When a small business is considering what to look for in hiring an IT company to set up and manage its network, the first things that come to mind are often specific technology and managed service packages, on-site servers or cloud computing, and of course, reducing the total cost. And while these are very important, what a good IT company must be able to do, to maintain a top level of service in the long run and to best help the SMB’s it serves, is to educate them about what they can do to enhance and maximize their business’ potential and efficiency. What should an IT business be teaching its customers?
IT is Dynamic, and Your Business Should Keep Pace
Often when small businesses set up their IT programs, whether it be with a professional IT company, or even with their own in-house IT employees, the business leadership decides to take a hands-off approach thereafter. “Now I don’t have to worry about IT at all,” the owner/executive thinks. “That’s why I’ve outsourced it to someone else”. While you should outsource your IT to a professional to avoid stress and have the best- run network possible, that does not mean a Owner/executive should therefore assume no news is good news. It’s the role of a good IT company to keep the client’s management abreast of all technological developments, any innovations that are worth adopting, as well as new threats and risks to network security. Regular check-ins with your IT department are a must to stay on top of the business environment.
If It Ain’t Broke, Still Fix It
Imagine a small accounting business with a steady clientele base that has operated for many years. Their hardware is over 7 years old and is still running fine – the owner/executive’s position is: sure, I have newer stuff at home than at work, but the job is still getting done without the high cost of reinvestment. This kind of thinking is wrongheaded and hinders professional development. The clunky printers and their miles of cables may be pumping out copy just fine, but newer wireless printers would have your paperwork whizzing out much faster and with a lot less headaches and tangled cables down the road. It’s an IT company’s job to inform Owner/executive of how best to invest in hardware & software updates that can increase office productivity and efficiency as well as security.
Just What the Doctor Ordered
Your IT Company shouldn’t only come calling when there are breakdowns in your system, nor should you only be calling them when problems arise. You should be receiving monthly reports and briefings from your IT Company about problem areas in your system – not just including the aforementioned hardware and software that need updating, but also vulnerabilities in your network that could be exploited by bad actors. It’s your IT Company’s responsibility to warn you about potential dangers.
Check Please, with Details
Many of us in the course of daily life receive various bills throughout the month, be it from the Phone Company, water, power, etc. and simply accept the amount posted, without question. We often simply pay it off with a grumble and move on. But you should question exactly what you are being billed for, especially with your IT Company. Itemized bills detailing what services, equipment, and tweaks are being charged for should be presented and verified on a daily basis. Doing so is also a healthy way of being informed of exactly what work is going into maintaining your system and keeping it healthy and running smoothly.
Knowledge is Power
Outsourcing IT to a professional doesn’t mean relegating it to an afterthought unless something goes wrong. Having a good IT company that keeps you informed and abreast of new technological developments, potential upgrades, holistic system health and finally, what exactly you’re being billed for, is the best indicator of good service and good results. Stay educated in the realm of IT. Call IT21st today at 855-448-2178
