What's the best resource for resolving IT issues for a small business that doesn't have a dedicated IT support team? Geek Squad?
Good Answers (3)
Scott G.
Career Coach, Business Consultant, LinkedIn Expert, Firefighter & Counselor specializing in Motivational Interviewing
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Look up your local BNI chapter.
BNI chapters screen their members and members develop relationships and trust with each other.
If there are multiple BNI chapters in your area with multiple IT professionals, compare credentials.
Finally, make sure your IT professional has insurance -- so if they destroy your machine, your network, your data you can get at least be compensated.
And finally, before working with anyone, back up, back up, back up. (I used LiveDrive -- I had tried others and this one is, IMHO, the best value for the money).
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Scott G. also suggests this expert on this topic:
Kenneth L.
Retired Aerospace Contracts Manager, MicroMentor Volunteer and Founder "Smalltofeds"
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Make sure you follow the below golden rules before you acquire any talent of IT tools:
1. An electronic computer software package is not a system. One cannot acquire a system by acquiring computer capability.
2. One acquires a system by conducting systems analysis, achieving a design and processes by working with the people who will run the system. This is hard work and time consuming. Processes are improved and made more efficient by modifying user behavior not by automating it.
3. Once system and analysis and system design are complete one chooses tools to assist in running the system. The adequacy of a computer tool is driven by the requirements of the most efficient system design.
4. The biggest mistake implementation teams make is to believe they are buying a system when they buy a software tool or let the software drive the systems analysis process. That is like asking a mechanic to drive a wrench from New York to St. Louis. It has resulted in millions of dollars wasted and plummeting efficiency in many organizations, large and small.
5. It is necessary to design a system and processes unique to the company to meet user requirements before going shopping for computer tools. If you do not you will be pigeon-holing your company into a COTS mentality and become a slave to the company that owns the source code. If you want anything changed it costs a big buck.
Hi Adam,
Just two weeks ago, there was an excellent article in the Wall Street Journal about this very topic:
'Small' IT Market Attracts Big Companies
(link shared below)
By SARAH E. NEEDLEMAN (SMALL BUSINESS) (JANUARY 26, 2012)
It's a very well-researched and well-balanced article.
You might also find the Comments after the article quite useful, as a lot of small business technology providers have chimed in quite defensively to give their point of view.
Links:
More Answers (15)
M Arnold G.
Data - One of your most precious assets - We'll help make your data work for you. Let us be your "second pair of eyes."
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I think it depends upon your needs. I would find a firm or consultant (search LinkedIn etc.) with the keywords for the services you need and contract with people who can respond directly and quickly to those needs. Someone who can "hit the ground running."
Wendy K.
Assistant Vice President at Willis Re
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I think I would look for a small local IT support company. Companies like that have less turnover, I bet. This way you have the same people servicing you and knowing your business needs. Here in metro Atlanta, for instance, 1ix works with small- to medium-sized businesses and takes care of their software and hardware needs. I'd be surprised if you couldn't find something similar wherever you are.
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Hi Adam, I think you answered the question on your website. Conversations --> Relationships --> Trust.
It may take some time, but - in the end it's not just about technical competence, it's about trust. You may need to enter into a trial period with several vendors before you settle on the one you trust.
John (João) C.
Strategic Information Systems Executive
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Adam,
sleeves up and do it yourself!
This will enable you to put things in perspective and soon you will be considering other venues that you haven’t before, plus you will know exactly what you need after you taste the IT Support world
Hope it helps,
John Costa
Anthony S.
ICT Manager at Bott Limited
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Adam,
How small is the business? I would suggest that once you get to around 25 - 30 users, you can justify having a full time person as an IT technician.
Having said that, for smaller businesses, having systems hosted is a valid option; this reduces the amount of technical work needed. You could also get equipment on various leasing deals that then mean the vendor will deal with any technical problems.
I see a lot of SMBs calling up their [Insert young relative/neighbor/friend's child etc] and finding out that just because you can download a torrent you may not know how to deploy and secure a business network properly.
Managed Service Providers are here for just such customers, I work with several who offer monthly options or pay as you go options so that you only pay when you need their services.
It's a lot cheaper to pay an IT firm to take care of issues before they get out of hand than it is to call in an IT firm on a Sunday afternoon to ensure that you can open up for business on Monday morning.
My advice would be to find a reputable Managed Service Provider (MSP) like Kamea Networks (www.KameaNetworks.com) who can be called on as little or as much as needed. Environments like you described could take advantage of KameaKare for remote administration, or failing that, a scheduled weekly/monthly visit for a flat retainer with availability to handle unscheduled issues, urgent matters, and projects as needed.
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Paula S.
Brand Consultant | Real World Design Specialist | Best Graphic Design Tips and Tricks | Denver, CO
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I knew in my small business I would need to find an accountant and IT department first thing. I'm so happy I made that decision!
I don't worry at all about my IT. If something is amiss my MSP lets me know, remotes in after hours, and I'm up and running without down time. Since I'm on my computer an average of 80 hours per week, this is absolutely essential. I'm extremely satisfied.
Paula S. also suggests this expert on this topic:
Daniel W. W.
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Ask other small business owners who they use. Or ask a tenant in your office building who they use. If their provider can service two clients in the same building in one trip, you both might be able to negotiate some concessions.
Remember in doing business with national outfits, you're paying for their national marketing and their prices may not be competitive.
If all else fails, try craigslist.
Further to the suggestions along the lines of 'DIY', I asked a question in June 2010 relating to differing support models. The general consensus was that the community support associated with open source software is up there in terms of quality of solutions. So, perhaps a member of existing staff with some IT aptitude would be able to fill the role with community support.
Don't have IT issues. Go with cloud based services. Way cheaper and allows you to redeploy your IT spend on projects that actually have a return. Below is a link that discusses how to invest in IT rather than spend on IT overhead.
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Donna K.
Founder/CEO, The Donna Krech Companies
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We have an in-house guy who does more than just IT - he does our website as well. I would suggest to you.. either hire someone multi-faceted or look for a non-contract IT support company (and trust me.. they may try to sell you on a monthly fee.. you know "just in case" you need them) - but do your homework with finding the right company.
Michael G.
Manager of Infrastructure & Retail Systems for lifestyle clothing brand vineyard vines.
A local IT consulting firm and:
www.experts-exchange.com
Wallace J.
Multimedia Producer, i3D Programmer, Acrobat 3D PDF, Android App, Virtual World & iTV Design, Kindle, Nook & Sony eBooks
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