In today’s fast-paced business world, technology is no longer optional; it’s the backbone of efficiency, communication, and growth. Yet, for many small business owners, especially those who built their businesses on passion and expertise in non-tech fields, the ever-evolving landscape of computers, networks, and software can feel like a daunting, alien language. They know they need tech to thrive, but they often don’t know where to start or who to trust.
At AS Computer Solutions here in Onoway, we specialize in bridging this gap. We don’t just fix computers; we empower non-techy business owners to harness technology effectively without feeling overwhelmed. We understand that your priority is running your business, not becoming an IT expert. Through years of experience, we’ve identified key strategies that work best when serving clients who aren’t fluent in “tech-speak.”
If you’re a business owner who sometimes feels lost in the digital maze, this post is for you. And if you’re a fellow tech professional looking to better serve this vital client segment, pay attention—these insights are invaluable.
✅ Strategy 1: Speak Their Language (Not Ours)
This is perhaps the most critical principle. Jargon is the enemy of understanding. When working with non-techy business owners, our goal is to translate complex technical concepts into clear, concise, and business-relevant terms.
🔄 Avoid Tech Jargon
Instead of: “We need to optimize your SQL database query performance for better API response times.”
Try: “We’ll make sure your customer data loads faster so your website runs smoothly.”
🔌 Focus on Outcomes, Not Features
Business owners care about what technology does for their business, not necessarily how it works.
Instead of: “This new router supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with MU-MIMO.”
Try: “This new Wi-Fi will give you faster internet speeds and a more reliable connection, even when everyone’s online, which means fewer frustrating delays for you and your staff.”
🛠️ Strategy 2: Prioritize Simplicity & Reliability
Non-techy business owners don’t want complexity; they want things to just work. They value reliability and ease of use over cutting-edge, intricate solutions.
📌 Scenario 1: Focus on Essential Tools
Try This:
Identify core needs: What software do they actually use every day? Email, accounting, CRM, a website? Let’s get those running flawlessly first.
Simplify workflows: Can two steps be combined into one? Can a manual process be automated with a simple script?
Example: Instead of recommending an elaborate project management suite, perhaps a shared spreadsheet or a simple cloud-based task manager is more appropriate for their current scale.
⚠️ Scenario 2: Emphasize Robust Backups & Security
These are often overlooked until disaster strikes. For non-techy users, solutions need to be automated and straightforward.
Try This:
Automated Cloud Backups: Set up solutions like OneDrive, Google Drive, or a dedicated cloud backup service that runs automatically in the background. Explain it as “your business safety net.”
Reliable Antivirus: Ensure they have robust, up-to-date antivirus software that doesn’t require constant user intervention.
Basic Security Hygiene: Briefly explain the importance of strong passwords and recognizing phishing emails, but avoid overwhelming them with too much detail. Focus on the “why” – “This keeps your customer data safe and prevents costly downtime.”
🔄 Scenario 3: Choose User-Friendly Hardware & Software
Opt for hardware and software known for their ease of use and stability.
Try This:
Tested Solutions: Recommend products and services you know are reliable and have good user interfaces.
Minimize Customization: While we can customize everything, sometimes a standard, well-supported setup is far better for a non-techy user who wants consistency.
Consistent Environment: If possible, standardize their hardware and software across their team to reduce troubleshooting complexity.
✅ Strategy 3: Provide Proactive Support & Education
Reactive “break-fix” support is a given, but true value comes from proactive measures and gentle, ongoing education.
🔌 Scenario 1: Scheduled Maintenance & Check-ups
Many small businesses don’t have dedicated IT staff for regular maintenance.
Try This:
Offer maintenance plans: Proactive services like monthly remote check-ups, patch management, and backup verification prevent small issues from becoming big problems. Position it as “preventative care for your business’s heart.”
Example: “We’ll remotely check your systems once a month to ensure everything is running smoothly, updates are applied correctly, and your backups are working, so you don’t have to worry about it.”
📌 Scenario 2: Empower Through Simple Explanations
When a problem occurs, walk them through the fix in simple terms so they learn without feeling patronized.
Try This:
“Show, Don’t Just Tell”: Use remote access tools to demonstrate solutions rather than just describing them.
Quick Guides: For common issues or new processes, provide simple, step-by-step guides with screenshots.
