I was recently contacted by a computer business owner in regards to joining the Associaton of Computer Repair Business OWners (acrbo.com). The reason they contacted me was they had tried to join a forum for computer business owners and was declined due to not being registered in their state for at least one year.

So the question to me was “Is there a requirement that one has to be registered in their state for a year”?, “Or any other requirements”? Now this made me thing “Maybe we need some stringent requirements”….But, then reality set in and I realized no we don’t. The Association is for all business owners that feel as though they might benefit from the Association or feel that they can contribute to the Assocation. If you want to call it a “requirement” you can but what we do require is that you abide by a “Code of Conduct” in all your business dealings. To me that keeps it simple and it’s a personal preference if you feel that you can abide by them.

The thought of setting specific requirements to me is rather foolish for a number of reasons. First, when I started my business I had 20 years of experience in the industry. I worked on million dollar networks, and managed many others. So in the above case I would not be eligible to be part of that forum. Why? Becuase I was not registered in my state long enough? What is to say that the person who has been registered for a mere year does not only have “one year” of experience. What makes that business owner a better canidate then myself? To me it is a rather foolish way of doing things.

I am thinking maybe i’ll change the Association so anyone who wants to join has to meet the following requirements:

1. Your business has to be registered for at least 5 years
2. Your business has to be a corporation (no sole proprietorships or llc’s allowed)
3. Business insurance to include E&O Insurance
4. Tax statements showing at least 100K each and every year
5. At least 2 full-time employees
6. At least 1 company vehicle
7. Signed lease for at least the last 3 years of busienss showing you have a storefront

Granted I am only going to end up with let’s say about a dozen members but what a treat it will be. We can all visit the forum and tell each other how great we are and how much we respect each other for meeting the stringent requirements to join….

Wait…Another thought just crossed my mind……

How about if I keep the Association the way it is, and welcome all business owners, no matter the years of experience in the Assocaiation and help them grown their business. Or better yet, we continue to allow all owners into the Association and listen and hear what new innovative ideas they have to build a business model.

Don’t ever forget “everyone” has to start somewhere….”Seclusiveness” does not always mean better…

Dan
Association of Computer Repair Business Owners