Does your company need an IT expert? There are over 863,100 IT tech support specialists in the US. Before you start searching, it helps to narrow down your options.
Want to find the best IT firm for your company’s needs? Here are 12 tips that can help! With these tips, you can find the right IT company for your company.
Otherwise, your productivity might suffer without help. You could waste valuable time and money trying to fix major IT issues on your own.
Instead, find an IT services company that has the experience and expertise you need! Start your search with these 12 tips today.
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Turn To Your Network
One of the best ways to narrow down your options is to speak with people you already trust. Take the time to turn to your professional network. Do you know another company that’s working with a trustworthy IT services company?
If you can, speak with people who work in your industry. Finding an IT firm that works with clients in your industry can give you an advantage. The IT company will already understand your company’s distinct needs.
If you don’t know a business owner that can turn you in the right direction, that’s okay. Head online to begin your search. You can start developing a list of potential IT outsourcing companies.
Take a look at LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social media hashtags.
Otherwise, look into freelancer websites and consulting firms that might have a list of IT companies you can review.
Take the time to consider what you need and expect from the IT company you’re looking for. Do you need a part-time consultant or someone who can help full-time? Would you prefer they visit your office, or are you okay with a virtual consultant?
Determining what you need from the start of your search can help you narrow down your options.
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Determine Their Experience
When choosing between IT consulting firms, you’ll want to choose one with the experience and expertise you need. After all, people learn through trial and error. Someone who has worked in the industries for years will have that hands-on experience and know-how.
As you speak with consultants, ask how long they’ve worked in the industry. Do they specialize in a specific area, such as cloud computing?
Does that specialization suit your company’s needs?
Someone with years of experience will know how to recognize and troubleshoot an issue. There’s a chance they’ve come across the same problem while working on another project. Choosing someone with inadequate experience, on the other hand, can waste your time and money.
In addition to learning about their experience, you should also consider their credentials.
Did they go to school? Did they receive any certifications? Try to learn what you can about their level of expertise and how that expertise can help your business.
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Look for a Larger Firm
As you begin looking at different IT consulting companies, consider looking for a larger IT firm. A larger corporation will have manpower and availability. If you work with a single consultant, on the other hand, you’ll have to wait for your turn.
What happens if your entire system shuts down one day? You need to know there’s a technician available to resolve the problem. If a company lacks the manpower you need, your team’s productivity could suffer while you wait.
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Explore Their Levels of Support
Before choosing an IT consultant, make sure they offer the support you need.
You might decide on a company that offers a la carte options or pay-as-you-go support. Either way, you can choose a company that offers the options that suit your budget and tech needs.
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Prioritize Fast Response Times
Remember, you can lose valuable time, money, and customers if your system shuts down. You need an IT firm that can respond quickly to the problem. Otherwise, you could frustrate customers as they struggle to use your system.
Ask the IT consulting companies you speak with about their response times. If they can’t respond to an emergency, keep searching.
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Review Their Services
As you begin reviewing your options, take a look at each IT company’s services.
Do these services overlap with your tech needs? What services can help build your company?
Speak with the IT company about your business and IT goals. If their services don’t overlap with your needs, continue your search.
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Determine the Cost
It takes about 70% of your IT budget just to keep business-critical systems working. When looking between IT outsourcing companies, don’t forget to explore their costs.
You can likely ask each firm for an estimate. If you can’t afford them, keep looking.
Don’t choose the cheapest option, though. Instead, look for a company that suits your overall needs.
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Look for a Dedicated Expert
Will you work with a dedicated technician, or will you speak with someone different each time you call?
Working with a dedication technician can save you time and stress. They’ll understand your business, goals, and system. Otherwise, you’ll have to explain everything each time you make a call.
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Learn About How Calls Are Logged
Ask the IT firm how their logs are called. Will you speak with your dedicated technician during the call?
You won’t want to jump from one person to another. Instead, look for a company that has a system set up for logging calls and requests.
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Review Their Systems
Before choosing an IT company, make sure they have the tools you need. Do they utilize an email or CRM system? Do they use remote monitoring tools?
Their system could benefit your own process by saving you valuable time.
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Read Over the Contract
Take the time to read over the contract. Do you have any questions? Is everything listed in the contract, or are there additional costs you need to know about?
Make sure the contract outlines everything you discussed with the firm.
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Ask for Case Studies and References
During your search, ask each company if you can see a case study. Case studies can show you proof of their abilities. How did they help their clients improve productivity?
You can also ask to speak with their previous clients or read reviews to learn more about the firm’s capabilities.
Start Outsourcing Your Business Tech Needs
Outsourcing your IT needs to a professional team can save you time, money, and stress. Make sure to use these tips to find the right IT firm for your needs. With these tips, you can find a professional company ready to work alongside you.
Searching for more tips and tricks? Explore the Tech section of the blog today.
