Does the thought of picking out a computer frighten or delight you?
How about determining a network protocol for your entire business?
Unless you have substantial training in the IT world, you won’t want to leave your business’s system up to chance. That’s where IT consultants come in.
While it doesn’t make much sense to hire an IT consultant for choosing your next personal laptop, there are times in your business’ life cycle when a good IT consultant can make the difference between a huge upgrade — and thousands of wasted dollars.
Let’s take a look.
What does an IT Consultant do?
An IT consultant is an expert in all things IT. They provide helpful, knowledgeable guidance about your business’s computer hardware, software, and networking. Sometimes, IT consultants have departments that can replace your business’s need for an IT department entirely. Since IT departments comprise a major portion of many medium-sized business’s operating budgets, it might make more sense to outsource to a professional team.
Still, regardless of your technology needs, IT consultants explain and provide guidance while steering you toward technology solutions that work for your business.
The Best times to Hire an IT Consultant
1) Your business is moving to a new building.
Moving is expensive. If you’re already going through significant capital outlay, why not invest in upgrading your slow computers or getting faster internet? An IT consultant can examine your new building, explore your business’s expanding needs, and make your new system faster, safer, and more robust than your last one. A move is one of the best times to bring in IT experts.
2) You’re having continual computer or internet problems.
Businesses rely on technology. Even if your business specializes in warehousing or logistics, it likely requires constant internet and computers that work well. So if your business is suffering from mysterious, repeated internet interruptions or slow computers, IT consultants can help. Since your business loses out on revenue with each interruption, IT consultants are generally a cost-effective solution in times like these.
3) You’re worried about cyberattacks.
Maybe your secretary clicked a fishy link in an email. Maybe things just seem…off. Since small and medium-sized businesses often have weaker security systems, they’re prime targets for hackers and phishers. You don’t want your business to be a prime target — so call an IT consultant. While not all IT consultants specialize in cybersecurity, most do. They’ll have recommendations for best practices, secure software, network updates and more to keep your business safe.
The Bottom Line
IT Consultants are standing by at any time to help your business use technology better. And better use of technology means better profit margins, safer operations, and a healthier bottom line. If you need technology help for your business, call in an expert.
And speaking of IT consultant — there’s Vodigy. Vodigy specializes in helping small and medium-sized businesses make the right decisions when it comes to technology. Contact us today for a consultation!
