Whether you're just getting started or have been running a PC repair business for a while, there are several factors that will help you run a successful business. Here are five of the easiest ways to make your PC repair business a success:
- If you're just starting out, don't quit your day job. This will allow you to build up a quality client base without the added pressure of worrying about the mortgage and light bill. Hire an answering service to take calls and return them on your lunch hour and breaks. Don't quit your day job until you can't afford to keep it.
- Take it slow and steady. Don't run out and rent a 5,000 square foot office and sign up for thousands a month in yellow page ads. Stay lean and mean. Put that money into keeping your skills current and into buying good tools like PC-Doctor Service Center.
- Market your business. Define and follow a marketing strategy. If marketing is not your forte, seek professional advice. Spend time on the phone each week spreading the word, starting with companies you would like to do business with. Ask your existing clients if they know of others who need computer help and ask them often. Word of mouth can not be purchased at any price. This is the most often-overlooked area by techies. If people don't know about you, the phone won't ring.
- Find good clients. There will be some clients who will expect you to work for free or will have unreasonable expectations on what can be done immediately. Valuable clients, the clients you want, will want you to make a profit and to receive good value for their money. This is the win-win that good business relationships are made of.
- Find good employees. This might be more difficult than finding good clients. When you do the work, you know what impression is left with your hard-won clients. You don't know the impression your new-hire leaves. Look past all the certifications and credentials and ask yourself a few questions. Can they communicate with mere mortals? Are they personable, courteous, and honest? Remember, when an employee shows up at a client site, that employee is your company as far as that client is concerned. Make sure your employees are people you would want fixing a relative's computers.
The key to running a successful PC repair business is quality. Start off slow and steadily build a quality client base, create a high-quality marketing campaign, and hire quality employees. Before you know it, your PC repair business will be a smashing success.
