Featured Solopreneur Burton Kelso: “Putting Yourself First Is the First Secret”

This is “Featured Solopreneur,” an ongoing series that gives all of us a glimpse at how other solopreneurs operate their small businesses. Click Here to read more Solopreneur Success Stories.

Name of solopreneur:
Burton Kelso

Name of business and city:
Integral Computer Consultants in Kansas City, Missouri

Type of business:
On-Site Technology Repair and Support for Home and Businesses

When did you officially go into business?
May 1993

Web site address:
www.integralcomputerconsultants.com

Why did you start your own business?

Since the introduction of technology to the general public, there has been need for people to have an advocate to help them navigate through the maze of technology and help them use technology in a way that it improves their way of life. Big Box stores have always been great at delivering. I’ve always had a passion for helping people achieve their goals and I knew I could help people develop a warm and fuzzy relationship with the technology they deal with in their personal and professional lives.

What was the best thing you did when you were starting up your business?
I took the time to think about the type of equipment I would need for my business before I purchased it. Every day I see many businesses (big and small) purchase equipment without thinking about the long-term aspects of those purchases. It’s a waste of time and money when you are replacing equipment every 18 months. With the exception of my computers, the equipment I purchased for my business lasted many months after my first 10 years of business. I also took the time to think about my business model and what day-to-day processes I wanted to put into place. I still use those processes today.

What is a mistake that you made that you have learned from?
During my first years of business, I did not do a good job of keeping in contact with my customers. I assumed that after one service visit, they would be lifelong customers. As a result, I lost a lot of customers. You have to stay in constant contact with your customer base. There is no customer loyalty unless you create it. It’s important to let your customers know how important they are to you. Calling with birthday wishes, random acts of communication and customer appreciation events are a must if you want to stay in business and grow your business.

What is your biggest current challenge in the business and what are doing to try to solve it?
Our current business market is over-saturated with Solo-Geeks and Mass Market Geeks who are all making the same promises of solving computer and technology issues cheaper and faster. Creating a business identity that helps you stand out from the crowd while appealing to the masses is the solution.

My solution has been to be a technology professional who cares about people and my community. I donate services and products to local non-profit and needy organizations on a regular basis. It’s important to be an individual who has a general interest in helping our environment and community. I’ve also embraced social media as in many in my industry have not. Social media helps me keep in contact with my current customer base while exposing my business to a personal and professional community that I would not normally encounter in my day-to-day interactions.

What are your goals for the next 12 months?
Continued business growth and customer development is always a constant, but my ultimate goal is to continue to live life to the fullest. “Live, Learn, Love and Laugh” is my life’s motto and I try to do those things on a daily basis. Putting yourself first is the first secret to making your business sustainable.

Where do you want to be with the business in five years?
I want to be in a position where I can work on the business rather than in the business. I want to volunteer more of my time mentoring budding solopreneurs and help them realize their dreams. I believe we all have an obligation to give back to our community.

What are your main software programs?
I couldn’t live without the Microsoft Office suite for Windows and Macintosh. For remote access to my home-office computer, I use LogMeIn. For remote access to troubleshoot customers computers and technology, I use TeamViewer.

What’s your advice for aspiring solopreneurs?
Just do it! Life is short.

Are you glad you became a solopreneur? Why or why not?
I am very happy that I took the leap. Although everyone faces professional challenges, I believe solopreneurs face an even bigger uphill battle. You have a great sense of achievement when you are able to meet those challenges head on and conquer them. Achievement gives you swagger and swagger gives you the confidence to get out there and get what’s yours — which is the ability to achieve your dreams.