So, my friend [Chris](http://log.chrisbowler.com/) had a headset problem. You see, he had bought this headset to use with Skype, but could not get it working on his Mac. Being that I am a [Macintosh Consultant](http://machinetheods.com) by trade, he reached out to me on [Twitter](http://www.twitter.com) to ask for my advice. I gave it to him, albeit a bit too late and after he already discovered the answer on his own.

Still this got him thinking about the idea that I should find some way to offer remote support. I have been consulting for a long time, my head is filled with years worth of tools, tips and troubleshooting tricks. The technology for me to be able to remotely support a Mac is not only out there but I do this anyway for a few clients already. The only question was how to “sell” that. How does one leverage the goodwill and following I have on [Twitter](http://twitter.com/patrickrhone), [Minimal Mac](http://minimalmac.com), and elsewhere to help get the word out about my business, my remote support service offering, as well as help people who need it? We scheduled a conference call and brainstormed the idea a bit but nothing solid came out right away.

Then, a couple of days ago now, I was having lunch with another friend of mine. He is a really good friend and I value his advice and ideas. Therefore, I mentioned my other conversation about providing remote support. He then mentioned what became another crazy idea – Why not offer Mac support, on Twitter, for free? The thought being that, if I could answer the query on Twitter for free I would do that. If not, I would offer the person the option of getting their issue solved remotely for a reasonable fee.

I fell in love with the idea immediately. I went back to my home office right after lunch, got my business account – [@machinemethods](http://twitter.com/machinemethods) – set up, configured and ready for action. After consulting with Princess Bethany and others about the idea, I launched it the next day. The verdict: Lots of win!

First of all, I really love what I do. I love to help people. I love to come up with solutions to otherwise frustrating problems. I love to be challenged by complicated issues. Furthermore, doing this kind of rapid support, keeps me on my toes and exercises skills and knowledge that I don’t use as often in my regular travels. Finally, doing so with the added constraint of a 140 character limit is a whole lot of fun when it is accomplished. Not only that but, even though it has not resulted in paid business yet, Machine Methods is getting a wealth of exposure and will continue to if I prove that I know what I am doing when it comes to Macs. It has kept me busy but it is not overwhelming (yet). But the few people I have really helped make it all the more worth it.

If you you have a Mac, are on Twitter, and need some support, [have I got a deal for you](http://www.machinemethods.com/twitter/)…