When you think about IT services, you probably think about the problems. You think about the time the office printer broke, or the time a bunch of computers got infected with a virus, or some other tech-related catastrophe that ended up costing money and downtime.
This isn’t all that strange; very few people think about their plumber until the shower is backing up. Few people think about their insurance provider unless they are filing a claim or paying a bill.
That’s how a lot of IT providers operate. Even though their goal is to get you into a contract so it becomes their responsibility to handle everything related to technology, they still function on the precedent that IT issues are expensive, so you’ll pay to avoid them.
But what if IT services weren’t like insurance? What if your business could actually profit from your technology? That’s what I want to talk to you about today.
Some Nashville IT Consultants Have Lost Track of the Horizon
I’m not here to point fingers or criticize any organization in any way—running a small or medium-sized business in 2024 is hard. Growing a business, keeping employees, increasing payroll, and absorbing the rising costs of doing business are challenges we all have to face, and I think some business owners, particularly those who run IT companies, are losing that spark that got them motivated to start a business in the first place.
They might have very streamlined, smooth operations. They might run a tight ship with great techs and good response times and all of that. However, we see this almost every time we step into a prospect’s conference room, or talk shop with another business owner—IT feels like it’s an insurance policy and not something that can actually grow a business.
Let’s Look at an Example in Nashville
Yes, one of the hats I wear at Coretech says “Sales” on it, but when I step into a new prospect’s conference room to talk to decision-makers about their IT, I don’t go in as a salesperson. I don’t go in as someone with a lesson plan or a pitch about how great our services are. I go in as a student. I’m there to listen and ask questions.
I was sitting down with two C-levels and an office manager at a smallish medical practice. We were going over what they were paying for their IT. They had a couple of different IT vendors, each handling different parts of their network. That’s a bit of a red flag right there, but to be frank, they were being overcharged in my opinion.
So we were going over all the line items, all the things that are covered, and what wasn’t covered, etc. Earlier in the conversation, they mentioned that their biggest problem from a business perspective right now is patient flow, but their goal for our meeting was to get a second (or in this case, third) opinion on their compliance.
I stopped them for a minute and waved at the two stacks of agreements, “So, which one of these guys is helping you tackle your patient flow issue?” I didn’t want to step on any toes, so I added, “I bring it up because I think if you made some adjustments to how you are utilizing your EHR software, I think we could help you be more confident in your compliance AND improve patient flow.”
The three people with me at the table were very competent professionals, but for a couple of seconds, they didn’t have an answer for me. It wasn’t until the office manager adjusted her glasses and said, “They just keep the status quo; they aren’t really taking the ball when it comes to making changes.”
To make a long story short, they now work with Coretech exclusively and we’re driving change in their business that meets their objectives.
Business Tech Exists to Drive Efficiency and Make Your Business More Profitable!
That’s the horizon that I mentioned earlier—the thing that I think a lot of business owners AND IT consultants have somehow lost track of. Back in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, businesses didn’t make huge, costly investments in computers and software simply because they looked cool. Computers paved new roads for success. Good software makes each worker exponentially more productive than they used to be. Small businesses that adopted technology were the ones that blew up over the decades and became household names.
IT isn’t a necessary evil, but it can be a game changer when implemented properly. Unfortunately, for the last 5-10 years (especially the last 5), businesses have sort of been stuck in limbo because most of the IT providers aren’t actively bringing the good stuff to the table. They are getting businesses into service agreements and taking okay care of the networks, but nobody is having the conversations with business owners saying, “Look, tell me what goals you have, and let’s see if we can carry you closer to the goalposts.”
Understanding Your Business Objectives
An IT provider should be more than just a tech fixer. They should be an integral part of your business strategy. Are they asking about your business goals and how technology can help achieve them? Whether you're aiming to increase efficiency, improve customer service, or expand your market, your IT provider should understand your objectives and tailor their support accordingly.
Aligning Technology with Growth
Growth is a common goal for businesses, and technology plays a crucial role. Is your IT provider asking about your growth plans? They should be suggesting scalable solutions that can grow with your business. From cloud services to advanced analytics, the right technology can open doors to new opportunities.
Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Business
Cybersecurity is a top concern for businesses of all sizes. Is your IT provider proactive about protecting your data? They should be asking about your current security measures and recommending enhancements. Whether it's implementing multi-factor authentication or conducting regular security audits, your provider should be a partner in safeguarding your business.
Ensuring Compliance
Industries often have specific compliance requirements. Is your IT provider knowledgeable about these regulations? They should be asking about any compliance standards that apply to your business and ensuring your IT infrastructure meets these requirements. This not only helps you avoid costly fines but also builds trust with your clients.
Regular Check-ins and Updates
A good IT provider doesn't just show up when there's a problem. They should be scheduling regular check-ins to discuss your IT strategy and any new opportunities. Are they keeping you updated on the latest technology trends and how they might benefit your business? Staying informed can give you a competitive edge.
Is It Time to Move On?
If your current Nashville IT provider isn't asking these questions and more, it might be time to look for one who will. Your IT support should be a partner in your business' success, helping you navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Don't settle for less than what your business deserves.
If you want a second opinion on how technology can drive your business forward, or you just want to pick our brains and talk shop, I’m all ears for you. Give me a call at (270) 282-4926 and we can get something on the calendar.
