By Cheryline Lawson
The first thing you need is the skills. Not because you can open a document
or create a table means that you are ready to be a computer trainer. Neither
do you have to be certified, but you must have enough skills to teach a
class or a person.
Here are my suggestions to get started:
- Go to CompUSA and purchase a computer software book, for example,
"Getting Started with Microsoft Word" by Certification Insider Press. This
is the book you 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 book comes with a CD and it has practice exercises to help
you evaluate and update your skills. I believe the cost is only $19.99.
- Become Certified. This gives you the edge and credentials to make people
take you seriously. Go to http://mous.net to find out more about becoming
certified.
- Practice, Practice, and Practice. You would be surprised at how smart and
perceptive your students can be. They may ask you a question and may not
remember how to perform a simple task. This can be embarrassing. So always
keep practicing your skills.
- Take a few classes yourself. Prepare, prepare and prepare. I can’t stress
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
more skills you possess, the better it is to land a good paying job. There
are lots of people who want to improve their skills for a better paying job
and your training will offer that to them. If you offer a variety of
classes, you will have more clientele. A person who takes the Microsoft Word
class may come back for the Microsoft Excel class.
Here are a few places that offer tutorials and online courses for improving
and learning new skills:
Some people find it easier to take a course than to learn something from a
textbook. When you are looking for a course, look for something short and
simple. Look for courses that last five or ten evenings.
Self-Instruction is another method of learning. If you are good at
perception and understanding things easily, then you can instruct yourself.
You can purchase books on the particular subject you would like to improve
and go through the book on your own. If you purchase a computer program, it
usually comes 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 be surprised how many people learned new things by following this
step. Not everyone is able to do this though, so make sure you are, before
you go out and purchase 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
is a list of possible targets:
- Children. Children are now using computers to do their schoolwork and
parents are buying computers for kids to use. Computer classes are now being
taught at some schools but not on a wide scale or in depth. We are moving
into advanced technology and most parents who can afford to, will want to
want to get computer training for their kids.
- Stay-at-Home Moms. I can’t 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 your kids. Mothers sometimes are not rewarded for what
they do and taking a computer class is a self-esteem booster for
stay-at-home moms. Mothers will use this as a back 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 is very good especially when you are getting old.
- Baby Boomers. These are the people who were not fortunate like you and I
to get the benefits 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 be disabled, 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 when it comes to computing because they
are too busy studying. If you are not an Information Technology student, you
may need computer lessons.
- Someone Trying to Switch Careers. A lot of people these days are unhappy
in their careers and want to make the switch but don't have the appropriate
skills. This is where your expertise comes in.
- Companies that Invest in Training Their Employees. Companies are now
investing in upgrading the skills of their employees. Ask your employer and
find out how they would go about seeking someone to train their employees.
You might get some good ideas from that.
- Someone Who Just Got a Computer. Wow! You wouldn't believe how many people
are buying computers these days and a lot of them are older folks and of
course, parents buying for their kids. Some people do not like to commit to
a large computer class so they would rather have you come to their own home
to give them private lessons. This group is one that you need to take a very
close look at.
Your Marketing Plan
Your target market is one aspect of your plan that is very important and
since we have already identified your target market, it is time to put your
plan into action.
- Print flyers and leave them everywhere. Your hairdressers is a good place to
start, your local church, maybe. Stores and other small businesses places
are good places also. Your local copier center is a good place. In most
cases, you have 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 on
every 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 get
companies to hire you as an Independent Contractor." I have a whole chapter
dealing with pricing your services. Interestingly enough, I also have a
chapter dedicated to "Marketing Your Services," as well. If you are
interested, send me an email.
Your Dream
You can make this dream a reality. I did and so can you. You can also make
it a success. Do not give up your dreams but try to stop thinking about them
and do something about it. Do not procrastinate. You will never know unless
you try.
-- Cheryline Lawson is the author of the e-book entitled "How to Run a
Successful Computer Training Business at Home." For more
information, please go to http://internet-home-employment.net or send an email to webmaster@internet-home-employment.net.
