Running a computer service business involves diagnosing and fixing computers quickly and efficiently. Whether you purchase a franchise business or start up your own company, running a computer service business typically entails advertising your skills and expertise, training your staff and troubleshooting a wide range of computer problems.
1.
Create and maintain a website to advertise your business. Publish brochures, newsletters and other marketing collateral to describe your expertise. Ensure transactions performed at your website, such as scheduling appointments, making payments and providing feedback are reliable and secure. Analyze customer history and offer additional services based on past buying practices. Allow customers to submit a support case and monitor it online using information technology service management tools.
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Create business cards to advertise your business and leave them at local businesses to generate interest in your company. Offer free quotes to diagnose problems and potential solutions.
3.
Offer a range of services. Most computer repair companies help customers solve problems with virus and spyware removal, system performance and networking issues. Provide additional services, such as online support or responses to questions by email, if you can staff these functions within your operating budget. Maintain a database of common problems and tips on troubleshooting solutions.
4.
Target customers who may need your service and create promotions or incentives, such as coupons or discounts for introductory services. Set up a referral program to generate additional business from existing customers.
5.
Recruit, interview and hire personnel who can perform computer repairs, in the client’s home or at your location. Manage your people and processes efficiently with administrative tools, such as AutoTask, ConnectWise and Results. Hire a virtual assistant if no support personnel are available in your location. Virtual assistants typically create presentations, answer telephone calls, perform data entry and administrative tasks.
6.
Provide training programs to your personnel to ensure they have the most advanced skills and experience to handle complex computer hardware and software problems. Invest in paying for your top performers to get certified in popular technologies, such as the Microsoft Certified IT Professional Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007.
7.
Monitor operational metrics and strive to solve cases faster, on the first contact with the customer. Ensure employees have the skills and knowledge to solve the customer’s problem before assigning staff members to cases. Optimizing the use of your resources leads to increased proficiency, employee retention and customer satisfaction.
8.
Monitor and evaluate your competition frequently to learn about their strategies. For example, the GeekSquad online website offers services that include repairing, installing and maintaining computers. They also offer to manage warranties or extended service plans for you. Services provided by the Firedog website include advice on performing backups. Use resources provided by the SCORE website to get a mentor or advice on solving common business problems encountered by a computer services business.