Questions to Ask Before Choosing an IT Consulting Company

Here are the top 4 things you should consider when hiring a company that will help direct the future technology of your company.

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IT Consulting Solutions: Smart Advice for Smarter Business

There is opportunity in adversity in every business. It may seem callous to stress opportunity in the midst of a crisis.

But as leaders we have an obligation to look ahead, to anticipate and meet new customer needs, to evolve our strategies and organizations, and in so doing sustain the prosperity of our companies.

We are in an unprecedent situation that requires smart thought and more proactive planning. Now more than ever having the proper information and the proper advice can change the future of companies.

That’s why we need to work smarter, and to do that, we need to surround ourselves with smart people. Good enough is no longer good enough to keep up with the way the world has and is changing.

Our company Troinet is an IT consulting and technology firm so let me give you the top 4 things you should expect and desire from a company that is going to consult with you on directing the future technology used by your company.

1. How long has the company been in business?

A company that has been around for a while may have a stronger reputation and a better understanding of your industry. A reputable company will also be able to provide you with references from past clients.

2. Do they have formal accreditation?

In some industries, such as those involving the health and energy sectors, it is mandatory for companies to hold formal accreditation. In other industries, such as IT consulting, accreditation may not be as important as it would be for medical or legal services. However, if you have a preference for working with accredited companies – or if your industry requires it – make sure that the IT consulting firm you choose is accredited

3. Do they understand your business?

Technology does not solve problems they are tools to help solve problems. A valued technology consultant has to want to understand how your business works, how you make money and what causes you to lose money. There should be a written document on your technology tools based on business impact and contingency plans to keep them running in case of crisis. The focus should not be on keeping your computers running but on keeping your business running.

4. Do they assess your culture?

If your job is to feed a group of people and you make them hamburgers but there all vegans. That does not make sense. In the same way ever, company is different and has different personality and work in different ways. A good consultant must be able to assess a company’s culture and processes and adapt solutions to fit the company and how they work. Consultants are invaluable because most companies cannot see what is necessary without an outside lens. As they say you can not see the picture when you are in the frame. That is why your Technology consultant is invaluable at matching the right tools to your culture.

5. Are they focused on solving your problems rather than selling a product?

A consultants role is advising and the service they supply is that advise. The products are just tools that assist with that goal. The goals is optimize what you have and change only when that solution reduces production or there is a another solution that will increase production. It should never be based on the next shiny industry fad. If your consultant is not basing their advice to you on your ROI (return on investment) then you may need to reconsider their advice.

6. Do They Spend Most Time on Strategy and Growth than Issues and Problems?

Issues and problems cost you money Strategy and growth makes you money. A good Technology consultant should be able to get rid of the issue and problems from the beginning. Always hire a consultant that is paid on a monthly subscription. They will have the same motivation as you. 

They are profitable when support tickets are down and issues and problems are reduced. Your making money when support ticket and down and there are no issues and problems. That is partnership that both profit from a positive outcome. With that alignment your consultant will be in the position to focus on helping you with the strategy and growth of the company. That is what you should be hiring a technology company for.

We have learned that one company does not have all the answers. But answers that allow us to make proper decisions is what’s needed. Problems are easy the right options are hard.

The new norm will be companies that learn how to work smarter and to be more creative in how they do business and how they leverage technology to support their company. The key to this will be having the proper advice and partnership with IT consultants and advisors that can show them how to make smarter decisions around adopting and leveraging technology. Again, The most successful businesses are not ones that understand what they know but are the ones that understand what they do not know.

Learn more about how our IT consulting services can help your business or feel free to contact us if you would like a better way of integrating technology in your business.