Because long-term client relationships are what will
bring you stable, on-going revenue and sustain your firm far into the
future, you need to be prepared to help your clients understand the
power of their computer network installations, so they can use them to
their fullest.

One of the biggest potential obstacles that can prevent
a client from really using your provided solutions is a lack of
training. So be sure to discuss the idea of bundling-in training with
your clients at the beginning of each relationship, so your firm can
develop a customized training solution that will really help clients use
the technology you introduce.

Not sure you want to handle the informal, ad-hoc,
one-on-one training yourself? Then look for a partner or subcontractor
that specializes in training to join your team. On the flip side, this
same individual may be able to throw some your business your way as
well.

In reality, small business end users rarely have the
time or funds to take full-day or multi-day off-site computer training
classes. As someone learning how to repair computers and make money
doing it, you need to understand that you are many of your customers'
and clients’ only chance for formal training. So anything you can do,
even in the form of informal one-on-one or small group sessions, will
help them greatly and also bring you opportunity for additional revenue.

Your clients really need this training to get maximum
value out of their technology investments and avoid buyer’s remorse
that will alienate them from calling you again for services. When you
offer end-user training, you help entrench your company deeper into the
account and also will see a dramatic reduction in frivolous help desk
calls and repair requests.

Here are 4 simple ways you can add value to your
computer repair services and make some very high-margin profit, by
simply bundling-in training for your supported end users.

1. Teach Clients about the Network Logon. After
you learn how to repair computers profitably in the small business
space, don't by shy about sharing your newly-acquired knowledge.
Teach each user about network log-on procedures. Also highlight any
password requirements, such as case sensitivity or automatic
password expiration. Remember, what seems intuitive for you probably
isn't for others.

2. Explain Details about Printers. Review the
location of shared network printers, usage restrictions and default
assignments with your computer repair clients. Show how to change
the default printer in the Printers folder and how to change the
selection through the File, Print menu command.

3. Educate Clients about Malware and Virus
Protection. Many computer repair specialists forget about the
very important topic of malware and virus protection when they are
figuring out how to repair computers for small business owners and
establish long-term relationships. Warn users about opening
unsolicited file attachments and make sure to discuss the huge risks
of downloading or installing unauthorized software.

4. Teach Clients Proper Data Backup Habits.
Point out where data files should be stored in pre-configured
default folder paths for various software applications. Advise users
on which drive letters and folders are included in nightly automated
backup routines. One of the best ways to keep clients long term is
to prevent catastrophic data loss. So make sure clients know how to
back up important information. Better yet, make backing up as
automatic and seamless as possible.