Attracting enough paying customers and making sure that service is reliable enough to make them stay are the primary challenges of the ISP provider. Typically, service must be provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Technical support is the bridge between the ISP and the consumer and is the most labor-intensive position for most ISPs. Managers must be well-versed in computer operations and patient enough to answer customers questions. They must work quickly to repair sudden breakdowns in service.
Marketing requires imagination and persistence, and familiarity with Internet services is important.
High-school students should take introductory computer and business courses. Beyond that, there are no specific educational requirements, but college courses in information processing and telecommunications, business administration, management, marketing and advertising are all helpful. Previous job experience in customer technical support or managing a small business would also be important. The salaries of small business owners vary widely. The job outlook is good.