The US managed service market might grow by a CAGR of 6.3% by 2025. Many businesses have already started trusting a managed IT service provider for the support they need. With a managed IT company at your side, you can set your business up for success.
Otherwise, common IT issues could slow you down. If you're still using the break-fix method, your productivity could suffer.
There's the risk that you're leaving your business (and customers) vulnerable to hackers, too.
Finding the best managed IT company could even save you money. You can reduce IT costs by 45%. Meanwhile, your operational efficiency could improve by 65%.
You can boost business, protect your brand's reputation, and improve your ROI.
Ready to find a reliable, efficient team you can count on? Start your search with these eight tips today!
First, take the time to contact other business owners in your professional network. Ask if they hired a managed IT service provider recently. If they have, ask about their experience.
Make a list of questions to ask, including:
Take the time to ask about the company's response times and availability.
If you can't gather referrals from your professional network, that's okay. Start your search online instead. You can Google "the best IT service provider near me" to get started.
The company you choose doesn't have to work in the area. In fact, consider choosing a company that uses remote monitoring and management services. They can help your company from anywhere in the world.
As you start building a list of options, learn more about each company's professional history. Check their Better Business Bureau listing to get started.
If they're not licensed, scratch them off your list.
Before choosing a managed IT service provider, it's important to find an established business.
An established team has likely worked out issues with their operations. They probably know how to work efficiently. Chances are, they've earned the respect of their clients over the years, too.
You can feel more confident finding a company with years of experience in the industry as well.
Determine how long each company has run and operated. These businesses won't take your money and disappear.
A new business, on the other hand, might still need to work out operational issues. Those issues could slow your business down.
As you review your IT service options, consider finding a business that has experience helping companies like yours.
Ask each provider if they have experience working with businesses in your industry. These companies will have a better understanding of your IT needs. They'll help you beyond solving common IT issues.
Ask how they were able to help their clients. What IT services did their clients utilize? Ask how those services might benefit your business as well.
Choosing a team with industry-specific experience could save you time and money in the long run.
Before choosing a managed IT service provider, ask about their approach. Look for a company that considers your unique needs and goals. If they don't ask about your goals, they'll use a cookie-cutter approach.
They might struggle to help your business if they treat you like everyone else.
Choose a company that uses a proactive approach. They should review your current IT infrastructure and look for issues.
Otherwise, you could continue using the break-fix method. With the break-fix method, businesses wait for IT issues to impact their operations. Then, they pause everything to diagnose and fix the problem.
This approach could waste your time and money. Instead, remain proactive. Make changes to your IT infrastructure before you experience problems.
Take the time to review each company's services as well.
About 60% of small businesses will go out of business six months after a cyber attack. You don't want to leave your business vulnerable. Instead, look for a managed IT service provider that can safeguard your business.
Ask the company about its cybersecurity services. Make sure they're equipped to help your business.
You might want to switch to the cloud this year, too. Ask the company if they offer cloud computing services. If they don't, they've fallen behind their competitors.
Instead, choose a company that's innovative. They can benefit your business by helping you remain up-to-date with technologies and trends. They could help you gain a competitive advantage in the industry.
As you vent your IT service options, take the time to read online customer reviews. Reading online reviews will help you learn more from other business owners.
You can find reviews on the company's BBB and Google My Business listings.
If their negative comments outweigh the positive reviews, look elsewhere.
As you read reviews for each business, consider the company's response times. It's important to find an IT company that can respond quickly. Otherwise, the downtime you experience could impact your bottom line.
Your customers might grow frustrated and take their business elsewhere.
Instead, ask the company how quickly they can respond to a support ticket.
Ask at least three IT providers for a quote. Make sure you know what's included in their quote as well.
Comparing service provider costs can help you gauge the average price.
Take the time to review each company's contract, too. If you have any questions, ask before you sign.
Don't choose a provider based solely on the price of their services. Instead, choose someone with experience you can count on.
Don't rush to hire the first managed IT service provider you call. Instead, use these eight tips to vet your options. Then, choose the best provider based on your company's unique needs.
Their IT services could benefit your business for years to come.
Looking for a reliable managed IT provider you can trust? We're here to help.
Let's talk! Contact us today to get started.
