Good Computer Technicians

• Cover the basic issue that the customer requested of them to fix.
• Perform the job in a timely manner.

Great Computer Technicians

• Check for other issues besides the primary one; for example, in addition to doing a virus removal that they were asked to perform, they also run other diagnostics and performance checks, and make appropriate recommendations to the customer.
• Follow up frequently with the customer regarding their computer’s status, especially if they have their computer on hand for a while.
• Check to make sure that the job was completed to the customer’s satisfaction, offering to have the customer inspect their computer after the work is done.

The attributes found in a great technician are the type that are in the highest demand.

So, what qualities are found in a computer repair technician who is in high demand for contract work? Most importantly, experience and specialization, closely followed by communication. Contractors are hired for their mastery of particular skills like virus removal, laptop hardware repair, Apple Mac repair, and home theater setup – but are not expected to have mastery of all these skills (that is rare). Contractors are not trained, so they are always expected to have sufficient experience in their area of expertise.

A good tech contractor only needs to specialize in one technology service, as long as he is capable of adequately handling related skills. For example, a laptop hardware specialist (who focuses on LCD screen replacements, motherboard & dc jack repair) would benefit from some virus removal experience, since a “broken laptop” may be a virus misdiagnosed as a hardware issue.

A good contractor usually has his own business cards and website that advertise his technology services. He has registered his business with the state. He may also have flyers or other advertising material that demonstrate his dedication and highlight his expertise. The IT contractor usually carries professional liability insurance because of the risky nature of some services. It almost goes without saying that the contractor has his own tools and transportation. Some contractors work from a shop; others work from home.

Finally, a good computer repair contractor has soft-skills (like communication) and values (like dedication and honesty).

Above, BienTek has covered the qualities of a good technology contractor (in the owner’s opinion). If you think you’re a good candidate to accept computer repair jobs from BienTek, feel free to apply. If accepted as one of BienTek’s technology partners, you will be notified of occasional jobs, which you may choose whether to accept based on your interest and availability. We’re currently particularly interested in partnering with Apple and laptop techs in Lansing, Brighton, Canton, Troy, and Royal Oak, MI. We’re also looking for Michigan home theater installers.

It’s simple: we partner with other small computer service businesses – whether you run a shop or work from home – to ensure that the job gets done by the right tech. BienTek literally means “Good Tech” – and if you’re a good tech with a specific computer skill to offer, then we’re interested in working with you. If your small business has some spare time to take on extra jobs each week, then give it some consideration: as a subcontractor, you could perform additional work only when you have the extra time and the job is a good match for your skillset. You’re not required to perform any jobs unless you accept them, so you can accept only the jobs that interest you.

BienTek is currently looking for technicians that can serve Canton and Lansing, Michigan.

Skills in high demand for January 2011:

• laptop repair – lcd screen replacement & dc jack repair; general diagnostics
• data recovery
• virus removal

Computer repair businesses – especially small ones like independent shops – should consider working with other businesses to accept jobs when they have downtime. Partnering with another computer repair business might mean working as a subcontractor for that business (on a 1099 basis), with the possibility of accepting several jobs a week. Although it might mean earning less money per job (since the business that you’re working for is taking a cut), the benefit is clear: you’re working when you would have otherwise had downtime.

BienTek is an example of a technology services contractor looking to hire other computer repair businesses. It works like this: when you work as an independent contractor for BienTek, you potentially receive several job opportunities per week to perform the computer services that your business specializes in. These jobs are typically in your area (sometimes a fair amount of driving is required, but BienTek tries to offer you jobs that are mostly local). As a contractor, you have the opportunity to accept each job or turn it down based on its appeal to you and your availability – that’s your choice since you’re a contractor, not an employee. It’s a great way to fill the gaps in your schedule. Although there is no guarantee of work, great technicians tend to receive more job opportunities – and they can negotiate a higher fee.

Questions? Post them in the comments, and Brian Bien (owner) will try to answer them.

Michigan laptop specialists: this is a good time to visit our job application page.

BienTek is looking for a computer tech with the skills to repair non-functional LCD monitors. If that’s you, then we want you to have these monitors for free.

HP vs17e – Monitor displays image briefly on computer boot (approx 3 seconds), then displays “no signal”.

HP vs15 – Monitor does not power on.

To receive these monitors:

• You must currently repair computer or electronics.
• By responding, you assert that you are qualified to perform these repairs in a safe manner.
• You must be willing to pick up the monitors in Novi, Michigan.

Why are we given away broken monitors? Because we’re looking for a local computer repair technician.

Questions? Please post in the comments.

Here are the nontechnical attributes that BienTek is looking for:

• communication skills (verbal and written)
• ability to recommend related services to the customer (memory upgrades, backup solutions, etc.)
• ability to answer the phone, speak with the customer about his needs, and recommend an on-site technology solution
• own transportation, laptop, software & hardware toolkit

Desirable technical skills (you should have mastery in three or more of the following):

• virus removal skills (can you bring a hosed Windows XP system back up and running without a wipe?)
• BSOD-fix skills (can you diagnose & repair a computer that has a Blue Screen of Death?)
• laptop repair skills (power jack repair/replacement, monitor repair/replacement)
• general hardware diagnostic & repair; general computer troubleshooting skills & experience
• small business computer networking
• data recovery

To apply: fill out the computer repair job application, and you will receive a phone call within a week if we are interested.