Thoughts on my "Company Changes"

[PC-Technix]

Hey Guys & Gals

I'm thinking of a big revamp concerning my business.

One of the biggest issues I have had in my area is sponges, also people wanting to trade services:

“CAN YOU FIX MY COMPUTER? I WILL GIVE YOU A DISCOUNT ON A NEW SOFA”.

It's the Kentucky way of life. I will swap this, for that, mentality. Which if I was already a millionaire that would be great.

The only way around here is word of mouth, which we techs are already familiar with and being an outsider is very tough to gain. The only way around it, is to open a store front. BUT this concerns me.

These reasons alone have stopped me in my tracks in wanting to grow.

It's now got to the point to reevaluate the business and look for fresh ideas I.E remote support etc. I love what we do, and love to see customers happy and smiling when there computers are fixed.

Another issue is that there is a lot of poverty in my area and no computers in households! I started collecting donated old PC's revamping them and donating to under privileged families. I would drive 30+ miles (one way) to collect old monitors and computers that people were selling for like $10 and after explaining what I was doing with them, they would donate the equipment. This was all to try and get my word of mouth.

Of course it back fired that I wasn't getting the correct word of mouth.

I still get work but not much. It roughly takes a business, where I live, four or five years to get established by word of mouth. Statistics: 3000 people in the city limits, 17-18000 people in the county.

So here I’ am. Like I said, I love my work and what I do; it's just time for a fresh injection

The first thing I’d like to throw out for opinions is my company name "PC-Technix"; it’s currently LLC and registered with the federal government. I like it, but would like your opinions. And possible depending on the opinions it might get overhauled also.

Secondly, a logo design. I have noticed that most of the TN comunity have professional logos designed, after a decision on my company name this is one thing I will also be doing

Thirdly, I dont have a website due to the "not a lot of computers in the locals houses" BUT the internet isnt just contained to my area. So yes that is on my list. Jim I will be inboxing you for details on your package(Ultimate Tech Site)

I know that these are just a few basic items that most have in there business. when I first started I wanted to hit locals only. My mistake I know, but its time to move forward.

All opinions are greatly aprieciated. Thanks in advance.

Edit:

A little info on the area:

The counties beside me are very close. The only problem is that for me to leave my property and get to the other side of my county could be anywhere from 50-60 miles, so for instance if I travel to the other side of my county then need to travel to the adjacent county it could run me the best part of 80 miles one way.

Now I'd say the biggest prospect could be the local University Morehead state. With around 20.000 students.

Nearest Geek Squad 75+ miles.

Nearest radio shack 5 miles

Competition = 1 store front close to the university cannot tell you anymore. And it geared up for more gaming than anything else

Nobody offers any remote work

 

[Knightsman]

couple of things

As far as donating. Check with your local habitat for humanity, or goodwill. See if you can donate your time, then tell your customers that want to get rid of old equipment that you will wipe it and take to them for free.

This has been working for me. Not to mention they might buy computer stuff through you for you donating your time.

As far as a logo goes, go to 48hourlogo.com. Thats were I got my logo done, and it looks great.

Stay strong, sometimes you get unmotivated, but keep going.

 

[pceinc]

Just a quick reply regarding bartering. The only services or businesses I barter with are those that directly save me money such as my bookkeeper/accountant, vehicle service, and attorney. The reason is that I frequently need their services, and they frequently need mine. Any other bartering relationship is bound to be one sided.

I did get a kick-ass smoker for a few hours of network service once. The place then went out of business before they collected on their end of the barter.
Edit: the guy retired. Not implying that them going out of business was a good thing.

 

[Kitten Kong]

I agree with the professional logo. 48hrs produce decent logos at a decent cost.

Get your website up and running as a matter of urgency. It doesn't really matter how many locals you can get, there's always remote work. Lisa at call that girl proves this can work.

You cold purchase Lisa's remote ebook, for ideas on how to get started properly in it. And how to market yourself on doing it.

Forget the bartering, it's either cold hard cash or nothing. If you are going to barter, then ensure its for something you want or need.

 

[PC-Technix]

Ok guys. I'm reading your inputs on what I'm trying to attain, I'm not going comment on any of your replies yet.

I have Nige with a "go for a pro logo design"

Also. everyone, up to now saying "do not accept bartering as a payment."

Do any of you guys have any comments about name changes?

 

[Kitten Kong]

I think the name is good. No real need to change it, as it's all legal anyhow. What waste money.

 

[PC-Technix]

I think the name is good. No real need to change it, as it's all legal anyhow. What waste money.

I understand the wastage of money.

It would cost me $40 dollars to cancel this one and another $15 to register another.

The thought of a name change is more of a: "Does it work?" PC-Technix that is.

Is it worth spending $55 to change to something that does.

Thoughts?

 

[Mr.Mike]

The thought of a name change is more of a: "Does it work?" PC-Technix that is.

