This month on the Cutting Edge Bosses feature, we’ve got James McCormack from Black and White IT Support.
We all know IT support isn’t the sexiest thing on earth, but we do know that when your technology stops working, often you do too! James offers an incredible level of support and when he comes to fix something for you, he makes sure he gets you up and running as quickly as possible.
What’s your business and what do you offer your clients?
I offer IT Support for small and medium businesses, as well as for private individuals.
IT is one of the main operational pillars of any company, and yet it is all too often pushed to the back of the queue, and seen as an unnecessary expense.
Reliable and secure IT is absolutely essential for any business that wants to thrive.
How did you get into your industry/niche?
My interest in IT began at the age of 7 when my parents bought me a Commodore 64 home computer.
It was the world’s most popular home computer in the 1980’s and brought a whole generation of children into the fold of IT.
What made you start your own business?
Independence from the corporate rat race and the prospect of being able to spend more time with my family, although it’s not so easy at the start-up stage.
What’s your most popular service/product and which one is your favourite?
The bread and butter service for IT is the general hand-holding and coaching of clients who fear, and almost resent IT. I transfer technical knowledge in as gentle way as possible.
I help to empower them so that they understand their IT problems, and that in future they may attempt to fix their own problems, or least be better equipped to elaborate when seeking IT help.
Do you get asked any really common questions in your business?
“I’ve lost all of my files, how do I get them back?”
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I recall at one point being fascinated with giant holes in the ground and wanting to become a sewer engineer.
I then realised that sitting in front of a computer screen would be far more pleasant.
How do you stay organised in your business? Any top tips for fellow bosses?
Write everything down that you do and say. Then input this information into your CRM straightaway.
Do you have any habits that you think contribute to your success?
Persistence. When I’m presented with a technical problem I’m like a dog with a bone. I won’t let go until it’s been fixed.
What’s the one thing you wished people knew about what you do?
Being good at providing IT Support takes many years of study and experience. Sometimes it feels like it’s an undervalued vocation.
Many people would rather suffer with inadequate IT than pay for professional assistance, or they might attempt to do it themselves without fully understanding the problem.
It’s usually after their DIY approach has gone wrong that they come to me seeking assistance.
What’s your favourite thing to do when you aren’t working?
Spending time with my family, and exploring the natural beauty of WA.
We recently visited Guilderton beside the Moore River and were taken aback by the beauty of the sweet water river meeting the briny Indian Ocean.
Any upcoming events or things you want to share with us?
I’m currently working on a monthly subscription service for clients who don’t want to fork out the upfront investment of IT hardware and support.
Customers will be able to pay an affordable monthly fee, and for that they’ll get a fully supported PC, with email and Office apps. All the headaches are removed for them.
If you need help with your IT, I have no hesitation in recommending James. He helped me with a very annoying printer issue and despite it taking longer than he thought, he managed to get it all back up and running for me – hurrah!
You can get in touch with James via:
Website: https://blackandwhite.support
Facebook: https://facebook.com/blackandwhiteoz
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