Small Business FAQ

Quick Help: How to Run a disk Clean up to speed up your Computer.

Do I need a computer consultant?

In today’s competitive business environment many small businesses depend on technology to help them be more productive in all aspects of their business, from sales and marketing to order processing and customer relationship management. Just imagine having to do all this without the use of computers. How many more employees would you need? How much would their annual salaries be? Would you need a large location? Computers are the tools that enable small business to run lean and adapt quickly to the changes in the market place. So how does this relate to Computer Consulting? When you first decided to start or buy your business you most likely looked for help from a team of professionals, Lawyer, Banker and a CPA.
These are professionals that have specific expertise to help you understand your risks, your finances and your organizational structure. But what about your business processes, functions and productivity? Who do you call to get help sizing the right computer systems and phones system? What about your phone services? Voice mail? Faxing? Do you need a full T1 or a Fractional T1? What the heck is a T1??? Should it include data services (internet Access)? At what speed? Or should you be looking at Broadband (DSL/Cable) for data services? Are there risks going with Broadband? What are your guarantees that you will receive the speed you’re paying for? How would you check? And what happens if you have a problem? How do you determine who to call when you can’t get to the internet? Is it a computer problem a Router or Firewall Problem? Could it be a virus? These are all questions a Full service computer consulting company should be able to help you get answers to. Finding and keeping a Consulting Company is like having your own Virtual Information Technology department. A Computer Consultant can guide you through the technology maze and size a technology solution specifically for your particular business.

Here are a few key tips when looking for a computer consultant.

• Make sure they are listening to your problems and not giving you a solution before you feel comfortable that they fully understand your needs. Unfortunately there a many so called computer consultants that would rather sell you hardware rather then solving your problems.
  
• Ask them if they have references. Then check them.
  
• Ask them for a copy of their service agreement. You can learn a lot about a service company by looking it over. If they don’t have one or its one or two pages they are most likely a PC repair shop, and if that’s their main business they may not have the depth and breadth to be a full service consultant.
  
• Is the consultant someone you can work with? Are they someone you can spend time talking with? As your Virtual IT professional you will need to respect and depend on this person just like your lawyer or CPA. If you find the person abrasive or your personalities don’t work well together its better to keep looking.