“A Local Geek” Business Expansion Fund

Everyone who knows me know several things about me. For those of you who don't, here of some things you should know:

• I have owned and ran a computer/electronics repair shop for over 20 years.
• I am very private. Therefore this post is extremely tough for me to write.
• I am honest. I keep my word.
• I work hard. Very hard. I am up at 3-4AM 6 days a week and although I always take time to spend with Sharon and Sawyer (My world. My life) on Sundays, I work 7 days a week (I sleep to the late hour of 5-7AM on Sundays). I’ve worked through headaches, stomach ‘bugs’, zero hours of sleep, the loss of people I loved very very much, the swine flu (Yes. I worked for over a week going to the workroom to keep scans and updates running then would go to the couch in the back of my office to lie on the couch while my manager (I no longer have the luxury of employees) kept telling me to go to the house and go to bed. I refused because “If there is work to be done, I’ll do it.” I lost 30 pounds that week.) and on several occasions I didn’t sleep at all and worked all night because there was work to be done.
• I love to help people. I despise asking for help. It physically makes me ill as I write this, however I am at a point with my business that I either need to change/or close.

I have predicted and am still predicting the changes of technology. Over 20 years ago when the Internet was still in its infancy, I was asked and accepted an offer to speak to the entire student body and faculty at PCC (Our local community college) regarding the future of the Internet. Most, if not all, of my ‘predictions’ have since come true.

One thing I know about technology is this: it is always changing. Always. I am painfully aware of the fact that typical computers as we now know them are quickly becoming obsolete. That being said, it is time to change the direction of my business in order for it to not only survive but also to thrive in the ever-changing technological landscape.

I have had a plan in place for almost a year. However with an expansion comes the need for funding. The bare minimum I will need in order to make this work is a large amount of money. Money I do not have. I should have saved for this, but I made a horrible mistake and thought I had enough time to “do it later”. Well later is here and due to my irresponsibility in the past, I am not prepared. (Yes. I learned from that mistake. I am always learning and will always continue to learn. I never make the same mistake twice) Rather than watch a business I have put blood, sweat and tears into for 20+ years fail, I am asking for help.

I have a very unique expansion plan. None of the changes I am making exist in my area Western KY “The Heartland”. None. Possibly the entire state. Possibly the entire country. Most of my ideas have already been test marketed in my existing business on a small scale and proved to be successful. (I currently repair computers to consumers and will still be repairing computers along with all the other services I currently provide because this is established income with an established customer base.)

My idea is to expand my existing business into a “Technological Oasis” where you can not only have electronics repaired, but also purchase the latest parts along with complete ‘techie’ gadgets. After I prove to be successful in my current location, I want to turn my base idea into a franchise model and hit similar rural areas in the country where no such retailers exist. It is doubtful that New York will ever see “A Local Geek”, however towns in smaller areas (although they will have to be large enough to become established and make a profit.) will be the target of my brand.

Business Upgrade

Sell DIY

(Do it yourself) Parts for popular models of smartphones/tablets/other electronics and the tools people need. There will be NO refund on DIY since people can try to install parts in which they have no experience.

Customer Base: B2C and B2B

Pros

• No turnaround time. (Although we may ‘Partner’ with repair shops in order to also offer the actual repairs instead of simply selling parts alone.

• Over time I expect to be able to perform repairs on my own which will cut out partnerships and increase shop revenue.

• Will keep hard to find parts on hand with a ‘convenience’ markup.

• Currently no other business is offering this service. Even repair shops will very seldom sell parts and when they do, it is only when a customer practically has to beg for the part. Then there is an extremely high markup. This information like everything else I have learned is from experience

Cons

• Buyers will have to be aware of a firm “No Returns” policy since many people may think they know how to repair a device without actually knowing what is involved.

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Sell Popular Used, Quality Smartphones/Tablets/Laptops

Customer Base: B2C

Pros

• Have already done this. Was very popular. Shop is still receiving calls regarding availability of these items on a daily basis

• No other business, aside from pawnshops, are currently offering this type of outlet

• No turnaround time

• As newer models become available with lower prices, can easily expand/change inventory to keep up with the ever-changing trends in technology

Cons

• Will need to keep a close eye on inventory so that we do not over buy as many of these items are pricey to begin with.

• Need to continually watch for the lowest prices on most popular items in order to buy at a price that still allows for a mark up large enough to make a profit

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Sell Unique “Geekie” “Technological” Devices, Gadgets and Accessories

Customer Base: B2C

Pros

• These are items you can’t find at Wal-Mart or any other local retailers. As soon as the new “gadgets” begin to show at the big box stores, we will have moved on to a small inventory of newer unique products

• Already have begun selling items such as this and they are extremely popular

• No turnaround time

• Keep just enough inventory so that we do not overstock and can order the newest items as soon as they are available

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Cons

• Will need to keep a close eye on inventory so that we do not overstock and have things grow “stale” on the shelves

• Need to continually watch for the newest unique products and stock our shelves with them as soon as they are available

• No matter what there will likely always be a “see-saw” effect from not enough, to too much inventory. A “clearance” table will clear out the “too much” inventory. This will be a learn as we go equation.

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Makeover of Shop (Inside and Out)

Customer Base: B2C and B2B

Pros

• A technological establishment which appears to be a garage for automobile repairs does not make the right impression on clientele

• Better lighting, shelving along with professional signage will put A Local Geek in the running with the ‘big box stores’

Cons

• Would need to be performed quickly (Such as painting floor) on a Sunday when business is closed

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Additional Marketing

Customer Base: B2C and B2B

Pros

• Although A Local Geek currently has a customer base of over 3,000 loyal customers, with change comes the need to let not only existing customers know about the expansion but also attract new clientele

• When spent wisely, every cent spent on advertising will produce results. Having experience in business for 20+ years, I have very good ideas where to spend funds on marketing

Cons

• Not many I can think of. Just have to be sure that we are advertising in the right places at the right time. Already have a strong customer base. Need to increase this base as the business grows and let current clientele aware of new offerings

• As with everything in this plan: Will require an initial “boost” of funding in order to get started

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One-on-One Classes for Senior Citizens

Customer Base: B2C

Pros

• Already established as a viable source of income

• From 20+ years in business, I have learned that seniors want to learn technology. Specifically Facebook, email and basics on using computers, smartphones and tablets. Although some people want to learn more detailed topics such as selling on eBay which opens the door for multiple classes.

• A one-on-one instructional allows people to ask specific questions regarding topics of interest to them versus a structured curriculum that doesn’t allow them to leave with more information than they entered with. An extremely common statement made by our current students is “I took a free class at the library but that young man when so fast I couldn’t keep up and he assumed I already knew a lot of things he was talking about. I was lost!” This does not happen in our classes since we go as the pace of the individual and an instructional with us is more of a “Q&A” versus a “Course”

Cons

• Need a very knowledgeable, friendly instructor who is patient with seniors

• Would require a non-refundable deposit in order to ensure that people show for their classes as scheduled

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Continue to Offer Computer Repair/House Calls to Individuals/Businesses

Customer Base: B2C and B2B (Though our primary focus has always been on B2C)

Pros

• Already established as primary source in income

• Known as “The place to go to be treated fairly at reasonable prices”

Cons

• Computers are rapidly becoming obsolete, hence the expansion/makeover of my business

• Requires a full time very knowledgeable technician who can not only complete work properly, but do it at a fast pace (Our typical turnaround time for most jobs is 24-48 hours)