Considering Working with an IT Consultant? Here’s What You Need to Know.

INSIGHTS

A few thoughts worth sharing

Inside the ProServ Process

ARTICLES
CASE STUDIES
BLOG

Considering Working with an IT Consultant? Here’s What You Need to Know.

Technology is an integral part of any business model in our modern world. Yet, many businesses don’t directly require technological expertise. Accountants, bookstore owners, and even marketing agencies don’t need to know the ins and outs of data security to function.

Yet, all those businesses handle sensitive data, which means everyone needs access to technology experts. That’s precisely why IT consultants exist.

What Does an IT Consultant Do?

IT consultants are individuals who specialize in technology best practices for businesses. They not only help companies understand how to maximize their model through technology, but also support the implementation of technology systems and operations.

This is a role typically contracted out for a set amount of time, so IT consultants are usually working with several clients at any given moment. Contracts are generally based on per-hour pay rates or set for the project duration.

Depending on the size, budget, interest, and needs of a company, IT consultants might be hired for advice only or hired ongoing for long-term strategy rollouts. While numerous IT consultant firms exist, many IT consultants are simply independent contractors who work remotely from their homes.

IT consultants usually have a technology-based degree, but many are self-taught through certifications and experience. They should be up-to-date with current technology trends and know how technology can be incorporated into a business for maximum efficiency.

As experts in their field, IT consultants typically start a relationship with a client because that client needs advice on adding, including, or expanding technology systems and services within their business.

The first step for an IT consultant usually begins with collecting information. They interview employees, sit in on meetings, and gather feedback and data on what is currently in place. During the information gathering phase, discussions regarding a technology plan or vision for the company also take place, with both short- and long-term goals explained. Employees are encouraged to explain technology bottlenecks or points of frustration. They’re also asked to discuss aspects currently working well with any technology equipment or systems already in place.

Next, an IT consultant will take all of this information and put together a series of recommendations and potential action steps for the business. These are highly detailed and cater specifically to the business’s goals and resources.

After the steps are reviewed with the business, the next phase is deciding which ones will be implemented. This is also when an IT consultant might be finished with their contract.

In some situations, businesses just want suggestions to get started, and then they roll out the steps on their own. In other cases, an IT consultant is contracted throughout the implementation period and continuously steps in to provide advice, redirection, and data analysis on progress.

IT consultants can be contracted with clients for years or just a few weeks.

Reasons Why Your Business Needs an IT Consultant

Technology systems, equipment, and plans can be extremely overwhelming for business owners. There are a ton of options, technology is constantly changing, and frankly, some owners simply find the field to be a little intimidating. They might not be particularly tech-savvy, or they just don´t understand all the technology options and potential for their business. Therefore, relying on an expert is always a smart move. IT consultants are these experts, and their job is to help businesses make technology decisions for their company.

Regardless of whether a business is big or small, maximizing technology is a key way to maximizing employee productivity. Technology helps streamline processes, automates redundant or repetitive manual tasks, adds organization systems, and supports quick communication within a business and externally with clients or customers.

In addition to its proven efficiencies in the workplace, other reasons technology systems are important to include are:

• Customer service experiences
• Buyer interactions
• Sensitive document and information securities
• Quick data analyses for decision-making

All of these examples save time, and time is money.

How Do You Find an IT Consultant Nearby?

When searching for the right IT consultant, business owners will probably find they have many options in their area. The best advice for finding the most suitable IT consultant for the job is for business owners first to understand what they need. Why do they want to hire a technology expert in the first place? Then the next question is budget.

Hiring an IT consultant for an initial set of meetings and analysis might be an excellent first step for businesses just starting out. For companies ready to truly dig in and roll out a more extensive, year-long technology plan, having an IT consultant on call every step of the way might be better.

While a local Google search will give owners a good starting point for finding IT consultants in their region, relying on other business owners’ recommendations can also be a good way of finding the right match.

Firstly, it’s recommended to vet an IT consultant through their website. Is it professional-looking? Are the services provided clearly stated? Can you find pricing information? Are there reviews or referrals on the site?

Next, it’s advisable to get a few different IT consultants on the phone and really dig into the details. Are you able to talk with the IT consultant directly, or do you go through a service? Is it easy to book an appointment and an initial meeting? How does the person come across over the phone? Are they personable? Are they knowledgeable in multiple areas or topics? Ultimately, is this someone a business owner thinks will understand and work well with their company?

With all of this information, you know enough to get started. It’s time to have a conversation with an IT consultant to get a clear idea of what they can do for you. Contact ProServ today. We want to help you ensure your St Joseph or Kansas City business has a bright future.

INSIGHTS

Inside the ProServ Process

TRENDING

VIEW MORE ARTICLES

Considering Working with an IT Consultant? Here’s What You Need to Know.

Technology Planning Helps SMBs Compete. Here’s Why

Key Benefits of Disaster Recovery for Businesses

The Financial Benefits Local Businesses Can Gain from Managed IT Services