Are You Head Over Heels With Your IT Company...Or Have They Left You Broken Hearted?

Has your current IT company lured you into a bad romance?

Don’t panic guys, Grant McGregor hasn’t gone all lovey dovey but since its Valentine’s Day, we thought we’d jazz things up a little by using this month's love theme to illustrate the effects of being in a bad romance with your IT company.

Who said computer geeks can’t have fun?

Do you feel like you are constantly fighting for your IT company’s attention? Unfortunately this isn’t uncommon. Many businesses sign contracts with technology and computer companies after promises that they’ll be given their full attention, only to find themselves completely stranded when it comes to resolving IT issues.

The problem with these Stetson-wearing industry players is that they are more focused on winning new clients than delivering on the promises made to their existing clients. They’re not in it to provide great support and technology solutions - they’re in it to make as much quick money from you as possible.

Signs you’re heading for heartache with your computer company…

You feel like you’re constantly chasing them – A good partnership requires two way communications, so if you’re feeling like you’re the one putting in all of the work, then you’re probably with the wrong IT support provider.

You’re often left in the lurch

Were you promised regular emails, phone calls and visits when you signed the contract only to find that you end up left in the lurch when faced with IT issues? Again, that’s not a great sign. If your IT company can’t pick up the phone or at least answer the phone when you need them, then they’re not the IT company for you.

You’re left to get on with it

Have you been sold a piece of software only to be left not really knowing how to use it or what to do with it? It sounds like you’re working with a big box shifter. The problem with these computer companies is that they’re not really after a partnership. They simply want to sell you their software, make a little cash and then move on. You’re much better off finding a value-added partner who will help you find the right software for your business, install it on your system and help you to get the most out of it.

They lack software knowledge

If you’re working with a computer company that seems to know little about the software they’re trying to sell you, it should be setting off alarm bells in your head. They may be able to identify the pros and cons but can they tell you how it can be integrated with your existing technology or whether it can be extended to meet your needs? If the answer is no, you need to get out of that relationship and find a technology partner that you can have confidence in.

They can’t cope with your demands

Just as you can outgrow your friends, you can also outgrow your computer company. If your company has expanded and your IT provider is struggling to meet your needs, it’s time to take your business elsewhere. There’s no point getting stuck in a rut with a computer company that simply can’t meet your expectations.

They’re overcharging for their services

One of the biggest signs that you are in a bad relationship with your technology company is if they’re charging over the odds for their services. Did they promise you a fixed rate only to throw in hidden charges later on? Perhaps they weren’t transparent about their pricing methods? Either way, it’s best to pack up and take your business elsewhere. If you end up staying with them, you’ll only end up having to make cutbacks elsewhere in order to pay for services that aren’t really worth the money.

They’re trying to sell you equipment you don't need

Another sign that it could be time to ditch your technology company is if they try and offer you products and services that you don’t really need. Whilst you may be lusting after a new piece of technology, it’ll be criminal if you invest in it, as buying something you don’t really need will drain your financial resources and offer little in the way of Return on Investment (ROI). Despite knowing this, a bad technology company will try to sell it to you anyway and if you’re not savvy, they’ll succeed.

One of the easiest ways to tell if your computer company is trying to sell you a product or service you don’t need is if they tell you the generic benefits but don’t apply them to your business. This will show you that they have not done their research on your company and have no idea whether or not this product or service will actually be any use to you.

This is not a sign of a good partnership. End your agreement and take your business elsewhere! This time, find a technology or computer company that is willing to take things slow. You need a technology company that is willing to get to know you and your business and find technological solutions that provide real value to you, your employees and your customers, not just sell you things you don’t really need to make money.

Conclusion

Hopefully our (admittedly poor) use of the Valentine's love theme has given you a bit of a laugh but jokes aside, we happen to think we’re raising a pretty good point!

It is all too easy for companies to get caught up in the promises of technology and computer companies, only to end up stuck in a bad relationship, where the promises are never kept.

Pssst...we are going to let you into a little secret... We have produced a 6 Secrets of Successful IT Outsourcing Guide so that you can understand how to ensure you can find the right IT Support partner that’s a great fit for your organisation or business…and so that you get great service for an affordable fee!

You need to work in partnership with a company you can trust and rely on to deliver the right IT solutions for your business - a company just like Grant McGregor. We can’t promise you the thrill of a bad romance but we can promise you great IT services, unrivalled support and technology solutions that are tailored to your needs and requirements.

Rather than getting dazzled by what appear to be amazing offers, take the sensible approach and work with a company you can trust and depend on to meet your needs both now and in the future.

So let's get together for a first date (that’s the last one we promise)! But all jokes aside, if you are serious about improving your IT systems in 2016, Grant McGregor is here to provide a helping hand.

Check out our 6 Secrets Guide or simply give us a call on 0131 603 7910 to speak to a member of the team to arrange a no obligation chat.