Another Costly Mistake: Thinking you can fix technology problems on your own.

When you work for a company, an Information Technology (IT) department helps you with computer problems. When you work for yourself, you become the IT department. Small business owners may find themselves trying to play around with a quirky program or fix a technical issue that's slowing them down. This is wasted time and money.

• It takes a non-technical person at least twice as long to diagnose and repair a computer problem. Don't spend hours on an issue only to find out you still need professional help.
• You can often compound the problem. If you make it worse, it will cost you more time and more money.
• A professional consultant can become your IT contact. If money is an issue, find a creative agreement that benefits you both.
• If you remember where your time is most well-spent in your business, you'll never waste another moment on a technical problem you can't fix.