Ctrl+Alt+Life: 7 Lessons I Learned from IT Entrepreneurship

Running an IT support company isn't just a job; it is like being a real world crash test dummy. The complexities of technology, customer service, and team management have provided me with insights that go far beyond the business world. These last 15 years have had many peaks and valleys. Here are seven things that owning an IT company have taught me about life.

Patience is a Virtue

In IT support, patience is more than a virtue; it is totally a necessity. Whether dealing with a frustrated client whose computer "mysteriously" stopped working or troubleshooting a network issue that just won't resolve, patience is key.

Life Lesson: Patience is invaluable. It can help you to stay calm under pressure, handle challenges with grace, and ultimately find solutions more effectively and efficiently. In life, just like in IT, things rarely go as planned, and patience will help you to navigate these unexpected challenges.

The Tiny Details Do Matter

One wrong turn in IT can and will cause massive headaches. A single misconfiguration in a setting or missing an intricate detail can lead to big problems, affecting client operations AND your reputation.

Life Lesson: Attention to detail is crucial. In life, being meticulous and thorough can prevent issues and improve the quality of your work. Whether it's personal finance, relationships, of your health, focusing on details will lead to a better outcome.

What We Have Here is a Failure to Communicate

In IT support, clear and effective communication can make all the difference. Explaining complex technical issues in a way that clients understand builds trust and helps them feel supported. You want to talk to your clients not at them.

Life Lesson: Good communication is essential in all areas of life. Whether it is with family, friends, or co-workers, being able to express yourself clearly while being ready to listen to others creates better relationships and can prevent misunderstandings.

Adapt or Die.

The tech world is ever-changing. New technologies emerge, and systems update constantly. If you are going to run an IT support company that means remaining flexible and being ready to learn new things at a moment's notice.

Life Lesson: Being adaptable is vital. Business and life are both full of unexpected changes. You need to have the ability to adjust your plans and learn new skills . This will help you thrive in any situation. Embracing change as opposed to resisting it will lead to growth and resilience.

Persistence Pays Off

Troubleshooting complex IT problems requires persistence. Sometimes, solutions aren't immediately apparent, and giving up just isn't an option.

Life Lesson: Persistence is powerful. In life, achieving goals and overcoming obstacles can often requires a slow and steady approach. Persistence pushes through difficulties and helps you to eventually find success, even when the cards seem stacked against you.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

In an IT company, teamwork is critical. Solving complicated issues often requires collaboration, with different team members bringing their unique skill sets to the table.

Life Lesson: Teamwork is essential in all areas of life. Whether it's a family project, a community effort, or a workplace challenge, working together allows you to achieve more than you would alone. It is important to respect and value each person's contributions.

Always Be Learning

The tech industry evolves rapidly, making learning the cornerstone of staying relevant and effective. There's always a new tool, software, or method to master.

Life Lesson: Never stop learning. Lifelong learning keeps your mind sharp and will open up new opportunities for you. In life, being curious and willing to learn new things keeps you engaged and prepared for whatever comes your way.

Owning an IT support company has provided me with a wealth of experiences I never could have imagined that have translated into valuable life lessons. Patience, attention to detail, effective communication, adaptability, persistence, teamwork, and continuous learning are not just business skills but they are in fact essential life skills. Embracing these skills can lead to a more successful, fulfilling, and balanced life.

So, whether you're rebooting a server or navigating personal challenges, remember that how you do one thing is in fact how you do everything.

If you liked this article please share it with your network and let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Jeri Morgan is the Managing Partner for Code Blue Computing a Denver, Colorado based IT and Cyber Security Firm specializing in supporting professional service firms.