Five Benefits of Hiring an IT Consultant
It can be hard for a small business owner to manage the ever-changing world of technology. Are you prepared for a data breach that experts say is a matter of when—not if? Are you confident your employees have the most productive computing experience?
Hiring an IT consultant can give you peace of mind that your technology is running efficiently and in good hands in the event of an emergency. Some of the most common benefits of hiring a consultant include cost savings and minimizing risk while increasing compliance. But have you considered how hiring a consultant can help you grow your business and become a competitive advantage?
Here are five benefits of hiring an IT consultant:
- Focus on your core business
You are your business’s best asset. Therefore, your time is better spent growing your business and generating revenue, not managing IT personnel. Having an IT consultant can save you headcount and allows you to stay focused on the bigger picture.
- Cost savings
An in-house IT department can be expensive. Small businesses may not use their IT support efficiently if the workload varies. It’s also difficult and time-consuming for small businesses to scale and flex for IT projects. On the other hand, hiring a consultant can turn those fixed costs into variable costs. You can flexibly scale your IT expenses based on your needs and services, which ultimately saves you costs.
- Stay up to date
Just as you need to stay focused on your core business, IT is your consultant’s core business. An IT services organization should be in tune with all current trends and changing technologies within the IT landscape. IT consultants are also privy to a wider range of problems and issues than what an in-house employee usually sees. So if a problem arises, your IT consultant will know how to quickly fix it, saving you time and money.
- Reduce risks and increase compliance
The IT industry is rapidly changing. Staying up to date can also help minimize risk and increase compliance. For example, Multi-Factor Authentication is quickly becoming the standard for secured access to networks and email applications. In-house employees may not have the same experience and knowledge as an IT consultant to implement new policies. They can advise on security methods and tools. Investing in cybersecurity and IT reduces risks like data breaches.
- Competitive Advantage
Small businesses do not have the same level of resources or services that larger companies do. However, with an IT consultant, you can gain a similar level of expertise and technologies as larger companies. You’ll be able to automate processes, run more efficiently, and create a better experience for your customers, giving you a competitive advantage.
Summary
Hiring an IT consultant can provide a competitive advantage and enables you to focus on your core business. You’ll also know that your technology is in sync with the latest security policies and procedures, reducing risks and saving you money in the process.
Don’t wait to gain your competitive advantage. Consider hiring an IT consultant for your business. Get a free assessment of your current IT set-up and learn how The IT Link can help you today.