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A small business professional wears many hats. It's not uncommon for one person to be the owner, marketing director, account manager, call center, and sales department of a small business. In fact, these responsibilities merely scratch the surface when you consider all of the duties required of a small-business professional.
Technology advancement and stability are top on the priority list of the small business. Technology plays a large role in any business' overall performance and efficiency. Knowing the latest advancements, planning for cost-effective upgrades, and getting customized training can all be a stumbling blocks when a business owner doesn't know where to turn for help.
Many professionals choose to work with Pelarious –
A Complete Information Technology Solution.
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Knowledge is Key
As an artist and business owner for 25 years, Shelley Dieterichs, owner of Rare Mediums – Well Done, knows from experience that technology influences her industry. Staying competitive means keeping up with the latest graphic software, using faster computers, and learning tricks to be more efficient over all. Knowing how to maintain a computer system takes a lot of time that most small-business professionals don't have. "It's not my job to figure out what is wrong with my computer. I rest easier knowing that Pelarious is working for me."
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Staying current with evolving technology can be a challenge. "The swiftly changing technology is intimidating." she says. "When I was looking to upgrade, I was concerned with needing all new computers and software. The price of what I thought I needed and keeping up-to-date was more than my budget would allow.
She trusts the advice of the Pelarious Experts. "I was very pleased when Patrick [Pelarious Expert] offered solutions that would keep me productive and not be too expensive."
Shelley understands that technology is increasingly important for her business and that it will continue to be a priority. "With Patrick’s advice, I have a plan for my future computer needs. It allows me to gradually upgrade my equipment and software and stay within my budget. He understands that my priority is not to fall behind the industry standards."
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"It’s not my job to figure out what is wrong with my computer. I rest easier knowing that Pelarious is working for me."
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Crucial Timing
Having worked on focused projects in large companies for most of her career, Tracy Dorsey wanted a change. She desired stability and variety and found it when she opened her own business, Design Lab 443. "I can control it. My fate is in my hands."
Control equals responsibility. Tracy's strict deadlines require efficient work and zero downtime. "My projects are on deadlines and if they are held up, it's a problem." To combat downtime and manage other Information Technology issues, Tracy looks to Pelarious. "I trust that they are doing the right thing so I can finish my work."
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Tracy recalls a particular issue that required immediate attention. "The computer simply wouldn't work. Bill [Pelarious Expert] helped me the same day. He backed up my files and replaced the hard drive."
It's not just fast response times that Tracy values from the Pelarious Experts. She appreciates the friendly way Pelarious explains the computer issues that come up. "Bill doesn’t talk over your head. That’s nice. I feel comfortable talking to him."
Time is money. For Design Lab 443, time is business. Quick, reliable, and friendly IT support from Pelarious gives Tracy Dorsey the advantage over her competitors – less downtime, more work time. That's how business gets done.
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"My projects are on deadlines. If they are held up, it’s a problem. It’s nice to know that Pelarious is there to help me out quickly."
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Growth and Advancement
The journey of the small business began in 1977 for Holly and Gary Haddox on Historic Main Street in St. Charles, MO. Their pottery shop grew into a thriving greenhouse, but in 1990 the couple wanted a change. "We enjoy gardening and we decided to take gardening to the next step. However, we learned that owning a greenhouse is an intense business." says Holly.
Opting for a less intense atmosphere, the couple opened The Conservatory – a glass garden house for weddings any time of year. Without the seasonal constraints of the greenhouse, the couple enjoys a flexible schedule and pleasant environment. As Holly observes, "Everybody is in a good mood when planning their wedding."
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Over the years, the technology needs of The Conservatory have grown considerably and requires regular attention. "I work with a lot of details. I want to keep the tech up-to-date in its simplest form, so I can work efficiently."
In the beginning there was only one computer. Now they have a wireless network with a number of computers and are in the process of installing surveillance cameras to be visible via Internet connection. Holly trusts Pelarious to provide the know-how to make it all work and keep the network organized. “I could get many of the jobs done myself, but it wouldn't be nearly as clean. By using Pelarious I just have to worry about learning the software programs and that’s fine with me.”
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"They are graphics oriented and understand what I need for my work."
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The Personal Touch
Andrew Raimist, owner and Principal Architect of Raimist Architecture, deliberately set up his firm as a small business with the goal of providing individual attention to each client as the top priority. "Keeping the office small allows me to be personally involved in every project."
While his team has diverse talents, residential design is their specialty, in part because it requires a great deal of personal collaboration between architect and client. The owner's particular tastes are smartly integrated to bring about professional, exceptional design. Raimist Architecture also works with communities, churches, and private businesses. "I keep my practice diverse, not only to maintain a steady flow of work, but also to keep us sharp so we're always prepared to take on new challenges."
Andy worked in larger firms before establishing his practice and has no regrets. He's quite comfortable with his small office. "In bigger firms not everyone gets their own personal workspace," he says. "Here we all have our own computer, drafting tables and drawing tools."
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"If it doesn’t work,
it doesn’t work. You're stuck. Ten years ago, if your drawing board was warped, you could still draw."
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Alongside the drafting tables is a network of PCs and Macs running the latest architectural software. For Andy, computers – like drawing instruments – are basically tools supporting the design process. However, computers operate differently than traditional design and drawing tools do. A computer problem directly affects the firm's ability to work. "If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. You're stuck. Ten years ago, if your drawing board was warped you could still draw."
To manage his computer network, Andy relies on Pelarious. "I learn just what I need to solve a specific problem, but there are so many advancements in technology and software that I know I’ll never know everything. Pelarious is my expert in that area."
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Pelarious has worked with Raimist Architecture for more than three years – setting up ethernet, solving hardware or software problems, and designing the company's network for future developments. "I don't have to explain how the system is supposed to work each time Pelarious comes in. Bill [Pelarious Expert] knows my system and how it works. He's able to bring it all together quickly."
Andy relies on Pelarious to respond promptly and offer advice for a range of PC and Mac issues. He's comforted in knowing that Pelarious will be around for his future needs. "Many people in IT come and go. Six months from now I know Pelarious will be there for me."
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Pelarious would like to say "Thank You!" to our friends
for allowing us to tell their stories.
Shelley Dieterichs, Good Buddy Notes – www.artbyshelley.com
Tracy Dorsey, Design Lab 443 – www.designlab443.com
Holly Haddox, The Conservatory – www.gardenwedding.com
Andrew Raimist, Raimist Architecture – www.raimistarchitecture.com
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For more information about how Pelarious can help you, contact us to assess your specific needs.
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