03/17/2020
A note from COMPUTER DOCK:
I am in the shop today. But we are closed.
I am using today to strategize how to move forward with business. Obviously, business will not be as usual. Judging by the number of voicemails in my inbox, people still need/want their computers. I will listen to these messages Wednesday starting at 10am. I will be open.
I am not going to go into detail as to how to protect yourself and my staff. This is obvious, please be thoughtful.
Honestly, I planned poorly. I have very little monetary reserves in place. This is going to hurt. I will swallow my pride as some bills will go unpaid in the short term. As revenue comes in, I will be prioritizing how I invest it. In one way, I am lucky… My employee is a college student and is ready, willing and available to work. That being said, he will be paid first before myself or any other bills. To any local vendors I work with, I will pay you, please be patient with me.
As jobs come in, I will be making decisions on what is more important. Pre-payment will be done first. I will not be charging more than my normal rates. Profiteering is a disgusting symptom of the place we are in. However, we will welcome, with smiles any tips or gratuity that are offered. Also, I will simply not allow anyone to pressure us to work faster. You and I work together as a partnership. I don’t work for you. If anyone uses a pressure tactic on me, their project will move to the back of the line. I refuse to let myself or my staff internalize your panic or stress.
I am a resourceful person. In such, I am not asking for advice nor want it. I will be looking at all local, state and federal programs designed to help the small business owner.
Coincidently, St. Patricks Day marks the beginning of my 9th year in business. I love this community and love being here to help people. I appreciate all the contacts I have made over the years.
If you are asking what you can do… I think right now, the best thing would be for the federal government to issue cash to each person. Senator Mitt Romney has pushed for one such plan. Call your Congresspeople call your Senators.
As I said, I am lucky, I still have a stream of revenue. I am most worried about all the people in the service industry.
