What were your most daunting IT issues when starting out?

[Dave Bockett]

I am currently looking at a few business ideas for a website and services for flying solo types who are getting starting or need basis assistance with IT issue.

I would love to know what areas you found the most daunting or had the most information overload on from the internet that you were left more confused than before you started out?

For example did you find that there were so many people trying to sell you webhosting with so many options you couldn't figure out what you needed?

The idea of the website is to have lots of great free basic advice to try and help people understand in simple terms what the need to know and how to go about getting their website up and running for example.

Would you see value in a paid mentoring type program where for a fixed amount per month you can get all the advise you need from a team of experts who have no vested interest in which solution or service they promote?

Dave.

[MCards]

Maybe where to go to to get your website done.

There're heaps of web design service providers out there, but starters usually look for those that are cheap and offer good quality. So they are often overwhelmed of the information available on the net, or don't know who to ask.

[beanydc]

I found it difficult to locate the IT provider with the specific skill set I required - full SQL is necessary for my practice software. 2nd time around, we went through four companies before getting one that I felt comfortable with, that they were more than just humouring me because I'm just a girl. My brother is a SOHO tech, and even he had problems finding someone.

The only ongoing issue I have right now, and still my IT just doesn't get it, is that I don't have access to new technology, so I don't know when something comes up that is especially relevant (email on phones, email to text, both newly discovered timesavers.
(actually, do you know of any dedicated envelope printers out there - our newsletter run is currently at about 500 units)

The issues, both setup and ongoing, that I see my clients have, in no particular order
- knowing at the beginning how much grunt they need, and locating a competitive provider of both setup, and support
- getting the right applications for what they are trying to do, and actually also accepting that sometimes pen and paper is best.
- understanding the importance of keeping current with hardware and software, and working out how to implement that.
- still, even now, the really basic mission critical steps of backups, restore, alternate site, etc
- the system just isn't "smooth" but they don't know any better, and then when I realise they have a problem, I can't find anyone to do an indpendent no sales intended audit of what's happeing. I know just enough to know when it's not right.

Originally Posted by Dave Bockett

I am currently looking at a few business ideas for a website and services for flying solo types who are getting starting or need basis assistance with IT issue.

I would love to know what areas you found the most daunting or had the most information overload on from the internet that you were left more confused than before you started out?

For example did you find that there were so many people trying to sell you webhosting with so many options you couldn't figure out what you needed?

The idea of the website is to have lots of great free basic advice to try and help people understand in simple terms what the need to know and how to go about getting their website up and running for example.

Would you see value in a paid mentoring type program where for a fixed amount per month you can get all the advise you need from a team of experts who have no vested interest in which solution or service they promote?

Dave.

[Renee Barber]

Originally Posted by Dave Bockett

...

The idea of the website is to have lots of great free basic advice to try and help people understand in simple terms what the need to know and how to go about getting their website up and running for example.

Would you see value in a paid mentoring type program where for a fixed amount per month you can get all the advise you need from a team of experts who have no vested interest in which solution or service they promote?

Dave.

Hi Dave

While I cannot say I had many IT issues when starting out because I've been using computers since I was thirteen (yeah, back when DOS was the big thing and 40 Mb was *huge*). Goodness me ...

At any rate, my first thought was, 'The people who would be the best mentors probably cannot get away from having a vested interest'. However, I suppose if you make the advice anonymous, it might work. Then again, you might run into credibility issues if the experts were not known. To get around that, I'd suggest you have profiles on the site and make it known that the advice could come from any of the panellists in a sort of 'double blind', if you will.

For the record, I think it's a very good idea as I'm sure it's very overwhelming for small business owners (what am I saying, *any* business owners) to navigate through the ocean of information about domains, web hosting, website design (including content management systems and SEO), etc.

If you do get your idea off the ground, I'd be interested in exploring participating on a paid basis. My business background includes: writing, editing, design, marketing and business administration so there seems to be a good fit. If you'd like to discuss this down the track, feel free to PM me or email me directly.

Either way, good luck with the venture!

[Dave Bockett]

Hi Renee,
Thanks for your great comments. Will certainly keep you in mind once I figure it all out. I also go back to MS-DOS days as well. Scarry how much it has all change since then!

The major issue I have is how to monetize the site. I see a need there to provide basic simple advise but the issue is how do you turn that into something that makes money? I'm not sure people will actually pay for a monthly type subscription? I think I might need a different type of business model with income from advertising etc.

Anyone got any great ideas? - what love to here them!

