Caller: I would like to be able to run this software and have admin access to add and remove users. 

Me: No problem, I can definitely help you with that! What browser are you currently using?

Caller: Safari.

Me: This software only runs on Windows PC's, and the plugins for the interface are designed to work with Internet Explorer.

*note: this client is calling from a corporate office. The hardware that we supply are all Windows systems and have always been. The hardware that they have supplied*

Caller: Well we only have Macs here and we are offsite. *to IT guy in the background* They say the site only works with Internet Explorer. 

IT Guy in the background: It must be an error on their side.

Caller: I'm sitting next to a very smart tech guy here and he says it must be an error on your end.

Me: There is no error, the site's plugins are incompatible with Safari.

Caller: *to guy in background* He said it's incompatible with Safari. 

IT Guy in the background: Nothing's incompatible with Safari, there's something wrong. 

Me: *internally* Here we go. *to caller* Look. The workaround would be to install Windows on your Mac via Parallels or Boot Camp. Then you can have full access. 

IT Guy in the Background: That's ridiculous. Installing that is cost money, time, blah blah blah... He just doesn't know how to fix it ask for someone else.

Caller: He says...

Me: Let me stop you there. When he has worked for my company and learned how our software works, then he will have the credentials to say what does and doesn't work. There's no reason for me to hide info from you or anything like that, because all it does is prolong this call. I really do apologize for the inconvenience, but honestly there are many programs that run on Windows that do not run on Mac and vice versa. The company is exploring paths to get the software on mac, but until that time, this would be the only way, because software doesn't work with software that it's not designed to work with. 

IT Guy in the Background: That's just ridiculous. That means I'm gonna have to... *continues bitching and moaning*

Caller: He doesn't think that is correct. 

Me: Is there anything else I can help you with or should I hold the line while he continues to complain about having to do the job he's paid to do?

Caller: *Cracks up laughing* That's all. 

Me: You,  have yourself a great day Miss. Feel free to call me back if you need anything else!

Lesson 11: Just cause a person knows more about computers than you, does NOT mean they know everything. A big secret about "tech guys": a LOT of them HATE change.  Like deep seeded hate. They find a system that works for them, and that is what they are determined to stick with. If you pay an IT person, do not let them short change you. Their job is to keep you up to speed, give you all the resources you need to do your job, and keep your data secure. 

Lesson 10- Don't be a dumbass. 

Lesson 9 - No matter how important you think you are, there is someone who just doesn't give a shit. We talk to dozens of people a day. The majority of them are business owners and people who consider themselves big time or whatever. Here is the thing, you want to quickly lose the prestige you've worked so hard to get? Show that you're not that smart by trying to be cocky. You no longer seem important, you just seem like a jerk. 

Lesson 7 - LISTEN. Active listening works so much better when both parties do it. Let me hear me, hear you, hear me, hearing you. 

Me: I need you to look in the back of the computer marked "Lenovo Thinkcentre" and remove the internet cable. It is a cord that looks like a thick phone cord, it has a tab that you have to push down to pull it out, and it should have an orange flashing light right beside it."

Caller: You mean the box?

Me: Pardon?

Caller: The computer box?

Me: Yes. The small, black, Lenovo computer with ThinkCentre engraved on it in white letters, with the cords from the keyboard, monitor and printer going into it.
Caller: Which one is it?
​
Me:

Lesson 6: Technology can be daunting. Keep a cool head and remember, you made it to however old you are because you have the ability to think. Help us all out and use that power.

Me: Thank you for calling _____, may I begin by having your name please?
Caller: You don't need to know my name.
Me: Did I ask your name?
Caller: Yes, but you don't need to know it. What the **** is your problem.
Me: I'm sorry, but this is _______ Tech Support, not the shadowy drug deal hotline. I need a name.
Caller: Put your supervisor on the line.
Me: Can't.
Caller: Why can't you?
Me: We only transfer people with names. You sound like a Jack though. Might your name be Jack, mysterious caller?
Caller: *hangs up*

Lesson 5 - Give up the info. Nobody likes dark and mysterious these days. It's rude and just plain creepy. Plus, if you don't let us do our job... we can't do our job. 

Lesson 4-  Have patience with those helping you, like you want those helping you to have patience with you.

Lesson 3 - Many Techs have to work even on holidays. They have loved ones too. If you're calling for tech support on a holiday, you're already kind of a douche. Don't be a mean douche. 

Lesson 2 - Get your emotions in formation. Techs are there to help you, not be your punching bags.