Business Profile: Each day, a new challenge
Computer repair service fights viruses and more
Thursday, December 24, 20091
YOUR NAME AND TITLE: Daryl Brosseau, owner
BUSINESS NAME: Hampshire Computer Services
LOCATION: Parc Place, Southampton
CONTACT INFORMATION: 250-4498 or Daryl@Hampshirecomputer.com
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: none
YEARS IN BUSINESS: Almost five
DESCRIPTION OF PRODUCT/SERVICES: Hampshire Computer Services provides on-site PC service and support in your home or small office. Services include: virus removal, software and hardware upgrades, laptop repair, new computer purchases, data recovery and migration to new systems, tune-ups, instructions on computer usage, wired and wireless networking, and much more.
WHO ARE YOUR CUSTOMERS: Our customers have been referred by other customers. They are people just like you who don't have the time to deal with complex computer issues.
HOW YOU GOT STARTED: Hampshire Computer Services was started in February 2005. I was working in a school district repairing computers and staff members were asking me to fix their home computers on a daily basis. My contract ended with the schools and I made the decision to give it a go on my own. Thankfully, there continues to be a demand for my kind of expertise. Yes, we still do business with many of those staff members.
BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY: We approach each job as a new challenge for us and the customer. I can't tell you how many people have said, "I am computer illiterate" or "Can I ask a stupid question?" We do not believe that there is such a thing as a stupid question. If you don't know something, we will provide an answer in a language that you will understand. We don't want customers to say, "I had my computer fixed but I have no idea what he did."
FAVORITE ASPECT OF YOUR WORK: I enjoy helping other people. I love meeting new people and showing off pictures of my 7-year-old son Kyle. I get great satisfaction seeing a smile on someone's face after completing a job, knowing that I reduced their stress level. Getting paid to help other people is still a difficult concept for me.
LEAST FAVORITE ASPECT: Viruses and Malware are the most senseless and frustrating part of using the Internet. Unfortunately, the offenders seem to be ahead of the anti-virus companies. Repairing these infections is very time consuming and not enjoyable.
ADVICE FOR NEW BUSINESSES: It takes time to develop a clientele that will ensure a steady flow of business. Networking and more networking is an effective way to build your business without the exurbanite costs of advertising. Remember, you only have one chance to make a good first impression.
FUNNIEST EXPERIENCE: I have many funny stories, but to avoid embarrassing anyone, I'll just share this. I am usually in a position to settle disputes about who caused the problem at hand. I don't like to get in the middle of domestic disputes so I kindly reply with, "Who is writing the check?"
- KERI-ANN AUBIN
