At In The Sky IT, we love a good small business story. Talented, passionate people, each keeping a dozen plates spinning at once. But it doesn’t always work out. Every so often, we meet a founder whose determination to do it all leads to headaches as well as triumph. Enter Zoe, founder of Zig Zag Dance, a vibrant local dance studio here in Manchester.
Zoe had built her business on a love of teaching and passion for contemporary dance. She knew exactly when to call in expert advice: legal contracts? Solicitor. Payroll? Accountant. Staff issues? HR specialist. But when it came to her tech? Well, that was a different story. Like many small business owners, Zoe thought she could muddle through with the help of Google and a few well-meaning friends. Printer on the blink? A quick YouTube tutorial. Wi-Fi issues? Reboot the router. New software needed? Download whatever looked easiest.
It worked… until it didn’t.
The moment that truly summed it up for us was when Zoe confessed she’d recently bought a new laptop for the studio. Not because it had the power to manage bookings, run her creative software, or integrate with her billing system… but because she liked the colour. A lovely shade of green, apparently.
We had a good laugh about it together, but it was a telling moment. The truth is, small business owners wouldn’t dream of filing their own tax returns without an accountant, or writing their own legal contracts without a solicitor. So why, when it comes to IT, arguably the backbone of modern business, do so many think they should just figure it out as they go?
The Right Tools, The Right Setup, The Right Support
When Zoe reached out to In The Sky IT, we sat down over a cup of tea and took stock of the studio’s tech setup. From ageing laptops and mismatched software to a email that was still being sent from a Gmail account, it was clear things had fallen by the wayside while she focused on what she does best: running a thriving dance school.
Together, we created a plan. Advice on purchasing new hardware and software, tailored to her business needs. A web presence that reflects the energy and creativity of Zig Zag Dance. And crucially, ongoing tech support on retainer so when something goes wrong five minutes before a class, Zoe can just pick up the phone and get the help she needs from an expert.
It’s About Value, Not Just Cost
Some small business owners hesitate to bring in IT specialists because they worry about the cost. But as Zoe discovered, the time lost wrestling with tech problems, not to mention the missed opportunities from outdated systems, can be far more expensive in the long run. And no one should be buying laptops based on the colour.
A Word to Fellow Start-ups and Small Business Owners
If you’re a founder juggling a thousand tasks and trying to patch together your tech as you go, we get it. But you don’t have to do it alone. Having the right IT advice isn’t a luxury, it’s part of building a solid, sustainable business.
Zoe’s now got a business setup that works for her, not against her. And yes, we made sure her new laptop still came in a colour she liked.
Need a hand with your IT setup?
We’re In The Sky IT, your friendly Manchester-based IT consultancy for start-ups, small businesses and non-profits. Drop us a line, we’d love to hear your story.