Would you find this useful?

11 replies
Hi fellow IMers

I'm in a position where I need to renter back into the IM field after years running a tech company offline. Just need some feedback regarding the direction I'm considering. I'm thinking of a service that would teach new marketers or those who don't want to farm out technical parts of this business, how to do everything tech. From hosting and domain basics, to setting name servers, to php/HTML/JavaScript/CSS basics, to tracking code/Adwords code/etc, to understanding and using YouTube and similar services, wordpress, etc

Basically everything technical for the IMer who might be great at marketing but needs the technical skills.

I'm curious about how many people, especially from here, would actually find such a service beneficial? It would be delivered mostly via videos and would have a forum for discussion and specific questions not covered in the modules.

Anyway, would appreciate your feedback!!



Thanks

John Westbrook
#find
  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    I think it's a good idea, though I think I'd narrow it down from "everything tech" to a few of the more common skills, probably related to Web design. Once you get a reputation for some of the basic stuff people need and want you can branch out. Your present plan, in my opinion, is far too broad.
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    • Profile picture of the author cborgrx
      I like the idea but you have to offer different levels of services. Maybe level one would be the videos, level two could be the videos and an accompanying PDF, level three might be you actually performing the work for busy clients or for clients who just don't "get it"
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    I think it's sorely needed (I don't need it because I'm pretty techy myself), but I don't know what the reception would be by those who do need it. Some people are just scared of the technical stuff. It would be a great service if people who need it would actually use it.
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  • Profile picture of the author LuckyIMer
    The idea is great, but it is not new and there are many forums and knowledgeable sources that cover all of the thing you mentioned. I agree with the person who suggested to narrow it down and make it focused instead at least in the beginning.
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    I've already done a heap of free videos on those sorts of topics for anyone who needs them.

    You can watch them here:

    http://imlessons.com (free site)
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    • Profile picture of the author Stephanie Huang
      Originally Posted by WillR View Post

      I've already done a heap of free videos on those sorts of topics for anyone who needs them.

      You can watch them here:

      http://imlessons.com (free site)

      Thanks, it looks very useful and handy.
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      • Profile picture of the author The Niche Man
        As others have said it's a good idea ... "But"! Many others are doing it and have been doing it for years, as YouTube would confirm.

        So, you'll have to research them and find out what you can offer or do that they're not doing - to make yourself stand out. Plus, make it valuable enough that people would pay for it.

        They're a lot of people who are marketers but not "techies" like me, so the potential demand is there. It's just a matter of doing or offering something extra or unique (a niche) that makes you stand out.

        So put your hard hat and "work" gloves on!
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  • Profile picture of the author Jack Gordon
    Yeah, I think your real competitor in this would be youtube.

    You may have to think a bit about how you would be able to monetize something that is readily available for free.
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  • Profile picture of the author wmrwl
    Are you planning on performing the technical work, offering informational products, or offering coaching?
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  • Profile picture of the author Jack Gordon
    Just a thought... but I have an idea for you that may be worth exploring.

    You could build a community where users can view your tutorials, read your guides and - this is the key - request tutorials on the exact problem they are having.

    For paying members, you could have something like a 24-hour turnaround guarantee on new requests.

    And for a reasonable fee, they can hire you to solve their problem personally.

    Requests would drive development where there is demand for information.

    This is not a set-it-and-forget-it kind of a business by any means, but if you are looking to do something meaningful, you may find an audience there.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Westbrook
    Thanks for the feedback. This gives me exactly the direction and clarification I needed.
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