Computer Troubleshooters - The IT Answer for Small-Business Owners
Added: (Fri Nov 14 2003)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
Most small-business owners have the requisite phone system, fax machines, computer workstations and printers in place. But what do they do when a virus hits or the system crashes? Many will spend hours trying to fix the problems themselves, but eventually find their businesses losing money because their IT systems aren’t running efficiently.
Many of these small-business owners can’t afford to hire a full-time IT employee. Although they try to take care of the IT problems themselves, they don’t realise the best solution is to enlist the services of someone who knows how to eradicate viruses, update a system, set up a firewall and build a network.
IT mistakes run rampant among those who try to do it themselves.
“I think small-business owners’ biggest mistake is under-utilising technology,” said Ron Douglas, owner of a franchise of Computer Troubleshooters, a national franchise that provides a full range of computer services, including repair, networking and upgrading — basically whatever needs done — at the customer’s location.
“In an attempt to cut corners, business owners will elect to take on all their technology needs themselves without having consulted with someone who has broader knowledge.”
Ron says “These small-business owners end up working with the technology rather than having the technology work for them”.
“Small-business owners should hire a reputable professional to come in at least once to review their technology solutions and give recommendations on how they can streamline their processes and/or protect their data,” he said. “An ounce of prevention is worth ten pounds of cure.”
Paul John, owner of Gosport Troubleshooters, said “ A common mistake small-business owners make is viewing their computer systems as office equipment rather than a strategic asset”.
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“They do not use it as a tool to streamline their business, or to help offer services that distinguish them from their competitors,” Paul commented.
Paul stated “One of the most important things small-business owners should do is implement a backup plan — not only for restoring their systems in the event of a hardware failure, but in case of a disaster”. He said “Many small businesses that were in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11 went bankrupt because they had no way to recover their client lists, jobs in progress or accounts receivable”.
“There are affordable ways to maintain offsite backup — for as little as £10 a month — and protect yourself from an event that could force you to close your business,” said Paul.
Eric Arnott owner of a Computer Troubleshooters franchise in North Manchester, commented, “Some of the biggest mistakes small-business owners make is buying incompatible equipment, not having just one person to service them and maintain the equipment in prime condition, and not receiving good consulting or advice when expanding or upgrading”.
Eric said “Quarterly maintenance is crucial, as is proper training on how to use the equipment, making sure software and hardware is up to date, and all equipment is compatible throughout the office. Finding a trusted individual to take care of computer maintenance and service is crucial”.
“It’s almost like having a doctor,” he said. “You come to rely on him and he in turn knows your history and gives you the best care possible. You don’t see one doctor today and then change and see another.”
Computer Troubleshooters is the ideal answer for small businesses. There were some 3.8 million small businesses in existence in the United Kingdom in 2002, according to the DTI’s Small Business Service, an increase of 1.4 per cent over the previous year.
Computer Troubleshooters will call at your business and quickly tend to your IT needs, by taking care of your computer problems this will allow the small business man to do what he does best “Running his Business”
The company has more than 275 franchisees worldwide, including more than 25 in the UK. In January 2002 USA Entrepreneur magazine ranked Computer Troubleshooters the No1 Tech Support franchise. Computer Troubleshooters specialises in providing services to small businesses — companies with up to 50 computer systems.
For more information on Computer Troubleshooters within the UK, visit www.computertroubleshooters.com, or call 0845 123 5223 to contact your local office.