Home Based Business Technical Help

As a small business owner, you have a passion for your product or service, a desire to grow business, and probably have a talent for “learning as you go.” But for many, managing the technology that goes along with a business can be a big challenge.

Whether your IT system consists of a single personal computer and a fax machine, or you need to expand, fix or overhaul, you may need to reach out to technical consultants for help. Where do you begin when hiring an outsider for this task?

Here are some areas to consider before bringing a technical consultant on board:

Small business experience. Find out if your potential IT consultant has worked with smaller businesses. It’s fine if they can brag about well-known clients with large-company needs, but they need to know the special technical needs of your smaller-sized business with a smaller budget to match.
Special vendor relationships. Find out if a consultant has a special relationship with one particular vendor, which might serve as an enticement to sell only that product. Do they get commission? Will they objectively advise you based on your special interests and needs, versus recommending only software or hardware that will help them gain profit?
Business contacts. Ask if there is a specific person who will be in charge of your business purchases. Make sure that there will be one person or team that you can contact with questions regarding services, billing and deadlines. Someone needs to be specifically responsible for your satisfaction.
System training. Find out if the IT consultant has a plan to make sure you can fully operate your system. Is there training included as part of the installment, or is this an add-on cost? Will you be provided with on-site training, and what kind of manuals and printed materials will they provide for your use? Make sure they won’t leave you hanging at the end of the process, or charge extraordinary fees if you need them later on. Make sure they offer long-term support and will continue to be accessible as needed.
Job Fees. Make sure you understand all fees included, and make sure the payment schedule is based on completed stages of the job. For instance, you might pay a portion up front, then pay remaining percentages at agreed upon times, according to deadlines met.
Compare and contrast. Ask for detailed bids from at least three different consultants, and make sure they provide itemized charges so you are comparing actual services to one another. Consider intangible benefits as well, such as business philosophy of the consultant, and individual personality types. Saving money is great, but working with a rigid or indifferent personality might not make it worth it.

Your technical consultant can make running your business easier. Being prepared and making the right choice for you can make your future look bright.