GeekCoaches offers the following one-on-one technology coaching services and more.
Protecting Your Children
Gone are the 'good old days' when the only thing required for protecting your children online was to keep them away from adult site and monitor their Facebook usage. Now you have to worry about online bullying, sexting, brand new social networks you have never heard of and more. When a capable child is determined to do something on the internet, it can be almost impossible to stop -- especially if they have the help of friends with less engaged parents. Many parents would just like to have a fighting chance. While nobody can guarantee to keep your children safe online, GeekCoaches can help you to fight the good fight. We can identify the latest trendy apps and social networks and help you navigate them. We can help you review any safety measures you have put in place and identify potential weaknesses. When it comes to protecting your children, it is good to have as many friends on your side as possible.
Preparing a Presentation
Applications like Microsoft PowerPoint and Apple Keynote provide incredible tools for preparing a presentation with visual aids. Thanks to cheap projectors and now flatscreen televisions, more and more of us are being called on to give presentations. Even job candidates can be sometimes be expected to use a slide show during an interview. Also because of the popularity of these resources, many of us have experienced 'Death by Powerpoint' -- presentations with slides that were worse than having nothing. You may be in the same boat as other presenters you have seen. You want to give a good presentation -- you just don't know how. This skill gap only makes what can already be daunting -- public speaking -- even more difficult. GeekCoaches can help you put together a compelling presentation. In his other life, our chief geek, William Pitcher, teaches people how to present and pitch. He can assist you with both the technical aspects of presentation software and the design principles of a good presentation deck. GeekCoaches can also help you with the latest online presentation tools like Prezi and SlideShare.
Choosing the Best Device
Choosing the best device for your needs can be a challenge. If you stop and think about it, the constant improvements in desktop computers, laptops, tablets and phones is amazing. Every year, we are able to do more and get more bang for our buck in smaller and lighter devices. However, the incredible pace of change can make it hard to keep up with what the best option is for you when you are in the market for a new device. Plus, as hardware adds more and more capabilities, you have more factors to weigh in your decision making. Your choices just keep increasing with devices such as smart watches and glasses on the way. GeekCoaches can help you sort through all your device options and make the best choice for you. We can help ensure you don't buy something more than you need, or spend more than you must. If you are thinking of switching platforms like from Blackberry device to an iPhone, we can help you weigh the pros and the cons. Together, we can put an end to your buyer's remorse.
Developing Websites
By now, most people recognize the value of developing websites for businesses and those with projects to promote. There are numerous real-life case studies that show a good website can make a dramatic difference even for traditional bricks and mortar businesses. Unfortunately, until recently creating a website required expensive software, hosting, programmers and designers. As a result, many people that need websites pay a small fortune to have others manage them, or decide to forego this important tool altogether. GeekCoaches can help you develop your website on your own -- saving up to thousands of dollars in design fees and maintenance costs. Furthermore, we can help you with greater providers to host your site saving you even more money. Depending on what you currently have, you may even find you have a much better site doing it yourself. As an example, the GeekCoaches site was developed in a few days by our chief geek -- William Pitcher. For additional information on how GeekCoaches can help you create a site, please see on page on Website Development.
Finding Deals
The internet is awash in amazing, money-saving deals. There are sites, tools and techniques to help you save hundreds and even thousands of dollars over what you would regularly pay. Major purchases such as cars and appliances are obvious sources of major savings. Reducing recurring bills such as wireless phone service, internet access and cable television can also provide you with windfall savings. Even entertainment purchases such as movies, music and books have a major impact over the course of months and years. Despite the obvious benefit of searching out bargains, it can be a real challenge finding deals, keeping up with all your options or even knowing where to start. GeekCoaches can come to your rescue. We can help you achieve those savings on your major and recurring expenses. We can show you how to save money on a specific item as well as general deal-finding strategies for all your purchases.
Protecting Your Data
Most people take few steps to protect their data until after experiencing a catastrophic loss. GeekCoaches helps you avoid losing the contents of your computer should disaster strike. Hard-drive failures, lost or dropped devices, break-ins/theft, fires, major storms, electrical surges and viruses can destroy your treasured memories such as digital photos, financial records and work documents. GeekCoaches can show you how to automatically backup your data on a daily basis, both on-site and online (in case something happens to your home). We can also help you ensure your devices are protected with proper password strategies, remote data wiping/locking, find-my-device apps, firewalls, anti-spam tools and anti-virus software. Furthermore, we can often show you how to implement these strategies with free software, and how to avoid significantly slowing down your systems or procedures. Don't wait until it is too late.
Managing Social Media
From recruiters to customers to family, the people you deal with at work and at home are making managing social media increasingly important. With good looking profiles and sharing smart content you can land that job you wanted, score the promotion, impress customers, keep on good terms with that special someone and more. Not only can GeekCoaches show you how to be more effective with managing social media, we have tools and tips we can share with you that will reduce the time you have to spend sharing and updating.
Organizing Photos
Today, it is easier than ever to take photos thanks in particular to the cameras on our phones. Camera phones can present challenges to taking good pictures though. It can be hard to get clear shots or photos that have enough light. There are apps to help improve your pictures, but finding the right one and mastering its tools can be its own challenge. Finally, snapping many photographs means more files to save, organize, display and backup. GeekCoaches can help you with saving and organizing photos. Learn how to use the photo services of Flickr, Google+, 500px, Facebook and others. We can show you how to backup your photos safely at home or online. Protect and showcase your treasured memories.
Cutting Cable
Over the years, the number of television channels on cable tv has grown significantly. Unfortunately, the cost of cable television has also gone up. Internet-based, video streaming services can save you hundreds of dollars allowing you to join those cutting cable or trimming their bills. The various hardware devices and streaming services can be overwhelming though. Furthermore, getting access to all the content you love, can initially be quite complicated. GeekCoaches can show you what it takes to save money and be a cord-cutter. As an added bonus, you can watch your favourite shows and movies when you want, where you want. You will discover amazing new content and never miss your favourite shows again.