If you don’t know how to do something, it can be so frustrating!

Don’t let anyone tell you that something is “easy.”  Don’t tell yourself that it “should be” easy.

It’s not easy if you don’t know what to do! I get that. We all come to computers with different expectations and experience.

Maybe you’ve tried to read the Help section of an application or searched online for an answer to your question.  That can work, but only if you understand what has been written — and you’ve found the right information.

Computers are a private experience.

One of the things that I find interesting about using a computer is that we are all on our own. It’s a private experience. Have you looked over someone else’s shoulder and seen how they were using their computer? Did you discover that they were doing something completely differently from what you do?

Has anyone ever looked over your shoulder while you were using your computer?

Remote coaching allows you to show me how you are using your computer.

Patient, Sympathetic Coaching has saved me. I didn’t get the gene for functioning well in the digital age, but I found Annamarie Pluhar and her remote service. She can take over your computer while you are both watching it (and watching each other, too, if you wish) and analyze and fix whats wrong

She has solved problems that have been simple (though not obvious to me) and complicated and has recovered things that I thought were lost forever. And I learn things along the way that I can use myself.

She does this and makes me feel more friendly toward my computer. What can be more satisfying?

Patient, Sympathetic Coaching rates five stars out of five in my book. – Mary Hegge

It’s amazing. We can do screen sharing. You can show me your screen and I can show you mine. We can have a face-to-face conversation. We can look at each other, look at the screen, and talk without being in the same room.

Here are some of the things I’ve helped remote clients do:

• Manage passwords
• Organize files and folders
• Get control of their photographs
• Get around the WordPress dashboard
• Post a blog with links and pictures
• Manage newsletter templates and campaigns (MailChimp, AWeber, Constant Contact)
• Use Google documents

I use a huge variety of software so this is only a short list of the ways in which I can help you become more proficient and comfortable with using your computer. It is even possible to take over a computer remotely but I prefer to talk you through “driving” because it helps with learning.

You are changing my life. I’m gaining control! I had no idea how much simpler you could make this for me. I’m a very reluctant learner on the computer but you are bringing me into this century — joyfully.  —Joanna Rueter

Logistics

I use a videoconference service called ZOOM. (Learn more about it here.) The quality is excellent and the controls are easy to use. (I also use Skype but find it harder to help another person learn to use it. )  If you can click on a link and follow instructions you can set up ZOOM easily. The cost for a hour-long session is $80. (I do have a three-session discount.)  We’ll meet at a mutually agreed-upon time which we will arrange by telephone. The page for paying for coaching is here. (Click on the link.)