Q&A
with Jamie Barmach, JEB & Company
JEB & Company specializes in IT Consulting & Managed Services. They proactively monitor, manage and maintain workstations and servers so their customers don’t have to. For one monthly fixed fee, they handle all IT needs, including patch management, anti-virus, spyware removal, temporary file removal, 24/7 monitoring, remote remediation access and more. The company motto is, “Let us manage your network, while you take care of business.”
What led you to start your business?
I was laid off from an IT firm and started looking for work. I decided that rather than make someone else money from my hard work and ideas, I should do it for myself. I had a lot of insight to the managed services arena, so my early research and setup was already done.
Tell me something about your business that people might not know?
Even though our company is a staff of two (myself and my wife) we have the backing of thousands through our managed services partner. We have a 600 person Network Operations Center (NOC) and a 250 person U.S.-based Service Desk.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome as a business owner?
New client acquisitions. I know that I have excellent service offerings and I have a very competitive price point. However companies do not necessarily change their IT services on a regular basis. My prospective clients either have an IT provider or they are a new business. While my sales cycle is longer than I would like, I know the clients will come over once they see what I can offer them.
What drives your passion in this business?
I like to help people. I feel good inside knowing that the work I am doing is helping another small business move forward. Since I am working directly with the business owner, I know that they appreciate what I am offering and how I am offering it. That is why our monthly services are on a fixed fee basis. They know exactly how much IT will cost them each month. No matter how many issues arise, they will always have the same low price.
What advice would you give somebody starting their own business?
Make sure that you have an effective CRM (Customer Relationship Management system). You need to be able to manage all of your client and potential client interactions. You also need to follow up with clients and potential clients on a regular basis. You are the face of your company, so it is important that your clients see you and you are easily accessible. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!
Stuart’s TIP:
Jaimie makes a great point in keeping in touch with prospects and clients. Follow up is the key to maintaining those great relationships, and a good system for keeping up on that is key to a small business owner’s success. I encourage all entrepreneurs to allocate time each week to following up with prospects and customers – you’ll be surprised at the
positive impact that will have on your bottom line.
JEB & Company
2925 E. Riggs Rd., Suite 8-214, Chandler, AZ 85249
480-389-5321
info@jebandcompany.com
www.jebandcompany.com
Written by By Stuart Preston, MyBusiness Advisors
