Start your own callcenter in 10 minutes

Maybe this is the last step, when you get to the point where you don't want to use your landline/cellphone anymore. But you can also use Skype for chat and then people can send you money for helping them out. I guess GTalk and some other services would work too (post your recommendations below).

Shameless plug I know, but you'll need someway to directly access someone's machine without leaving your home.  It's damn easy to install and use, even for the person you're helping.  Plus the feedback we're getting has been great. This was sent on the 4th of July: "My friend was rapidly able to solve my problem. The program worked great." Here's another one from a while ago: "I was amazed at how easy it was to setup, use and being a technician for a small computer store..." (i.e. "I used it to make money").

Build a client base by starting with the people you already help. Why let them get ripped off by Geek Squad and the like? That's your inheritance/beer money they're spending! Then maybe this Thanksgiving won't start with you having to re-image Aunt May's Gateway.

Craiglist is free of course, so no harm doing that (though maybe you don't want to post your phone #). If there are online forums you visit, let those people know that you're ready to help them out. If you got an online rep, might as well use it to your advantage.

We're more into free, but we're not you. How much would you charge someone to reinstall iTunes? $20? $50? Most in-house tech visits cost well over $80 to do things a lot easier than that. You can steal business from these people from the comfort of your home.

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