IT blogs are usually about determining the pedigree of us. What do we offer? How do we perform? What makes us different?
It’s easy to overlook your role in the process. Here’s the hard truth: you may not be getting the best ROI for your monthly fees in IT support, and part of the problem might be you.
If you want to be a better IT client and maximize the return you get on your investment in IT services, make sure to keep the following three best practices in mind.
3 Best Practices For Ideal IT Clients
Are you doing your homework?
Ideally, we will take care of 99% of the work involved with maintaining and optimizing your IT environment. However, from time to time, you may have to perform a task here and there.
This is especially important at the very beginning when we are being onboarded. We generally have to fill out a lot of documentation to capture critical information such as passwords, domains, licenses, etc.
Did you keep up with that homework? Even if your onboarding period is long past, are there still questions you haven’t answered?
It’s important to keep in mind that this may allow us to justify a lower quality of service, or otherwise impede in critical situations. Without all that information, we won’t be able to do our jobs as effectively as we’d like to. That’s why you need to be sure you’ve done everything you’re supposed to, and can let us work the way we need to.
Are you using all of your available services?
By fully engaging with the services you are paying for, you can unlock the full potential of your IT investments. The Miller Group offers a wide range of solutions beyond the help desk, such as IT consulting, managed services, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, and more. Each of these services is designed to address specific business needs and challenges, providing tailored solutions that can drive growth and efficiency.
Engaging with a broader range of IT services allows you to access customized solutions that align with their unique business goals. While the helpdesk provides immediate support for technical issues, other services can offer strategic guidance, proactive monitoring, and long-term planning. By leveraging these additional solutions, you can optimize your IT infrastructure, enhance security measures, and align technology with your overall business strategy.
Furthermore, technology is constantly evolving, and businesses need to stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive. By fully engaging with IT services, you can tap into the expertise and knowledge of IT professionals who are up-to-date with the latest industry trends and advancements. This enables businesses to leverage emerging technologies, implement innovative solutions, and gain a competitive edge in their respective markets.
Who is your point of contact?
It sounds simple, but we’ve had a lot of clients that can’t answer this question. Sure, you may have the direct number for the CEO of The Miller Group, but is that the most efficient way to get the help you need?
Probably not. More likely, we have assigned a staff member as your point of contact. If you’re circumventing this person, whether out of convenience or otherwise, you’re likely adding minutes or even hours to the support process.
The point is that if you engage with us in a way that’s dictated by our core processes, everything will function more smoothly.
Don’t Be A Bad IT Client
Fully engaging with the services provided by The Miller Group is essential for you to maximize the value of your IT investments. By going beyond the help desk and exploring the full range of solutions available, you can unlock tailored solutions, stay ahead of the curve, maximize efficiency, and proactively address potential challenges.
Joe Svoboda is the CEO of The Miller Group. He started with The Miller Group in 1998 as a service technician and was promoted to Service Manager in 2006. After Mike Miller’s passing in 2011, Joe was tapped to guide The Miller Group in the company’s next chapter. He provides strategic direction and has helped established The Miller Group as one of Missouri’s most capable IT firms.