoring.

ikoiko · « **Reply #5 on:** March 21, 2008, 08:20:08 AM »

Thanks for all the ideas and comments, and XAIRBUSDRIVER, you are not raining on a parade, I will work regardless of the weather.
A few items:

- I live 30 mins from 2 apple stores
- I've been self employed for 14 years, so I know the amount of hours does not equal the money, believe me! 80% of what I've done is training and consulting - there is a high comfort level and confidence level
- Since I would work at the people's homes, I would bundle the whole thing, even pre-purchase. If it is a older couple, then the training and time spent would be more than a typical family. Although the chance for tea and crumpets is larger at the older people's home...
- I would (if needed) get them set up with power strips, internet, and Mac training (depending on the existing skill set), helping them (if needed) pick out applications, forcing them to buy an external hard drive for back ups.

For $NNN dollars - they can use me to do what the minimum requirements (up and running, know how to use, confidence, etc) and are further along than if they just went o the apple store and came home.

As someone suggested - I could offer to bring equipment to the apple store genius bar if the need arose, good point.

Clarification: I am trying to shed a few pounds, maybe crumpets are not such a good idea, they have a lot of fat. Maybe toast and jam...

Keep those cards and letters coming....

c

Xairbusdriver · « **Reply #6 on:** March 21, 2008, 09:59:20 AM »

I remembered something else that might be of benefit. Apple has a completely independent web site that is mainly for training Store and other employees. The courses range from how to sell an iPod to how the advanced security of OS X works. You must register to get access and they may need some sort of evidence that you have a valid need for the info (I took several courses a couple of years ago when I was an officer at our MUG). But if you can get accepted, you have access to a lot of info for FREE. That's always my favorite price!

Actually, there are two special Apple sites:

<Apple Sales Training>

<Apple Sales Web>

News:

Author Topic: Starting a Mac Consulting Business... (Read 2100 times)