This business would work in a sense, I used to get paid a little to help retired people use iPads and computers. Didn't earn much money it was essentially my contribution to the community.

Mass wrote This business would work in a sense, I used to get paid a little to help retired people use iPads and computers. Didn't earn much money it was essentially my contribution to the community.

Well to me its not about the money. i like helping people if i dont get much money its okay.

It's a great idea, however I don't see it lasting more than 10-20 years, if it starts up at all. Our parents are fairly familiar with technology, and our grandparents aren't. Once they die, out parents are the next ones up and they already know about social media. As for my grandparents, they couldn't care less about social media. They got pissed when they couldn't find a normal flip phone lol.

I think the idea is there, but it's not going to be a long lived company.

002 wrote It's a great idea, however I don't see it lasting more than 10-20 years, if it starts up at all. Our parents are fairly familiar with technology, and our grandparents aren't. Once they die, out parents are the next ones up and they already know about social media. As for my grandparents, they couldn't care less about social media. They got pissed when they couldn't find a normal flip phone lol.

I think the idea is there, but it's not going to be a long lived company.

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its just something extra to do in the summer.

The older generation as Joby has said

don't really understand on how social media works and I can't see old people use Twitter for a great example it just wouldn't work. I think they wouldn't have any sort of interest.

I dont just mean social media . i mean programs too.

I like your interest in becoming an entrepreneur. Are you wanting a solution to make some money but do most of it via online?

maDzMufc wrote I like your interest in becoming an entrepreneur. Are you wanting a solution to make some money but do most of it via online?

yes but also willing to go to places in my city.

I get where a lot of you guys that have already replied are coming from - but. From my experience - I've done a bit of work with the older generation with technology thing. You say about how they could just watch a tutorial for example. Heres the thing. Not all old people know that sort of thing is available online. An example conversation:

Teacher: "I'd like you to go to YouTube and watch this video"
Old person: "What's a YouTube"

I guess it's just a lot harder for the older generation to process new information!

I'm a technology enthusiast of sorts, and I work with elderly people every day that haven't the slightest clue as to how to work their [insert device here]. Furthermore, I work at a library, and have seen patrons read multiple books on a topic that I could have answered in 5 minutes. Tutorials and guides are great, but for some people, human interaction is the best method of learning.

In terms of your online business - helping people with technology would be excellent! The benefit of this sort of business, or anything having to do with technology, is that it is always changing. As soon as we understand how a device works, the company unleashes a new feature that flips the device on its head and leaves non-techies wondering how to use it. That's where you come in.

You did mention staying local, in which case I'm not sure I would pay for a website to be built. As I said, human interaction can be a great teacher, and that simply can't be managed if you live hours away from your destination. Begin with a Facebook or WordPress page - both free services, I might add - to get some starting business. Your home town more than likely has one or more Facebook groups, post your information on those sites along with some past credibility, should you have some. Word of mouth is one of the best advertisement devices.

As you progress in your business (permanent or temporary, whatever the case may be) begin to expand your horizons. Get a permanent, professional website and perhaps offer an over-the-phone or over-the-computer service such as Team Viewer or Skype. By expanding interaction, you'd be expanding your business, which means more profit and recognition.

Whatever you do, keep us updated on your successes here! As a few members have stated, I'm intrigued to see someone so eager to start their own online business in this manner.