When I began my first yoga studio in 2000, laptop know-how was means out of my wheelhouse. In reality, for the primary two years, I did not also have a web site. I did all the pieces from scratch, together with accumulating emails, sending newsletters, advertising and marketing occasions, and corresponding with my scholar base. I used to be extraordinarily content material working my enterprise that means; my focus was on instructing yoga and creating group.
Since then, I’ve gone on fairly a journey in studying to make use of the correct know-how to help my enterprise targets. In this text, I need to offer you real-life proof that Linux is a viable working system (OS) and share a number of the ways in which switching to Linux has helped my enterprise thrive. I’m right here to testify how a lot simpler Linux has made my work life and my private life.
A sequence of OS disasters
The path to that simpler life was a protracted one. My rudimentary techniques labored high-quality for some time, however then my consumer base grew to the purpose the place they had been not manageable. It was time to systematize issues to help my rising enterprise. I selected Microsoft Windows as my working system, I bought a product to handle newsletters and mailing lists, and I employed an internet designer to create an interactive web site with a gross sales web page. I assumed I’d created a stable system for managing my shoppers, packages, and employees.
At first, all went properly. I went fortunately about my enterprise till my laptop, working with Microsoft and guarded by anti-virus software program, turned contaminated with malware. That despatched all the pieces right into a hair-pulling tizzy. I smashed at buttons, cursed like a sailor, and nonetheless nothing labored. I referred to as my sensible laptop pals, however all they might do was supply sympathy and say, “I hope you backed everything up.”
I carried my desktop to a restore service, the place they held my laptop for a stable week whereas they reinstalled my working system. They additionally suggested me to buy one other virus and malware safety program. My enterprise was frozen in time. I misplaced some information, quite a lot of time, some money, and my too optimistic perspective towards my working system.
The new system and software program labored for some time, solely to be contaminated once more. And once more. Eventually, I used to be suggested that I wanted to switch my laptop. So I did. For just a few years, I prevented any main snafus on my stunning new laptop computer, which enabled me to work anyplace. I religiously backed up and bought costly new variations of working and safety software program yearly. I naively assumed these steps would handle the issues.
Of course, these costly up to date software program packages additionally failed. At this level, I’d had sufficient time and expertise to conclude that working my enterprise this manner had turn into very pricey, in each money and time—to not point out my power.
By this time, I had met my laptop professional buddy, David. We usually chatted earlier than or after yoga class. In a kind of conversations, I used to be lamenting my laptop woes, so David supplied to have a look. I jumped on the probability to have somebody I trusted assist me work out my recurring quagmire of laptop mishaps. David was in a position to sort things just a few instances with my Microsoft OS.
Still, I continued having laptop struggles till, lastly, my working system brought on severe issues for my enterprise. I had bought an costly software program program designed for yoga studios and health facilities to handle enrollments, funds, and payroll. When my laptop locked up, I used to be unable to handle my each day enterprise. I used to be resigned to buying a brand new laptop and updating my OS and virus safety—once more.
Making the swap to Linux
At this level, my buddy David advised that I rethink my OS and take into account Linux as a substitute. I’d by no means heard of Linux earlier than. I used to be assured with my Microsoft abilities, although I’d misplaced confidence with the system. It was scary to consider a giant studying curve forward of me if I switched. Would I lose all of the paperwork and lists created below Microsoft? Would Linux intervene with my skill to securely and easily ship info to my consumer base?
Luckily, David is a really affected person particular person. He answered all my questions and reassured me that Linux was a viable possibility for me and my enterprise.
I used to be shocked when he advised me it wasn’t time for me to switch my laptop.
Ka-ching! More cash in my pocket.
Then I discovered that Linux was open supply, so not would I’ve to pay these pricey charges for updates and safety.
Ka-ching! More money for me and my enterprise.
He assured me that the Linux system operated very similar to Microsoft, so my studying curve wouldn’t be so steep. He additionally advised me that Linux is exclusive as a result of it’s continuously being improved by very sensible individuals who haven’t any motives apart from bettering performance. I felt so relieved. I took a deep breath and went for it.
David rapidly put in Linux, and we spent just a few hours over just a few days studying the brand new system. In actuality—and far to my delight—it regarded and felt similar to what I used to be accustomed to. What a aid that I might make the transition with relative ease and nil frustration.
I grew my enterprise with Linux
I’ve now been utilizing Linux for a number of years—on the identical laptop computer that I used to be certain wanted to get replaced! Although I encountered just a few random glitches from time to time, downtime was at a naked minimal. All these instances that laptop failures and infections had impeded my enterprise had been up to now.
Once I ended paying for skilled service each time my laptop froze up or did not boot, buying yearly updates for software program, and buying a brand new laptop each few years, the monetary financial savings for my small enterprise had been important. But the advantages of switching to Linux went far past that.
I’m at my finest when I’m in a position to create, write, and train. After the swap, I not agonized over the specter of my studio operations and automation being suspended, which was priceless. No one wants a stressed-out yoga instructor! I had extra time to create new content material and packages, which introduced in new college students.
When Linux solved my laptop drama, my enterprise grew. I used to be in a position to streamline with ease and confidence. No longer did I fear about my consumer info and proprietary information being in danger. I might calm down into my enterprise, figuring out all was secure and that all the pieces ran with no hitch so long as I up to date usually. I had the time and confidence to increase my attain and started providing big-ticket gadgets like retreats and instructor coaching.
After having fun with that success for some time, I made a decision to transition to a unique enterprise mannequin, one with a lot much less administration, extra concentrate on my inventive course of, and extra private contact with shoppers. I closed the studio and created Zakti Health. That meant a brand new web site, new software program, and the problem of rebranding. Linux was with me by means of all of the adjustments. Knowing I had a secure and safe OS, I used to be in a position to flip my consideration on this new course with confidence.
Once once more, all was going properly.
Adapting to alter with open supply
Then the pandemic hit and worn out Zakti in a single day. Life throws surprising challenges to small enterprise entrepreneurs! After cautious consideration, I made a decision to shut Zakti and create a pandemic-proof digital enterprise. I’ve created a digital course utilizing some complicated software program that works like a dream on Linux. I’m now doing fairly a little bit of podcasting, vlogging, and reside streaming, and I’ve discovered some nice open supply software program that makes these new actions each reasonably priced and simple. Linux has felt like a loyal buddy by means of all this transition in utterly new territory.
Now David and I are writing a e-book collectively, Linux for the Small Business, quickly to be printed by Apress. I not often stress over laptop points anymore—and I’ve cleaned up my sailor’s mouth too.
