Are you struggling to keep your business secure? If you fall victim to ransomware or an attack, consumers might not trust you. Before that can happen, consider hiring a managed service provider.
Outsourcing could save you 60% on overhead costs. You can protect your business and customers, too. Partnering with a managed IT company could give your business the boost it needs.
Not sure which local IT company to hire? Here are eight tips that can help.
With these tips, you can find the best IT company around. Their experience and expertise will support your business in the long run. Meanwhile, you can avoid potential attacks that might otherwise put you out of business.
Set your business up for success instead! Discover how to choose and hire a managed IT services provider with these tips today.
1. Gather Referrals
Start your search by turning toward your professional network. Ask other business owners if they partner with a local IT company. If they do, take the time to ask about their experience with their IT team.
For example, you might want to ask:
- How has the managed service provider supported your business
- What services are you using
- What other services do they offer
- Are they experienced
- How long does it take them to respond to IT problems
- How do you communicate with your provider
- Are you satisfied with the services you receive
- Have you experienced any issues
- How were those issues resolved
- Would you recommend I hire another company
If your professional network can’t help, don’t worry. Start searching on Google or another search engine instead. Search “managed IT company near me” and start making a list of options.
Then, use the rest of these tips to find the best IT company on your list.
2. Choose an Established Team
As you research each managed service provider on your list, learn more about each company’s history.
Visit each company’s website and Better Business Bureau listing. Consider how long each company has worked in the IT industry.
Try to find a long-established business with years of experience. An established business has likely worked out any operational issues. They’ll have a process in place for helping their clients.
They likely know how to work efficiently, too.
A new business, on the other hand, might need to work out operational kinks. They might not offer the range of services you need, either.
Determine how long each company has operated before you choose a provider. A long-established business won’t likely disappear when you need them most.
3. Look for Industry-Specific Experience
Once you find an established managed service provider, learn more about their recent clients. Try to find a managed IT company that’s helped businesses like yours. Their industry-specific experience might benefit your business in the long run.
The best IT company will take the time to understand your business, needs, and goals. They’ll consider your customers, too. If they have industry-specific experience helping similar businesses, they’ll have a better understanding of your needs.
These companies can go above and beyond to provide you with the IT support you need.
Learn more about the clients they’ve helped over the years. Which clients fall within your industry? How did the IT company help that business?
Ask each managed IT company if they have any case studies you can review. Case studies will show you how they helped their clients. For example, maybe the company minimized downtime and boosted productivity.
Consider whether or not the IT company was able to boost their client’s ROI and output, too.
4. Ask About Their Approach
Before you choose a local IT company, consider their approach.
You don’t want to choose a company that will treat your business like any other. Instead, they should customize the services they offer based on your needs. If they use a cookie-cutter approach, choose another managed IT company.
Make sure the company uses a proactive approach as well.
They shouldn’t wait until IT issues arise before stepping in to fix the problem. Instead, the best IT company should review your current infrastructure. Then, they should make recommendations to help you avoid future issues.
With their help, you can avoid unnecessary downtime, helping you avoid wasting time and money.
You can contact the team at www.dataseti.com to learn more.
5. Review Their Services
Take the time to review the services each managed IT company offers. For example, you might need to find a provider that offers cybersecurity services.
Nearly 60% of small businesses go out of business within six months after an attack. Ask the company if they offer cybersecurity services. They can safeguard your business and customers.
Ask the company if they offer cloud computing services, too.
Otherwise, consider your goals. Make sure they offer the services you need to accomplish those goals.
6. Read Reviews
Ask each managed service provider on your list if they can provide client reviews.
Reading reviews will help you learn more about each business. You can find a provider other local companies know and trust.
Their reputation can help you determine if they offer high-quality services. You can find reviews on their Google My Business listings.
7. Consider Their Response Times
As you read reviews, look for comments about each company’s availability. How long does it take them to respond to a support ticket? Choose a business that has quick response times.
If they take too long to respond to your needs, you’ll experience downtime. Downtime can hurt your team’s productivity. Your customers might grow frustrated, too.
8. Ask About Pricing
Ask at least three managed IT companies for an itemized quote of their services. Then, review your options.
Don’t choose the cheapest managed IT company on your list. Instead, review your notes. Make sure they can accomplish your needs and goals.
You’ll likely receive what you pay for.
Set for Success: 8 Tips for Choosing the Best Managed Service Provider
Don’t rush to choose the first managed service provider you call. Instead, use these eight tips to choose the best IT company on your list. With these tips, you can find a local IT company ready to help your business.
On the hunt for more helpful tips and tricks? You’re in the right place.
Check out our latest guides today for more.
