Tips for technicians from a top IT service provider

We recently sat down with Craig Skinner, president, and co-owner of Gurus2go, a nationwide provider of on-site IT services. As a company that vets and contracts many technicians on the Field Nation platform, Gurus2go has an insightful perspective on how technicians can impress clients and get more work. 

Check out the highlights from our chat.

Can you start by telling us about Gurus2go?

We’re an IT service provider based in Dallas, Texas. We have a national network of over 6,000 technicians that can be dispatched to any zip code in the U.S. 

The Field Nation platform is essential to our business. We use the platform to find quality techs across the country for IT service work, including hardware, software, networking, audio-visual, and general tasks.

What’s the most important thing you look for when contracting technicians on Field Nation?

Clearly, our #1 priority is communication. Successful technicians on the Field Nation platform are not only highly skilled and qualified, but they’re also great communicators.

Being an effective communicator leads technicians to get work and keep work. For example, if you can’t answer your phone, it’s important to reply via text.

If a technician communicates well with us, we have confidence that they will communicate well with clients. Soft skills like communication are equally (if not more) important than IT expertise. And communication is essential for keeping our clients satisfied.

What should technicians consider when building their profile?

To start, make sure you have a complete profile on the platform. We really appreciate it when technicians list the types of work they’ve previously completed. Showcase your work experience and highlight job duties for the work you want to do. 

Certifications matter. Make sure to list all certifications that you have. 

Background checks and drug tests also matter. Make sure they’re current (within the last 1 to 2 years). This is a simple thing you can do to enhance your opportunities.

When we’re responding to an RFP, we’re usually looking for very specific skill sets. If your profile is up-to-date, you’re more likely to show up in our searches.

What else can technicians do to increase their opportunities on the platform?

It can be beneficial to form an LLC or S Corp. We think this enhances a technician’s credibility — and can even offer some legal and tax benefits. Technicians should also look into the benefits of getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Additionally, we frequently reach out to service companies because we know they have built-in coverage. If one technician can’t make it to the job, another one from the same service company can fill in. This reduces the number of fire drills we have when sourcing technicians. 

Want additional advice on enhancing your professional skills and gaining more opportunities on the Field Nation platform? Check out tips for improving your profile, getting more work, and strengthening your certifications.