Most IT professionals will be happy to answer tech questions and point you in the right direction.
It really is a joy to help people and get a little recognition for our talents and skills.
However if you’re looking for more substantial help like “If I bring my computer in can you reinstall windows 7” or “Can you help me with some coding on my website” you’re going to have to step it up.
If you want free IT support here’s some tips on how go about it.
Build a relationship. It’s easier to ask your close friends for a ride to the airport then it is with someone you barely know at the office.
Don’t assume they spend all their time with technology. There is more to life than just a computer. So just be personable, have a genuine conversation, take a genuine interest and they will show a genuine interest in you.
Learn their name. If you can’t say their name properly or don’t seem to know it that’s a bad situation. I’ve been called Joe, Joe-Van, Joe-Vin, Zovan, and Giovanni to name a few. I’m just as guilty of butchering peoples names, however I don’t continue to get it wrong for weeks, months or years and still ask them to do me favors.
Learn their Title. There are so many professions within IT. It’s no different than saying someone likes music. Learn who they are. Don’t just refer to them as the “IT Guy” when you introduce them to other people. You’re definitely not going to score points there and they won’t want to help you with anything. It’s a put-off. Read the full article →
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