I kind of agree with Nige. Unless you want to re-brand yourself, I see no point in the name change. If it takes 4-5 years to get established by word of mouth, what about all the time you've been up and running with your current business name?

With that said, I've been a strong believer in having your company name say what you do. That's why I use "Computer Services" in my name and after 3 1/2 years, don't plan on changing it.

As for a logo, I know you've been watching the recent activities of certain members creating a new logo so you should know what to and what NOT to do.

Since yours is a very small town and county, I would expect that remote services would be the next logical step unless you can cross counties without too much travel. I use LogMeIn now and IMO it works just fine so I can recommend it.

Lastly, for what it's worth, I think Jim probably has the best understanding of what your best options are. I would say that whatever you come up with, know your market inside and out and pursue them vigorously. If you have any local competitors, see what works for them and where they aren't filling their clients needs.

Good luck my friend!

 

[PC-Technix]

I kind of agree with Nige. Unless you want to re-brand yourself, I see no point in the name change. If it takes 4-5 years to get established by word of mouth, what about all the time you've been up and running with your current business name?

With that said, I've been a strong believer in having your company name say what you do. That's why I use "Computer Services" in my name and after 3 1/2 years, don't plan on changing it.

As for a logo, I know you've been watching the recent activities of certain members creating a new logo so you should know what to and what NOT to do.

Since yours is a very small town and county, I would expect that remote services would be the next logical step unless you can cross counties without too much travel. I use LogMeIn now and IMO it works just fine so I can recommend it.

Lastly, for what it's worth, I think Jim probably has the best understanding of what your best options are. I would say that whatever you come up with, know your market inside and out and pursue them vigorously. If you have any local competitors, see what works for them and where they aren't filling their clients needs.

Good luck my friend!

I guess you right on what about up to now on the business name. Trouble is I dont know if its the name of the company or my personal name that has got me what i have up to now in the ways of word of mouth.

The name change was more for "is it catchy enough" for todays market than just for changing sakes.

I have added a little information on the local competition in the area to my original thread. Thanks for pointing that out!

I'm currently using TeamViewer but im up for recommendations for that also. I have been looking into screen connect and been following there thread they also seem very reasonable in price which is a bonus . which Lisa might be able to direct me on that, I know they all do basically the same BUT there must be some differences.

 

[JNEWTON]

Have you tried getting in with your chamber of commerce? Many contacts to be made there as most your local businesses will be a member and they usually have networking events. What do you do for advertising?

 

[PC-Technix]

Have you tried getting in with your chamber of commerce? Many contacts to be made there as most your local businesses will be a member and they usually have networking events. What do you do for advertising?

The usual advertising really. anything from the local papers, business card distribution and putting flyers in the local stores. I know this weeks local paper was a whole; front to back 8 pages yeah I know. the nearest big city is 75 mile away one way. so i have not been canvasing there but i might have too.

EDIT:

I was a little scepticle of joining the chamber. a lot of people have told me that you get job referals but never did join, It is on my list of items to do. anybody else had any good job referals from your local chamber of commerce?

 

[DarrenValukis]

Think about ways to get FREE advertising...

Write a computer blog for some local online papers

create a "most messed up computer" contest with a free cleaning or something as the prize.

Find the most popular accounting firm around and offer a 20% discount card for their customers... Win/win You can make that arrangement with any company.

The 20% card creates trust through the partnering company being known. you piggy back on that.


Darren Valukis

 

[Mr.Mike]

The usual advertising really. anything from the local papers, business card distribution and putting flyers in the local stores. I know this weeks local paper was a whole; front to back 8 pages yeah I know. the nearest big city is 75 mile away one way. so i have not been canvasing there but i might have too.

EDIT:

I was a little scepticle of joining the chamber. a lot of people have told me that you get job referals but never did join, It is on my list of items to do. anybody else had any good job referals from your local chamber of commerce?

One of our CofC senior members once said to me: "Joining us will get you a nice breakfast once a month at the golf course. Other than that, you may get some business from fellow members, but that's about it. It can't hurt to join though." I didn't join and have had others say it's not worth it. I guess it depends on how active the membership is in promoting businesses and creating community activities involving local businesses.

 

[callthatgirl]

wow, with a GS 75 miles away, you can surely kill it with remote support. I think if you started with a very low rate to get the locals used to it and spread the word, you can charge more later on. I would try to land business clients while you are working on home users.

Radio has to be cheaper in that area.
Visit local community meetings/meet business folks
Chamber, might be worth it. I just quit mine because I didn't go to enough meetings, so if you join, go to every single event. I would almost recommend it to get to the business folks to be honest.
Teach local classes?
Word of mouth will help you a lot if you only have 1 competitor! (nice, love those small communities!)

I haven't used Team Viewer in many years and if you plan on really doing it and in a larger scope, Logmeinrescue is really nice for a full remote support service line.

KenTechy Computer Repair is something that came to mind for a new name.