SOHO

Small Offices and Home Offices (hence SOHO) have a unique set of problems. They are way below the level of having a full time technician to help them through the morass of information superstructure issues but they have the exact same problems that major enterprises have and in many ways are even more dependent on today’s technology.

So how to attack this problem? The most reliable method is to ally with a local computer company. OK, I agree that is a bit self serving since I own a local computer company. But stay with me and I’ll make it worthwhile.

Here’s the logic. Small business to small business is the most efficient way to get things done. The larger box stores can provide equipment at a discounted rate making up the difference in other ways. Economy of scale. And they can sometimes provide less expensive temporary support although in my experience they are usually much more expensive than local computer companies. What they can not supply and will never be able to supply is the ongoing concern for your business as a member of the local small business community. Their techs are usually really nice guys who work hard and are smart but they do not stay up at nights worrying about how they can best serve their fellow small businesses. They clock out and go home. And in a year or so they will be doing something else while that local computer company will still be there with the same owner, the same concern for community and the same concern for your business.
I’ve got SOHO customers I remote into all the time to fix one minor issue or another. No charge. I stop by a business to see how things are going. To check on backups. Just to say hi. My SOHO customers will grow along with me and together we will be successful.

So next time your SOHO needs tech support find a local repair shop. If it doesn’t work out find another until you have someone who really cares about your business. We’re out here.