Hi, I’m Josh. How can I help?

Primary

In a sentence, I help individuals and businesses use simple, generally inexpensive technology to reach more people, work smarter, and communicate better.

Personal technology like laptops, mobile phones, and internet applications are a part of so many people’s lives but how many people can say they really understand how it all works? I’m not talking about the resistors, capacitors, and switches that make it all work, I mean how to use it well and to its full capacity. Most people you interact with have email but are we all using it well? Those same people likely have a cell phone as well but is it making their lives harder by being one more thing to maintain? Having a business in 2008 means (or should mean) having a website but are you getting your money’s worth from your host, your webmaster, or your site itself? With all the different ways to communicate with each other, market our ideas, and find new people with which to interact it can quickly become overwhelming trying to chose a product or service that can help rather than hinder.

That’s where I come in.

I have over a decade of experience learning, using, and teaching technology to people in a variety of different industries. I can help make sense of the hardware you’re using, the software you’ve heard of, and the internet you work with everyday. Do you have an idea or product and you’re not sure how to get started sharing your idea with the world? I’ll help you build an informative website, find a team of people, and use free tools to stay productive. Are you a creative with more talent than you know what to do with? I can show you how to spread the word through social technology and present your work in a way that translates from the work itself to print to the internet. Are you able to work virtually but not sure how to stay productive. Let me help you optimize that old laptop, learn a few on-line services, and get you grinding away at your local coffeeshop.

I love learning and I love teaching and I’m good at both. Teach me about what you do and let me help you do it even better!

Put yourself and/or your business on the web

I am a self-taught web designer and HTML/CSS programmer. I can work with you to set up a web site to display your personal or business information on the internet. Whether you have an idea in mind or you are open to suggestions, we’ll figure out the best layout and color scheme and get your information front and center.

I’ll show you a few tips and techniques to raise your “findability” on-line and show you some of the keys to improving your ranking with common search engines. I’ll help you navigate the world of online social media and networking so you can get the most out of your time spent on-line. I can show you how to set up a blog, create unique content, and add exciting visual elements to keep your visitors happy.

I’m more than happy to sit down and show you how all of this works or simply do it all for you. The process is entirely up to you and depends completely on what you want to create and complete on your own.

Solve your technical problems

No matter who you are or what you do, sometimes your technological life just works against you. There can be a number of causes for this - faulty hardware, corrupt software, operating system errors - and, hopefully, a number of solutions as well.

Before you lose your mind and kick your poor CPU out the window, get a hold of us; we might just save the day. I’ve had my share of corrupt data and crashed hard drives and know my way around a broken computer. Most of the time, your information is perfectly fine though momentarily inaccessible. The worst that can happen is you learn a lesson about backing up your data and we teach you how!

Sometimes, however, the problem is not so much debilitating as it simply annoying. Does it take too long to open files or find information? Is your home network only partially functioning? Are you just through with error messaging or bad performance? Sometimes it’s a quick fix and sometimes it’s more involved but, take it from me: life is just that much better when your technology is work for you rather than against you.

Train, teach, & coach you

Are you behind the times, lagging the crowd, up a creek when it comes to the latest and greatest? Knowing your way around a computer and its many features and functions plays a vital part in today’s job market and social landscape. Understanding basic program functions is critical; knowing even more can make the difference between wasting your time and making the most of it.

I have several years of corporate training experience and have helped people understand some of the most complicated relation management and billing systems that exist. I can show you the ins and outs of popular software, hold a training session for your employees on an internal system, or show you some great (and free) programs that have helped me get organized and make sense of the world around me.

Maybe you’ve been out of the workplace for a while or never needed to know how to use a PC until now. Either way, we can help you use your laptop, desktop, or mobile phone in new and exciting ways!

Show you how to keep your data well-behaved

Are your contacts out of control? Do you have more icons on your desktop than programs in your computer? Does it take you more than 5 seconds to find and open what you want on your computer? Are you always leaving something behind? Are multiple copies of the same files cluttering your computer? Please tell me you’ve backed it all up within the last month… what??

Data overload is a common problem these days and Josh can DEFINITELY help. I’ve figured out a fairly quick and very easy system to keep your files clean, accessible, backed-up and ready to go. I can show you how to keep your system up-to-date and your information organized without adding a lot of extra steps to your day.

If you have multiple people accessing the same files or find yourself at different computers while you’re on the run, I can show you how to make your life much more efficient!

Secondary

Maybe you already know what you’re doing but you just need a leg up to bring it all together. You have needs and I have skills to hone so let’s get in touch!

• I’m very proficient at HTML and CSS to help you build a new web site or maintain, re-style, or re-purpose an existing one.
• I’ve built many computers by hand and have upgraded even more. I can help you set up a simple wired or wireless network in your home or office and get it up, working and secure. I’ll help you put together an easy-to-use, bulletproof back-up system that will keep your information safe. I’ve also “got a guy” who is a hardware whiz and can help you build a system (or several systems) for less than you thought possible.
• I can help you put together a great business card, letterhead, print ad, or email flyer. Even if you’ve designed your own, I can be a second set of eyes and help you optimize it for the medium you’re using.
• I love watching people have “A-HA” moments so let me help you figure out your new laptop or software program. Want to learn how to build a computer from scratch? Want to learn HTML to maintain your own website? Want to understand how to use social networks to meet more people? I’m your guy.
• I worked in telecommunications for 6 years and can help you choose and phone and plan that will work for you. I’ll help you sync your information, use it to its fullest, and back everything up.
• I’m very proficient at Microsoft Word and Excel and can work with PowerPoint, Outlook, and Visio. Is your document misbehaving? Are you trying to sort and present data in a spreadsheet? Are you self-publishing and need to know how to make it look great and submit it? Call me!
• I’ve built from scratch and currently maintain two Wordpress blogs. While I’m no PHP guru, I’m learning more everyday and can fight my way through it.