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The Ultimate Guide to Small Business IT Support

About 90% of all startups fail. Why? Nearly 50% of these businesses are short of cash.

SummarySigns you need IT help1. Old hardware and software2. Constant computer problems3. Data lost and hacks4. You growHow to find the best IT support1. Research the company2. Consider their response times. Review their services4. Collect customer reviews5. Choose remote assistance6. Request a QuoteSmall Business IT Support:Your Guide to Finding the Help You Need

Instead of letting spending slow you down, consider outsourcing. In fact, around 27% of companies are already outsourcing to reduce costs.

Outsourcing your small business IT support can help you cut costs and stay productive. Beyond that, IT support for business can also help you mitigate risk. You can stay compliant and react quickly in an emergency.

Otherwise, you could leave your business vulnerable to cybercrime or ransomware. Paying a ransom could harm your business.

Instead, prepare your business for growth and success! There are a few things you should know about outsourcing IT support first.

Keep reading to learn more.

Signs that you need IT support

Many businesses are hesitant to hire IT support services for small businesses. Without IT support, however, you could leave your business vulnerable. Every second of downtime due to computer issues can hurt your bottom line.

Instead, keep an eye out for these signs that it's time to start outsourcing IT support.

1. Old hardware and software

Examine the computers and programs your team currently uses. When was the last time you updated your system? Old hardware and software could leave your business behind.

Even if you update your software, you may find that it is no longer compatible with your old hardware.

If your hardware and software are outdated, consider business IT support. Your IT support team can help you stay up to date. They can help you determine what new hardware and software will best benefit your business.

Then they will help you manage your new systems without affecting your productivity.

Otherwise, you may need to pause everything to upgrade your entire team.

Outsourcing IT support can relieve you of this task. Instead, you can stay productive and efficient. Your IT support team will determine the best way to upgrade your hardware and software.

Meanwhile, you'll never have to worry about falling behind again.

2. Constant computer problems

Consider how often you experience computer problems, network malfunctions, and server issues. If you are continually experiencing IT issues, consider outsourcing IT support. Otherwise, you may encounter recurring sources of stress.

Constant IT issues can lead to downtime, time-consuming delays and also impact your team's productivity.

During this time, your team might become frustrated. They might experience low job satisfaction. You might lose talent as a result.

If so, you will need to find, hire and train new employees. Your productivity could drop even more.

Instead, consider small business IT support. Your IT team can help you avoid potential problems. They can also update your system to minimize vulnerabilities.

In the event of a computer emergency, your support team can take care of it immediately. They can get you going again and improve your performance. Your productivity and your return on investment could thus increase.

3. Lost data and hacks

More than 40% of all cyberattacks target small businesses. In fact, 60% of these companies fail within six months.

Cybercrime also costs small and medium-sized businesses more than $2.2 million each year.

Unfortunately, 47% of businesses don't know how to protect themselves against an attack.

Don't leave your business vulnerable to a potential attack. If you've been the victim of an attack in the past, your customers might have a hard time trusting you. They could entrust their business to a company better able to protect their private data.

Instead of leaving your customers and your business vulnerable, consider small business IT support.

Your IT support team can recognize potential vulnerabilities. They can upgrade your security to mitigate potential risks.

They can even schedule regular data backups to ensure you never lose valuable files.

With their help, you can stay safe from potential threats.

4. You grow

Is your business growing? IT support strategies can make scaling much easier. Meanwhile, you'll only pay for the services you need, when you need them.

Your IT support team can help you, whether you are going through a merger or an acquisition. They can also help you if you're ready to move to the cloud. In any case, your IT team can guarantee your growth without unnecessary delays.

With their help, you can improve your current architecture and set your business up for success.

How to find the best IT-support

There are now more than 882,000 computer technical support specialists in the United States. If you're ready to find small business IT support, great! However, it helps to narrow down your options first.

Here are some tips that can help you find the best IT support for your business. Thanks to these tips, you will no longer have to manage computer problems alone. Instead, you can count on an experienced team for the help you need.

Start your search using these simple tips today.

1. Research the company

First, Google "Computer Support Companies Near Me" and make a list of options. Then start verifying each company on your list.

Consider how long each business is up and running. It helps in choosing an established company. It is likely that they have solved the problems in their operations.

A new business, on the other hand, may still have some operational issues to resolve.

Ask each IT support company on your list about their team size. How many technicians does it have in its workforce? Next, ask how many clients they are currently helping.

It is important to find a large enough team to help your business. Otherwise, you may experience delays in requesting assistance. These delays could impact your productivity and results.

If the IT team helps many customers, they may have low availability.

Ask if you will also work with an account manager or dedicated engineer. You can benefit from establishing a long-term relationship with the same expert. They will have a better understanding of your business and IT support needs.

For example, you can explore Be Structured to find reliable and responsive IT experts.

Ask the company if they also have experience helping businesses in your industry. You could benefit from their previous experience and expertise. They will have a better understanding of your unique goals.

2. Consider their response times

Before choosing an IT support company, it is important to find a team capable of responding quickly to an emergency. Ask each company for their support hours. How long does it take them to respond to a ticket?

If the team takes too long to respond, you risk losing sales. Meanwhile, your customers might be frustrated. They might decide to take their business elsewhere.

Look for a company equipped to solve computer problems when you need help the most.

3. Review their services

Before outsourcing IT support, it is important to consider the specific needs of your business. Otherwise, you could choose a company that does not meet your objectives. Once you've determined what help you need, review each company's services.

For example, you could benefit from communication services. Perhaps you are more concerned about upgrading your security. Some companies want to switch to cloud-based services instead.

Also ask each company what programs and systems they are familiar with. Do they know your system? Otherwise, they could be wasting valuable time trying to resolve the issues you are having.

4. Collect customer reviews

Every IT company will try to convince you that they are the best in the business. You don't have to take their word for it. Instead, ask for references and reviews.

Speak with at least three of their current clients. Next, ask about the customer's experience with that IT company. For example, does the company respond quickly to customer needs?

You can also find reviews on the company's Better Business Bureau and Google My Business listings.

Choose a company with a solid professional reputation. They will strive to uphold this reputation by providing top-notch services.

5. Choose remote assistance

If your sales team is constantly on the go, you need to make sure they can access the help they need, when they need it. Ask each IT company if they offer remote support services.

They will have the tools to help any member of your team, no matter where they are.

6. Request a quote

Ask at least three companies on your list for a quote. Collecting three quotes will help you determine the average. If a quote sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Do not choose the cheapest option. Instead, make sure the company offers the services and support you need.

Also ask each company what is included in the contract. For example, will they cover labor costs? Will you have to pay for mileage if they visit your business?

Get a detailed list of their services. Make sure everything you discuss is written down.

In case of communication problem, you can always refer to the contract.

Small-business-computer-support:your-guide-to-finding-the-help-you-need you need

You don't have to choose the first small business IT support company you find online. Instead, use these tips to find the best support team. With these IT support tips, you can make a more informed decision for your business.

Your IT support team can set you up for growth and success while mitigating potential risks.

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