Thinking about starting "executive" computer training business

[TechBoyJK]

I'm considering starting a one on one computer training bootcamp for "executives" (or anybody willing to pay). I'm not talking A+ level, but more like a hands on experience for people that are scared to even turn on a computer.

I'd do things like

-show and tell about various computer components
-have a empty shell of a case and walk them through screwing down a mother board, harddrive, inserting ram, a power supply, etc. while explaining what each piece does
-Explain what the OS is, show them different examples (Windows XP, Vista, DOS, LINUX, MAC)
-Show them around an OS, explain what CLI is, how drives work and are paritioned
-Explain networking and IP addresses/ports
-Have a take home document with definitions and explanations that they can read after the class as to solidify their understanding
-etc.

I have over 14 certifications such as MCSE, MCSA, A+, etc.. but I don't have any official training certification. I could get the Comptia certified Trainer certification if necessary.

I'm thinking $150-$200 for an 8 hour bootcamp.

I've won alot of deals that have continually had me on the front page of the local newspaper (circulation of about 1.5 million per day) and I have alot of business people already approaching me about consulting, etc. so I think I have some leverage to do something like this. I wouldn't consider it a full time gig, just something I could do a few times a month for extra cash.

Ideas?

 

[amdhunter]

I don't think Executive people really care about stuff like that. You'd do better offering classes on Excel, Word or PowerPoint in my opinion.

 

[TheVrolok]

It may not be a bad idea, but I'm finding it difficult to find the actual audience for the type of lesson plan you have there. If we're looking to people who barely know what to do when turning on a computer.. what do they really care about the physical components/how they work/non Windows/MAC OSes? I mean, sure, to us, it may very well be nice to know a bit of background but I imagine if someone just wants to be able to "use" a computer then they really don't care. I could perhaps see breaking up what you've got there into specific and perhaps shorter seminars like Basic Networking (how to set up your home LAN, and keep it working .. ie what happens when the net goes down), Basic Maintenance (What/how of defrags, AVs, HDD partitioning/recovery, etc.).. you could cover a whole slew of topics like that. I'm still not entirely sure the market is there, though.

 

[TechBoyJK]

Originally posted by: amdhunter
I don't think Executive people really care about stuff like that. You'd do better offering classes on Excel, Word or PowerPoint in my opinion.

It would really be for anyone..

 

[AmberClad]

Seems a bit expensive. Some of those topics are things that places like MicroCenter offer walk-in classes on for free.

 

[rivan]

Originally posted by: TechBoyJK
I'm considering starting a one on one computer training bootcamp for "executives" (or anybody willing to pay). I'm not talking A+ level, but more like a hands on experience for people that are scared to even turn on a computer.

I'd do things like

-show and tell about various computer components
-have a empty shell of a case and walk them through screwing down a mother board, harddrive, inserting ram, a power supply, etc. while explaining what each piece does
-Explain what the OS is, show them different examples (Windows XP, Vista, DOS, LINUX, MAC)
-Show them around an OS, explain what CLI is, how drives work and are paritioned
-Explain networking and IP addresses/ports
-Have a take home document with definitions and explanations that they can read after the class as to solidify their understanding
-etc.

I have over 14 certifications such as MCSE, MCSA, A+, etc.. but I don't have any official training certification. I could get the Comptia certified Trainer certification if necessary.

I'm thinking $150-$200 for an 8 hour bootcamp.

I've won alot of deals that have continually had me on the front page of the local newspaper (circulation of about 1.5 million per day) and I have alot of business people already approaching me about consulting, etc. so I think I have some leverage to do something like this. I wouldn't consider it a full time gig, just something I could do a few times a month for extra cash.

Ideas?

You're continually on the front page of which local paper?

That aside, I think immersion classes for n00bs is a good idea, but my bet is you'll have a hard time getting that much unless you offer the class through a community center in west county.

Edit: And I think some of that content's a little too ambitious for total beginners.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: rivan

You're continually on the front page of which local paper?

Yeah right under Delivered By:

 

[BeauJangles]

Unless computers are your hobby, or you're part of an IT group, most people don't give a damn about the internals of a computer or how an operating system works. They just want to turn it on and use it. Think about cars. The majority of people can't be bothered to understand how their car works, they just want to flip the ignition and go.

 

[TechBoyJK]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: rivan

You're continually on the front page of which local paper?

Yeah right under Delivered By:

ha!

 

[Drakkon]

Try teaching a class at your local community center or college first. They are usually looking for people to give weekend lectures on various topics and computers can sometimes be a popular one.

 

[TechBoyJK]

Originally posted by: BeauJangles
Unless computers are your hobby, or you're part of an IT group, most people don't give a damn about the internals of a computer or how an operating system works. They just want to turn it on and use it. Think about cars. The majority of people can't be bothered to understand how their car works, they just want to flip the ignition and go.

Well I realize that not a whole lot of people would be interested, but I'm sure some would. I'm really looking at starting a consulting company of wider scope, and this would be a service that could be offered. I think getting the basic understanding of how a computer works, what a hard drive is, how ram works, etc. would go along way for someone who wants to know how to use a computer. Understanding how they are taken apart, put together, what each of the pieces is would really raise the confidence of someone sitting down in front of one.

 

[rivan]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: rivan

You're continually on the front page of which local paper?

Yeah right under Delivered By:

:thumbsup:

 

[kranky]

I really don't think your proposed topics are of interest to many people. But if I was going to do that, I would do it as a non-credit class at a community college. You'd have to be able to handle 15 or so students at a time, though. If you get a full class, you'd make some decent money.

I know some executives who are in desperate need of training but they need it on applications, not hardware/networking/OS. I've often wondered if someone could be successful offering specific training to executives one-on-one in their offices or homes (as they prefer). It would need to be custom for each person based on what they want to do.

Example: The exec tells you what he/she wants to be able to do in Excel. You develop a training outline based on those specific needs, then arrange a time to perform the training, and leave them with step-by-step instructions on the topics you covered.

 

[TechBoyJK]

Originally posted by: rivan

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: rivan

You're continually on the front page of which local paper?

Yeah right under Delivered By:

:thumbsup:

ha! while I admit that was witty, one of the reasons was that I was the sole contractor responsible for winning the hosting contract and migration of Pakistan's entire fleet of government related websites (including military stuff) to the uS. This included backend military collaboration systems. Deal was worth about $2million over 4 years.

 

[xochi]

I dont think this would be a good course for executives, but it could work if it was targeted to a different audience.

i think the cost is too low if anyting, especially for one on one. if you have all those certs i would charge $50-75 an hour for six hours.