Dave.

[Dave Bockett]

Originally Posted by Denise Maffey

I found it difficult to locate the IT provider with the specific skill set I required - full SQL is necessary for my practice software. 2nd time around, we went through four companies before getting one that I felt comfortable with, that they were more than just humouring me because I'm just a girl. My brother is a SOHO tech, and even he had problems finding someone.

The only ongoing issue I have right now, and still my IT just doesn't get it, is that I don't have access to new technology, so I don't know when something comes up that is especially relevant (email on phones, email to text, both newly discovered timesavers.
(actually, do you know of any dedicated envelope printers out there - our newsletter run is currently at about 500 units)

Great info Denise. Sounds like you are saying something like a weekly/monthly newsletter letting you know about the new technology that is available and how it might help your business would be useful?

I'm sure most people are too busy to have the time to try and find new solutions for their business that they don't even know exist!

Dave.

[Dave Bockett]

I've reserrected this post to throw in a follow up question.

What are people's opinions on keeping things personal vs appearing bigger than you really are? Would you be put off if someone selling you webhosting etc was only the one guy operating from his bedroom or is it better to appear like you are a big company? (which I don't think actually fools many people anyway these days!)

I am torn as which way to angle the website. The current plan is to include lots of useful free content to attract people and offer webhosting etc to make money. I aim it to be more of a value add and to make it very friendly and easy for people to understand the technology so am leaning towards promoting it along the lines of one flying solo-er who can help other flying solo-ers. Sort of a very small business who helps other very small businesses (hence the name verysmallbusiness.com.au - not live yet.)

Thoughts?

Dave.

[Adam Randall]

I think it would be very difficult to make money off of web hosting these days unless you have lots and lots of money to get volume by offering hardly any margin.

Offering impartial advice would be a good idea, the only problem that I can see with that is that its just not possible to offer impartial advice when talking about IT as a whole.

Offering free advice though is a good thing, anything to give people a reason to visit your site.

Personally I am going to recommend any solution that gives me the least amount of headaches, makes the client happy and makes me some money, it has to tick those 3 boxes.

[LeelaCosgrove]

Hey Dave,

I'm seeing two immediate issues that once solved will help ...

You need to define your target market. Solo-preneurs are one thing - but I think you need to niche further. As Renee pointed out, there are solopreneurs who have an awesome grasp of technology and don't need your help. So, solopreneurs who don't have a strong grasp of technology and aren't sure what they need in terms of web-hosting. Okay, that's a bit better.

You can position yourself as the no-nonsense IT guy who talks to solopreneurs in ENGLISH rather than IT. What's web-hosting? Why do I need it? WTF is bandwith?!?!?! Do I have enough of it or do I need more?!?!?!

By answering these questions for people, you'll sell more hosting.

The paid membership is interesting - but what would be EVEN more interesting is if the hosting came WITH a monthly membership program that took you through the basics of IT for micro businesses - I'd use a continuity model with a weekly email and maybe build in a small amount of support? A couple of hours a month? Ohhh - and maybe a recorded interview with an expert. Everyone has a vested interest in selling their stuff, so don't worry about that - but you could have, like, an e-commerce expert, an adwords expert, an SEO expert, etc - explaining their areas in basic language (you would need to keep them on track as far as this went, because experts are notorious for talking as though everyone understands what they are saying!). Allow them to make a special offer at the end of their interview and switched on types will see the value in sharing their time and expertise for free.

Add the costs for these into the basic hosting package, because you don't want to run the whole thing at a loss ...

So now you've got a hosting package which is priced competitively (not the cheapest in the market, but competitive) - and isn't really just about hosting. It's about helping them to get their heads around the whole crazy world of the internet ... hosting with support ... we don't just send you out into the wild, we teach you how to defend yourself, etc.

Lol! I've excited myself with this idea ... I've got clients (in non-competing industries!) who could do something similar ... ohhhh!

If you want to discuss further, feel free to flick me a PM or an email ... I work with businesses on creating, marketing and selling information products, so this is my area of expertise ...

[Dave Bockett]

Thanks Adam. Great feedback as always from you!

I realise just doing a straight web-hosting reseller scheme isn't going to net me much return. I don't plan to even try to compete on price as the margins are so low now.

Now looking as the main focus with entry level free info in relation to setting up a website, SEO etc. Sort of a one-stop shop for people who don't know where to start is this area. The idea would be to provide a very personal service so able to charge more of a premimum for the service. Do you see this working?

Dave.