Camaraderie Around the Office Is a Good Thing
It’s great to get along well with your co-workers, bosses, and employees. A pleasant office environment makes the day pass more quickly, and having friends at work is genuinely nice. But when it comes to choosing the right IT advisor, the stakes are even higher.
What about sub-contractors, like the IT professionals your company hires? Do you need to form a relationship with them? Do you even need to like them?
At Stillwater IT, we believe the answer is a resounding “yes”! You should like your IT advisors. In fact, we think it’s crucial to be pleased with your IT consultants. Here’s why:
Good Communication
When you have a cordial relationship with someone, communication improves. Better communication leads to a clearer understanding of your company’s IT needs. If you like your IT advisor, you’ll feel comfortable reaching out when problems arise.
Trust
Liking someone often leads to trusting them. If you choose an IT advisor you like, you’re already building trust. Trust is essential when dealing with someone who manages systems housing sensitive data for you and your clients.
Sticking to Your Budget
A good relationship with your IT advisor makes discussing money easier. If your advisor respects you, budget conversations will go smoothly. Before hiring an IT company, set a budget. A good IT professional will work within it and even help you save money.
Collaboration
Working with an IT advisor you like and trust fosters collaboration. Your IT professional brings technical expertise, while you contribute marketing knowledge and product insights. Together, you can make decisions that benefit your business. This is why choosing the right IT advisor is critical—it ensures a partnership that drives success.
How to Choose the Right IT Advisor
While liking your IT advisor is important, there are other factors to consider when hiring a consultant. Start by identifying why you need an IT advisor. Jot down your thoughts and gather input from employees about where they think IT assistance is needed.
Set a Realistic Budget
Set a reasonable budget for both the advisor’s fees and the solutions you might need. Be realistic, especially if there’s a lot to accomplish. Research the average cost of IT services before setting a budget or meeting with candidates.
Interview Multiple Candidates
Don’t rely solely on word-of-mouth recommendations. Ask colleagues in similar businesses for their IT provider suggestions. Speak to several candidates to find the best fit for your needs.
Ask the Right Questions
Prepare questions for your interviews and ask each candidate the same ones. Examples include:
- Are you an independent consultant, or do you promote a specific system or product?
- Have you worked with companies similar to mine?
- How long will it take to propose solutions?
- When can you start?
- Can you provide references?
Conclusion: Finding the Right IT Advisor
Ultimately, you want an IT advisor who aligns with your company’s culture and meshes well with your team. Look for qualities like integrity, promptness, direct communication, and a sense of humor.
At Stillwater IT, we prioritize a “people first” culture. Over the past 15 years, we’ve built lasting relationships with our clients through honesty, trust, transparency, and collaboration. When it comes to choosing the right IT advisor, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit for your business. Call us at 604-899-1105 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.