Not all IT partners, specifically Managed Services Providers (MSPs), are created equal. We will dive into what to look for when finding the right IT partner. The first question to ask is: Are you looking for a vendor or a partner?
What Is the Difference?
Choosing between a vendor and a partner is like deciding between using a vending machine and hiring a personal chef. A vendor is like a vending machine: you select your Snickers or Hot Doritos, pay for it, and get your item. It’s a straightforward transaction focused on immediate needs – or craving. For example, an IT vendor reacts to your immediate issue and then forgets about you until you call back with another problem. It’s a simple exchange where you get exactly what you pay for.
In contrast, a partner is like a personal chef who plans your meals (grilled salmon fillet served with quinoa and a side of steamed vegetables), considers your dietary preferences, and adjusts the menu based on your evolving tastes and health goals. They work with you to ensure your meals are nutritious and enjoyable. Similarly, an IT partner collaborates with you to co-create solutions, provide strategic input, and offer ongoing support.
Some IT organizations are tailored for small businesses, others for medium-sized companies, and some for enterprises. Everyone claims to be the best, with the best service and the best people. But can they prove it? Our goal is to help guide you over the next few weeks and give you confidence when finding the right IT partner.
Step One
Take an honest look at your business. Ask yourself if it’s time to seek help, upgrade from your current IT provider, and partner with a company that can better serve you and advance your strategy. Inventory where you’re winning and where you’re losing. Define what success looks like and identify the types of companies that need to be part of that success. List out what is negotiable and what is not. Cement the profile of the type of company you want managing your IT and outline your expectations from both an everyday and strategic perspective. Decide who is a good fit and who is not.
Here are some common challenges that signal the need for a reliable IT partner:
- Feeling outpaced by the IT maturity of competitors.
- Ongoing IT issues interrupt day-to-day business.
- Feeling uneasy about the protection of data and exposure to cyber threats.
- Struggling to get quick help when technology fails.
- Unexpected IT costs keep piling up.
- Struggling to get technology out of the way of company growth.
- Absence of an expert to align IT with business strategy.
We all understand how technology has changed businesses, transforming the way we work and interact. Sometimes it’s been beneficial, other times challenging. From making life easier with tools like Microsoft Office, smart devices, inventory databases, AI, and to reaching customers through social media. Anything to make work more efficient, easier, and more secure (I say that with a slight snicker). Technology has unlocked endless possibilities for growth and efficiency but opens the door when it comes to keeping our data secure.
But with every advancement comes complexity. As your business grows, so do the demands on your IT infrastructure. Systems start to feel stretched, issues multiply, and you are constantly disrupted. Unexpected IT costs keep piling up, technology becomes more of a blocker instead of an enabler, and maintenance becomes a headache. That’s when it hits you: You need help managing this chaos.
Step two: What do I look for in a potential IT Partner?
Short answer: You are looking for operational maturity. You want expertise, tenure, a reputation of excellence, their culture, their facility, the tools used to manage their clients, methodology, contractual obligations, leadership tenure, future plans, service posture, proof of work, and core value fit. These elements are crucial in ensuring that your IT partner can support your business effectively and align with your strategic goals.
Start to align yourself with an IT partner that not only meets your technical needs but also fits with your organization’s values and future vision. This approach will help ensure that technology continues to be a game-changer for your business, driving growth and efficiency in the right direction.
So, Where do you start?
You’ve already taken the first step by reading this far. Finding the right IT partner is not easy, but this is just the beginning. Hang in there. We’ve got your back and are here to help. Check out this easy-to-follow guide to help.
