July 7, 2021

1. The Right Services

As you research each IT consulting company, take a look at their services. Do they offer the help you need?

For example, more businesses are moving to a remote work model in light of COVID-19. Meanwhile, about 43% of cyberattacks target small- and medium-sized businesses. You might want to move to the cloud or step up security this year.

Make a list of the IT services you need before you start your search. For example, you might want to consider voice services, connectivity, or IT solutions. Then, determine which IT consultant fulfills the services you need.

Considering your company’s needs and goals first can save you valuable time during your search. You can mark off any IT consulting company that doesn’t meet your requirements.

Otherwise, you could hire an IT team, only to realize they’re incapable of helping your business.

Make a list of your IT goals for the year, too. As you interview different IT consultants, ask how they would help accomplish your goals. An experienced consultant will develop a customized plan with your business in mind.

If they use a cookie-cutter approach to helping your business, scratch them off your list. It’s likely the consultant won’t help you in the long run.

2. Quick Response Times

When something breaks down, you need a solution to the problem right away. Otherwise, long response times could impact your bottom line. Your team’s productivity and efficiency could plummet.

Meanwhile, your customers could start to grow frustrated. They might take their business elsewhere if you can’t offer an immediate solution.

Don’t let it come to that. Instead, ask each IT company about their response times. How long does it take them to respond to an IT ticket?

You can learn more about a company’s response times by reading reviews from their previous clients. Check their Better Business Bureau and Google My Business listing. These reviews can tell you if the company is timely and professional.

If they’re not, you can scratch that company off your list.

Choosing a company with fast response times will benefit your business and your customers.

3. A Team of Experts

Before choosing an IT consulting company, ask each company about its team. How many IT technicians do they have on staff?

If they only have a small team, they might struggle to help multiple clients at once. You might have to wait longer for help as a result. A company with a large team of technicians, on the other hand, will have better availability.

Choosing a company with a larger team can help you find the specialized help you need, too. You can choose among different experts based on different IT projects. Then, you can leverage that expert’s experience and expertise to benefit your own company.

Take the time to learn more about the company’s history, too. How long have they run and operated?

A long-running business has likely worked out the kinks in its operations. A new business, on the other hand, has likely gained respect from its clients.

Ask the company for proof of their license and insurance, too. What credentials do their technicians have?

Learning more about the business and its team can give you peace of mind.

4. Remote Support

As you search “IT consulting near me,” consider looking for a remote support team.

You won’t have to wait for a technician to arrive at your business. Instead, they can use remote management and monitoring to help your team.

Some companies offer around-the-clock monitoring. Others can only help during business hours.

Consider your company’s needs to determine the managed IT support you’ll benefit from most.

5. Dedicated Technicians

Ask the IT consulting company if you’ll work with a dedicated technician each time, or someone different. Working with the same IT consultant could save you time and stress. They’ll understand your business and the problems you’ve encountered in the past.

If they can’t provide you with a single point of contact, ask how the company plans to keep track of the problems you’ve experienced.

6. Familiarity

It can also help to find an IT technician who already has experience with your type of business, industry, or technology. Ask the IT consultant if they’re familiar with your hardware and software. If they’re not, they might waste valuable time and effort trying to diagnose the issues you’re experiencing.

Instead, choose someone with the experience and expertise you need. You’ll have peace of mind knowing they’re familiar with the tools you use.

Have they helped another business within your industry? Ask how their services benefited that business. You might find new ways to improve your IT setup based on the technician’s prior experience.

7. The Right Price

As you start narrowing down your options, ask each company for a quote. Get a copy of their contract, too.

Ask what’s included in the contract. Get an itemized list of everything you’ll need to pay for as well. If you discuss anything over the phone, get it in writing to avoid disputes down the road.