Small Business Success Q&A #14: Turcotte Data & Design

Jason Turcotte

I met Jason Turcotte earlier this year when I attended my first Western MA Tweet-up. Jason organizes these free monthly networking get-togethers for area tweeters. Not every small business owner would take the time and effort to put together such a program. I’ve been impressed with Jason’s energy and initiative, which I’m sure carries over to his business and his work for his clients.

Here’s what Jason has to say about what it takes to build a successful business and achieving growth even during a down economy.

Name: Jason Turcotte

Company: Turcotte Data & Design

Location: Easthampton, MA

Founded: 2005

No. of employees: 1

Website: http://turcottedata.com

Twitter: @jasonturcotte and @turcottedata

Blog: http://turcottedata.com/blog

Business description: Turcotte Data & Design, a computer support and website design business located in Easthampton, Massachusetts, specializes in providing business-to-business computer, information technology, and design services and support to the Western and Central Massachusetts area.

Keys to your business success: Respecting my clients has been the key to success. When I started TDD my goal was to prove to the Western Mass. business community that there were technology companies out there that cared about their clients and their client’s businesses. I’ve become friends with many of my clients, a testimony to “walking the talk” when it comes to establishing positive client relationships.

Best business advice you’ve ever been given: I’ve always been involved in service businesses, so I’ve had several mentors, managers, bosses that helped instill that valuing your clients is one of the most important things you can do.

Another good piece of advice is “stick to what you’re good at,” meaning stay focused on your mission. Don’t try to do it all.

Another piece of advice that has been financially successful was to join BNI (Business Networking International). Without BNI, it would have been tough to weather the recession.

Worst business advice you’ve ever been given: I’ve been pretty lucky to be surrounded by good people since I’ve been in business. Bad advice has been few and far between. I honestly can’t think of any outstanding bad advice.

Toughest thing you’ve ever had to do as a business owner: Survive. The past five years have been tough, mostly related to the economic downturn. Dealing with tough financial times has meant dealing invoices being paid slowly or projects being rescheduled/postponed/cancelled.

Given that, TDD has grown each year we’ve been in business, but at times it been very tough.

Advice you’d give to someone just starting a business: It takes a special type of person to start a business. You have to be prepared for the though times. The rewards can be great, but the risks are greater. Be ready to put it all on the line. Be ready to put in lots of hours and be ready to be passionate!

Favorite all-time business book: E-Myth

Favorite online source(s) for business information/advice: Inc.com

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