When you’re a small business owner, you wear many hats. Even if you have some knowledge on IT strategy and tech support, it’s probably not your area of expertise. So when things go wrong with your computer network, it can put you in a bind.
Not having a dedicated IT expert or team could be leading to small but impactful mistakes. Even if you have an in-house IT department, there are often areas of IT where an outsourced professional can give you access to a wider range of tools, expertise, and resources.
Here are 7 signs your business may need to outsource all or part of your IT management, and how outsourced IT can help your business grow and increase revenue.
1. Your Technology Costs Are Eating Into Your Bottom Line
Technology should make your business more efficient and help you save money. But if you’re constantly shelling out cash for new computers, servers, and software, it’s time to get some professional help. An IT consultant can recommend cost-effective solutions that will save your business money in the long run.
2. You Don’t Have an IT Roadmap
Without an IT strategy in place, your business is forced to react to problems as they come up. A reliable outsourced expert or Managed Service Provider (MSP) will work with you to create an IT roadmap that will proactively address potential issues before they cause major disruptions.
3. You’re Constantly Troubleshooting Your Tech or Dealing with Outages
If your business is constantly being brought to a screeching halt by IT emergencies, it’s time to get some help. An outsourced team can put systems and processes in place to prevent or minimize future disruptions.
4. Your Employees Are Frustrated with Technology
When your employees are constantly complaining about technology issues, it’s a sign that something needs to change. An MSP can evaluate your current setup and recommend improvements that will make everyone’s job easier.
5. You’re Missing Out on Important Technology Trends
We know that technology advances at a lightning-fast speed, so if you’re not keeping up with the latest technology trends, you’re falling behind the competition. An IT consultant can help you identify which new technologies make sense for your business and implement them in a way that’s cost-effective and efficient.
6. You Don’t Have Time to Focus on IT
If you’re spending more time dealing with technology issues than running your business, it’s time to get some help. We all know how important customer-facing technology is–this study shows websites influenced 97% of clients’ decisions to purchase from that company. If your IT is always an afterthought, an outside IT team can take care of the day-to-day IT tasks so you can focus on what you do best.
7. You’re Ready to Grow but Your Technology Can’t Keep Up
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level but your technology can’t keep up, it’s time to invest in some new systems and strategies. Outsourced IT for your business can help free up capital so you can take your business to the next level.
What Are the Benefits of Outsourced IT for Your Business?
Still not sure if outsourcing is the solution you need? Here are some additional benefits to outsourcing your IT to help you make a decision.
Cost Savings
One of the biggest benefits of outsourcing your IT is saving money. When you outsource your IT, you only pay for the services you need. You also don’t front the costs of employee onboarding, training, salary, and benefits. This can be a big relief for small businesses who don’t have the budget for an in-house IT department or full-time support staff.
Compliance Support
Compliance services are another powerful benefit of outsourcing your IT. With ever-changing industry regulations, it can be tough to ensure your infrastructure always remains compliant. Outsourced IT experts generally have dedicated team members who understand your unique industry and can help you achieve full compliance, saving you from costly fines or penalties down the road.
Increased Revenue
Not only can you save money with outsourced IT, you can also increase your revenue. When your systems are running efficiently, you have more time and resources to support your customers, as well as time to dedicate to growth projects within your business.
Final Thoughts
Investing in outsourced IT support is a big decision. But if you’re facing any of these challenges, it’s definitely worth considering. The right IT consultant can make a world of difference for your business.
If you’ve been facing any of the other challenges above, we’d love to help you at Innovative Network Solutions. We’ll evaluate your current situation and recommend the best course of action for your business. Contact us today to get started!