If you’re looking to make the investment of partnering with an IT provider, this can be a big step forward for your business, but only if you choose the right one. The wrong one will leave you feeling frustrated, and before you know it, you’ll be wanting to switch.
Making the right call is very important, but how do you go about doing this confidently, and knowing what to ask? This quick guide will outline five essential areas to consider.
1. Look for an understanding of your unique industry and sector
There are plenty of generic managed IT support providers out there. However, finding one that understands the specific pressures faced in your sector makes a significant difference in the impact the partner can have. The benefits include far quicker response times, as the partner will likely have come across and have specialisms in the unique equipment and software you use. As well as gaining expert insight into new technologies and solutions, designed to solve challenges that industries in your area often face.
And just because they claim to work with people in your industry, it doesn’t necessarily mean their experience is extensive, so be sure to ask for specific examples.
2. Ask about their approach to businesses that are experiencing growth
Your business today won’t be the same in a few years time. You need a partner who can grow with you, whether that means onboarding new staff simply and quickly, or helping you migrate to smarter cloud solutions. Ask for real examples of how they’ve helped clients to scale.
3. Check their communication style
IT is technical. And most likely your Team isn’t. A good IT partner will know how to explain their services and solutions in a way that makes sense to you. Pay attention during early conversations: Do they use technical jargon, or do they make things clear? That tells you a lot about what your day-to-day support will feel like once they become your partner. Over time this lack of clear communication will leave your Team feeling frustrated and unsupported.
4. Understand their approach to cybersecurity
If you speak to an IT provider that isn’t prioritising cybersecurity, this should instantly be a red flag. Anyone working in the IT services sector will understand the importance of having at least an essential level of security in place for businesses. If they’re not raising this in your conversations, it should be a signal that they’re a provider who isn’t going to look out for your company’s best interests.
5. Demand transparency in service and performance
It’s easy to promise “fast support,” but what does that mean? Ask about service-level agreements, average response times, and how the provider is tracking performance. A good one will show you the numbers without hesitation, not just make big claims.
The takeaway message
Getting this decision right can have a big impact on your business, and making the decision based on the cheapest price or whose website wowed you the most isn’t going to result in you finding a long-term partner.
Finding a IT Team that understands your business’s unique needs and truly has your best interest at heart is crucial for a successful relationship. So keep these five key areas in mind when you’re next looking into managed IT services for your business
