Computer Repair – Is it a Do it Yourself Job?

Computers are “magic” to some people. While that is understandable, it is also a stumbling block. A computer, or other computing device like a router, is a tool like a hammer, saw or screwdriver. The only real difference is how complex a computer is compared with any other tool.

If you, as the business owner, take it upon yourself to be the “go to” person, it will probably spill over to computer repair. There are several problems with that view. We will discuss only three of the most relevant in the form of questions. They are:

* Is computer repair a core competency of your business?
* Are you qualified to attempt to repair your computer hardware?
* Is it the “best” use of your time?

Let us try to answer each of these questions in a meaningful way.

First, is computer repair a core competency? Unless you are in the business of repairing computer hardware you are using valuable resources for an activity that is less than your highest use. Would you ask your accountant to wire an electrical outlet? Hopefully not. Their competency is in preparing your financial statements. Even though your accountant may well be a weekend handy man, it is NOT what you are paying him for. “Focus, Focus, Focus” is the mantra of many, if not all, business management texts. If that is not your what you do, hire a professional just as you would an accountant or attorney.

Second, are you truly qualified to perform the repair? There are many subtle aspects to this question. Just because you can use a screwdriver does not make you a computer repair technician. A well-trained technician has spent years learning their craft. In fact, it is likely that they have attained one or more certifications as well. Unless that describes you, why are you not hiring one of them? What is worse is that unless you know what you are doing, you can actually make the problem more expensive than it originally might have been.

Third, is it the best use of your time? In an attempt to control costs many business owners become “penny wise and dollar foolish”. One statement that I heard over and over again from an extremely effective Chief Executive Officer was, “you can’t cut your way to profitability”. That applies to this situation too. Simply watching your expenses will not grow your business. Now do not get me wrong, I am not suggesting that there is not a place for monitoring your expenses. I am simply saying that spending your time growing revenue, visiting customers, training your employees or any number of activities will be a better use of your time.

I hope that after reading this you will consider calling a professional computer technician if you are in need rather than trying to make your way on your own. An even better choice is to plan ahead and participate in a managed service contract. Even a minimal agreement will provide you monitoring which can help to predict failures so you can plan for hardware changes rather than be down at the worst possible time.