Successfully deploying managed services can reduce IT costs by 25 to 45%. Your company’s efficiency could increase by 45 to 65% as well. Before searching for business IT support near me, however, it helps to have a plan.
Otherwise, you could waste valuable time and money trying to find an experienced IT support firm.
Here are a few tips that can help ensure you’re making the best possible choice for your business. Read on to learn more.
Gather Referrals
Before you use the rest of these IT support tips to narrow down your choices, it helps to build a list of options to begin with. Talk to other business owners within your industry or business contacts you trust. Ask if they can refer you to an IT support firm.
If they’ve worked with an IT support team in the past, ask about their previous experiences with the firm.
For example, you can ask about the services they requested. How did those services benefit their business? Ask the business owner if they were able to track the effect the IT support had on their business.
Prioritize finding an IT support company that’s able to improve the efficiency and productivity of their clients’ businesses.
Ask each business owner about communicating with the managed service provider, too. For example, did they struggle to contact their technician? Was the technician experienced, professional, and polite?
As you begin building your list of referrals, you can also ask:
- Are you satisfied with the services you received
- What services are you receiving
- What other services do they offer
- Would you hire someone else in the future
- Is the team quick to respond
- What problems have you experienced
Once you have a list of IT firms, use the rest of this IT support guide to narrow down your choices to ensure you hire the best in the business.
Check Agreement Options
Some IT support companies offer a range of arrangements to ensure their clients choose the services that align with their needs. As you narrow down your options, ask each support company about its offerings. Determine if they offer a fully managed or all-inclusive IT support agreement.
In these instances, the IT provider will become your IT department. A fixed-fee agreement will put your IT management needs in the provider’s hands. As a result, you’ll have more time to focus on your business.
You won’t have to split your attention between your company and your IT needs.
If you have an in-house IT department or technician, however, consider a co-managed IT support agreement. With this option, the IT technician will work alongside your in-house IT team. They can strengthen your in-house team by providing expertise on more complex issues.
They can also take some of the work off your team’s plate, allowing them to focus on higher-level responsibilities. Your team’s efficiency could improve as a result.
As you take to each IT support firm, ask them to help you weigh the pros and cons of each option. They shouldn’t push you toward one or the other. Instead, they should help you determine which option best aligns with your needs, goals, and budget.
Review the Team
Ask each IT support company about their technicians. Make sure they offer access to a robust, diverse, experienced team of IT support professionals.
Your company will likely need help with:
- Cloud computing
- IT support
- Networking
- Cyber security
- Systems administration
Instead of working with one technician who knows a little about a lot, you can work with a team of qualified IT professionals with varying specialties. They can step in to handle anything your company needs.
Determine if the team is qualified by determining if they have CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, or Microsoft MS-900 certifications.
An IT provider who wears a lot of hats will likely need to split their focus. They might struggle to help everyone all at once. A robust team of certified professionals can ensure your company receives the support it needs immediately.
Consider Communication
Determine how you’ll communicate with the support firm each time you need help.
For example, will you send a support ticket via a form or email? Ask the company how long their response time is on average, too. The longer you have to wait for help, the more likely the problem will impact your business.
For example, an issue could impact the customer’s experience with your brand. They might get frustrated if you can’t fix the problem quickly. The customer might turn away, frustrated, before taking their business elsewhere.
An issue could impact your employees’ abilities to work productively, too. Any delay can cause productivity to drop, leading to lower output and ROI.
Find a company that knows how to respond quickly. Determine if they’ll provide regular reports, too. Their reports can help you determine if they’re actually helping your business.
These reports could also include suggestions for improving your technology usage. You can determine which services will most benefit your business moving forward.
Reviewing these reports could help you realign your business and IT priorities. You can assign resources based on the help you need. Then, you can ensure your business will run smoothly in the future.
Determine Experience
There are now nearly 502,000 IT consulting businesses across the US. Some have worked in the industry longer than others, though. Before choosing an IT support company, determine how long they’ve operated.
Find a company that already has a strong standing in the industry. Their experience and expertise can ensure they provide the best possible services. A company that’s new to the industry might not have an efficient process in place.
You could experience problems with IT services, operations, and billing as a result.
Once you find an experienced team, consider who you’ll work with moving forward. Ask the company if you’ll work with a dedicated technician. Each time you require help, you’ll speak to someone who already understands your business.
Determine the technician’s level of expertise, too. How long have they worked in the IT industry? How often do they provide the specific type of support you need?
Finding an IT support firm and dedicated technician with years of relevant experience can help you feel more confident in their abilities to help your business.
You can visit Be Structured to find an experienced, qualified team you can trust.
Check for Certifications
Make sure the company earned their awards, partnerships, and certifications.
Though many IT companies promote awards they’ve won in the past, not every award is legitimate. Look for verified awards from reputable sources. Determine what requirements the company had to meet to receive these certifications or awards as well.
Finding a company that meets these requirements can give you peace of mind about their abilities. You can feel confident choosing a qualified, experienced provider.
Discuss Their Process
The public filed 847,300 complaints of cybercrime to the FBI in 2021. Small businesses lost $212,000 due to cybercrime that year. About 61% of businesses have experienced a cyber attack in the past year.
Before your company becomes the victim of a cyberattack, consider cybersecurity services.
Determine what services the company offers. The company shouldn’t push specific services your way. Instead, they should make recommendations based on your goals.
Choose a company that will remain honest about which services are ideal for your organization or industry. Find a company that understands your business, customers, and needs.
Look for a company that offers a range of services, too. Then, you can develop a customized plan based on your organization’s long-term needs and goals.
Once you determine what services you need, ask the company about their process.
They shouldn’t wait until you experience problems to step in and help. Instead, they should remain proactive by reviewing your current infrastructure. Then, they can help you recognize areas that need improvement.
Ask about their onboarding process and timeline, too. An efficient process will help you avoid missteps and delays.
Read Reviews and Case Studies
Ask each company for client reviews. If you can, try to speak with at least three of their current clients as well. Otherwise, look for reviews on the company’s BBB and Google Business listings.
Reading client reviews can help you find a company that already has a strong reputation in the industry. These companies have already won the trust of their clients.
If you find a company that has a long list of complaints filed against them, keep searching.
Ask the company if they can provide case studies, too. Reviewing case studies can help you determine if the IT support firm is capable of benefiting your business.
Compare Pricing
Ask more than one IT support company for an itemized list of the services they offer (whether or not you need those services). Then, compare prices between three different companies. Comparing prices can help you determine if one company is charging too much or too little.
Don’t choose a company based on the price of their services. Instead, review your notes to make a more informed choice.
Find the Best Business IT Support Near Me Today
Choosing the right IT support company could prove essential to your company’s growth. Use these tips when searching for business IT support near me. Then, narrow down your selection to choose an experienced, qualified team.
With their help, you can boost your company’s efficiency and ROI in no time.
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