Focus on “What to do if X happens”: Empower them with actionable steps for common scenarios (e.g., “Mouse not working? Try these three things first.”).
⚠️ Scenario 3: Be Accessible & Patient
Frustration often stems from feeling unheard or misunderstood.
Try This:
Easy Communication: Make it clear how they can reach you (phone, email, quick support ticket).
Patient Listening: Let them fully explain their problem, even if it sounds convoluted. Often, the real issue emerges after careful listening.
Empathy: Acknowledge their frustration. “I understand this is incredibly frustrating when you’re trying to get work done.”
Mouse or Keyboard Not Working? Try These Quick Fixes Before Calling for Help
Few things are more frustrating than a suddenly unresponsive mouse or keyboard—especially when you’re right in the middle of something important. Whether you’re replying to emails, working on a spreadsheet, or just Browse, losing control of your input devices can grind your entire workflow to a halt.
At AS Computer Solutions here in Onoway, we get calls about this issue all the time. The good news? You might not need a new mouse or keyboard—or even a service call. Most of the time, the fix is quick and simple. So before you panic or start shopping for replacements, try these easy steps first.
✅ Step 1: Rule Out the Basics
Let’s start with the obvious (but often overlooked):
🔄 Reboot Your Computer
It sounds cliché, but a quick restart often clears up temporary bugs or software glitches affecting input devices.
🔌 Check the Connections
For Wired Devices:
Unplug and reconnect the USB cable.
Try a different USB port—especially one directly on the back of your desktop or laptop.
For Wireless Devices:
USB Receiver (Dongle): Make sure it’s securely plugged in. Try another port if needed.
Power Switch: Double-check that it’s turned ON.
Batteries: Swap in fresh batteries—even if the old ones were “just replaced.”
Re-pairing (Bluetooth): You may need to re-sync the device to your computer. Refer to the manual for instructions.
🛠️ Step 2: Targeted Troubleshooting
Depending on what’s acting up, here’s what to do next:
📌 Scenario 1: Only the Mouse or Keyboard Isn’t Working
When one device works but the other doesn’t, it’s likely a fault with the device itself or its connection.
Try This:
Test the device on another computer.
If it works there, your original system may have a driver or port issue.
If it doesn’t, the device might be faulty.
For Windows Users:
Press Windows + X, select Device Manager.
Expand Keyboards or Mice and other pointing devices.
Look for any ⚠️ yellow exclamation marks or ❌ red Xs.
Right-click the affected device and select:
Update driver
Or Uninstall device → then reboot to reinstall it automatically.
For Bluetooth Devices:
Windows: Settings > Bluetooth & Devices → Make sure Bluetooth is on. Remove and re-pair the device.
macOS: System Settings > Bluetooth → Remove and re-add the device.
⚠️ Scenario 2: Neither Mouse nor Keyboard Is Working
This can be tricky since you can’t easily navigate menus.
Try This:
Unplug everything except power and monitor. Restart the system.
Then plug in just the mouse or keyboard one at a time.
Test multiple USB ports—front and back. Try both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 if available.
Boot into Safe Mode:
On Windows: Hold Shift during restart, or tap F8 repeatedly during boot (older systems).
On Mac: Hold Shift immediately after powering on.
If things work in Safe Mode, a software or driver conflict is likely.
Inspect cables, connectors, and ports for physical damage.
🔄 Scenario 3: Mouse Works, Keyboard Doesn’t (or Vice Versa)
This often indicates a driver issue or hardware failure in the non-working device.
Follow the steps under “Check Device Manager” and test the faulty device on another computer to isolate the issue.
🧰 Still No Luck? Bring It to the Pros
If none of the above fixes do the trick, don’t stress—AS Computer Solutions is here to help.
We can:
Run advanced diagnostics to identify system or driver conflicts
Repair or replace damaged ports or input devices
Check for underlying issues like malware or system corruption
Recommend reliable replacement options that suit your needs
🏡 Local. Reliable. Ready to Help.
Serving Onoway and surrounding communities, AS Computer Solutions is your go-to for friendly, affordable tech support. We’re passionate about helping businesses thrive, regardless of their tech savvy.
Don’t let input issues slow you down. Try the steps above first, and if you’re still stuck, give us a shout. We’ll get your mouse, keyboard—and your productivity—back on track.
Call or visit us today:
📞 (780) 967 0215
📍 Onoway, Alberta
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