IT "help desk" services?

[Stakhanovite]

I'm in the early stages of setting up a freelance business and starting to realise the depths of my tech incompetence - got as far as setting up my domain but can't even get my email working. Having been a wage slave my whole life, I've always been able to pick up the phone to IT help.

So my question is: where do I find someone to help me with this kind of thing as a small business owner? Any advice gratefully received.

[Uniquedesignforlife]

Hi I would be happy to help you I do web design and IT support dm me if you would like more information xx

[Crikeyalmighty]

No problem at all.

[Stakhanovite]

Ah, very interesting @Crikeyalmighty! I may PM you for his details at some point, if you don't mind.

[Crikeyalmighty]

I can recommend you my son if it's more of an initial problem or occasional thing . He works for an MSP at senior help desk level , but does odd assignments privately too (work are fine with this) he wouldn't be right for you if you need an ongoing commitment as he can only do evenings and weekends but is great for one off issues or getting you set up fully. He can do remote too and is totally trustworthy and very personable

[Stakhanovite]

Ah, great starting point. Thank you both very much!

[Piffpaffpoff]

If you’re in central Scotland, I can point you in the direction of someone. Otherwise just Google small business IT services in your are and take it from there. Or if you are in any small business network (or just know others with their own business) as there for recommendations.

It will help if you can write a list of what you think you’ll need them to do - is it just getting your domain etc set up or do you need new hardware , licenses for software, etc. Aldo, do you want someone you can contact ad-hoc and pay per hour or do you want a service contract. These are all the things that it will help to know when you speak to them.

[SpottyBumPony]

You need an MSP, Managed Services Provider. They will offer security and support services. It will be expensive, but IT and Cyber Security is a foundation part of your business, you can either invest into it and be as protected as possible from cyber attack.

I work for an MSP, typically we work with businesses thay have over 10 employees. Our standard pricing is around (monthly) £5.00 for Endpoint protection and patching, £45.00 for Service desk per user, M365 sold at standard RSP, 365 backup and £2.00 per mailbox. MSSP Service for advanced threat protection is around £15.00 per user.