Editorial

1 800 905 GEEK

Geeks on Call 1 800 905 GEEK <a href='http://www.bison.com' style='font-weight:normal;'>Franchise</a> Opportunities With a new year comes a new identity. Well-known computer services company Geeks On Call recently "refocused" its national brand and is now referring to itself by its toll-free phone number: 1 800 905 GEEK. The modification was prompted by a "sea of sameness," 1 800 905 GEEK Communications Manager Matt Nelson said.

Computer companies with comparable services and names created mass confusion for customers, Nelson said. But now, focusing on the phone number sets 1 800 905 GEEK apart from the competition.

"It provides ease of use too," Nelson said.

Similar to other popular "1-800-companies," people will easily remember the phone number, Nelson said. To assist customers' memories, 1 800 905 GEEK has created several national advertising campaigns enforcing brand recognition, Nelson said. These clever advertisements can be found throughout television, radio, and print, Nelson said.

Emphasizing the "905," here are some of their catchy slogans:

"905 viruses infecting your laptop. One call to make it well."

"905 hackers trying to break into your network. One call to keep them out."

"905 spammers clogging your inbox. One call to delete them."

Regardless of the new brand, 1 800 905 GEEK is still the same great company. And, they offer the same fantastic Franchise Opportunities too.

1 800 905 GEEK provides on-site computer services to homes and businesses. Customers don't need to haul their computers to a retail site, pay a hefty price, and be pressured to buy more from the store, Nelson said.

Instead, 1 800 905 GEEK technicians arrive in their PT Cruisers (a franchise requirement) to fix customers' problems. Their prices are reasonable. Plus, since they"re not affiliated with any retail store, technicians don't pressure customers to buy more equipment.

About 60% -70% o 1 800 905 GEEK business comes from break/fix (repairing computer problems). But, 1 800 905 GEEK also provides installations (like wireless networks), and routine maintenance to clients. There's also a move towards computers used for entertainment purposes, Nelson said. 1 800 905 GEEK can assist clients with those requests too.

"There will always be a need for our services," Nelson said.

To continue their sizeable growth, 1 800 905 GEEK offers two distinctive franchise opportunities. These include single territory and multi-territory development.

Most single territory franchisees have technical computer experience, Nelson said. For example, Jason Radtke recently opened a 1 800 905 GEEK franchise in Atlanta. His background includes 8 years working as a computer/network administrator for several law firms and the University of Maryland. He also was employed for a year and-a-half as a Geeks On Call technician in Washington, D.C., before branching out and opening a franchise of his own.

Most importantly, 1 800 905 GEEK is looking for single territory franchisees who are eager to learn about business, Nelson said.

While single territory franchisees have prior technical experience, many multi-territory franchisees have extensive business backgrounds, Nelson said. Additionally, multi-territory franchisees must have solid marketing and managerial experience as well, Nelson said.

Another new 1 800 905 GEEK franchisee, Bill Takacs, recently opened three Franchises in Sonoma County, California. Takacs'resume includes work at Hewitt Packard and AOL. In fact, while at AOL, he helped launch AOL' Love.com (a match-making site).

Takacs told Nelson, "When I learned how many frustrated computer users that 1 800 905 GEEK has helped around the country -- particularly small or home-based businesses -- I knew I wanted to bring that same customer service to Sonoma County."

Still, 1 800 GEEK franchisees come from all walks of life. Some franchisees served in the military, others sold footwear, and one franchisee even operated a funeral home. Either way, these experiences help customer relations, Nelson said.

Regardless of the franchisee option chosen, each territory needs at least one computer service technician. 1 800 905 GEEK requires all technicians to have a minimum of a CompTIA A certification -- the industry standard for technical competence. Even with this certification, they"re highly encouraged to go beyond the minimum requirements, Nelson said.

Bottom line, technicians need to know their stuff, Nelson said.

Normally, single territory franchisees operate as a one-man show. They fill the roles of sales/marketing and technical support, Nelson said. Alternatively, multi-territory franchisees'primary responsibility is to manage the franchise. They hire technicians for services duties, and employ sales/marketing personnel, Nelson said.

Franchisees interested in 1 800 905 GEEK begin their journey at a Discovery Day, Nelson said. Being honest and thorough, the event is an opportunity for prospects to study the company, Nelson said. In turn, 1 800 905 GEEK has a chance to learn about prospective franchisees too.

After the Discovery Day, new franchisees attend Geek University. During the one-week training, they learn about operating their business, Nelson said. Franchisees study marketing tips, sales techniques, and accounting procedures.

Occasionally, new franchisees (especially those with computer technical backgrounds) may be introverted as salespeople, Nelson said. Lending a hand, 1 800 905 GEEK transforms these franchisees into confident salespeople, Nelson said.

1 800 905 GEEK creates confidence by showing franchisees how to sell service agreements (contracts with clients for ongoing maintenance) and how to generate new business through sales calls, Nelson said.

After Geek University, franchisees receive infield training and grand-opening assistance. Once the franchise is up-and-running, 1 800 905 GEEK continues to provide assistance too, Nelson said.