As I get more and more people learning about this site via the search engines, social media and offline advertising, I've been amazed at how many of them have tech related issues. There are the classic hardware related frustrations that afflict occasional computer users generally, older people in particular.
Then there are various troubleshooting issues related to their use of social media. For example, they can't find their login details. Or maybe Google logs them in automatically to one account, but they have unknowingly created several, resulting in different lines of content. They want to bring them all together but can't.
Whenever I get these queries I politely decline their pleas for help. I never feel good about it, because I know how frustrating they are.
But here's why: Apart from the fact that I'm not a tech head it's always best if you can muddle through these issues yourself if possible. If you can, then you'll save money apart form anything else. You'll also get a real sense of confidence that will hold you in good stead. With one solved problem under your belt you'll be able to tackle others in future. And if you are going to get into the online world, then you are sure to encounter more of them in the future. So you might as well start now.
And by far the best way to do this is to Google your specific issue or question first. The search engine is astonishing in its ability to answer questions. And there are sure to be many experts out there who have experienced your particular issue and written clear guides about how to address it.
You can also join various online discussion boards and communities. Quora is a great site where you can ask questions and have numerous very knowledgeable people answer it. The Google Plus communities are full of experts who are willing to help, too. Not surprisingly, issues with that social network in particular are a very popular topic for discussion.
If you participate in these communities you'll not only find answers to your questions, you'll be building your social media presence as well -- not to mention developing confidence and skills in how to use them.
Then there are various troubleshooting issues related to their use of social media. For example, they can't find their login details. Or maybe Google logs them in automatically to one account, but they have unknowingly created several, resulting in different lines of content. They want to bring them all together but can't.
Whenever I get these queries I politely decline their pleas for help. I never feel good about it, because I know how frustrating they are.
But here's why: Apart from the fact that I'm not a tech head it's always best if you can muddle through these issues yourself if possible. If you can, then you'll save money apart form anything else. You'll also get a real sense of confidence that will hold you in good stead. With one solved problem under your belt you'll be able to tackle others in future. And if you are going to get into the online world, then you are sure to encounter more of them in the future. So you might as well start now.
And by far the best way to do this is to Google your specific issue or question first. The search engine is astonishing in its ability to answer questions. And there are sure to be many experts out there who have experienced your particular issue and written clear guides about how to address it.
You can also join various online discussion boards and communities. Quora is a great site where you can ask questions and have numerous very knowledgeable people answer it. The Google Plus communities are full of experts who are willing to help, too. Not surprisingly, issues with that social network in particular are a very popular topic for discussion.
If you participate in these communities you'll not only find answers to your questions, you'll be building your social media presence as well -- not to mention developing confidence and skills in how to use them.
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