As a small business owner, you are likely accustomed to tackling emerging problems head on. While this attribute may have helped you build a successful business, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to solve every problem yourself.
Outsourcing certain services will help you focus on your core competencies, allowing you to maximize profitability and grow your company.
With that in mind, let’s turn our attention to one of the biggest challenges facing most small business owners: information technology (IT). Even if you have your own in-house IT staff, you may find that outsourcing your company's IT is the most practical approach.
But when is the right time to outsource? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this important question, there are several common signs to look for, which we’ll outline below.
1. IT Costs Are Hindering Growth
If the costs of your in-house IT team are slowing your company’s growth, then you might want to consider outsourcing. Hiring new IT personnel can be incredibly cost-prohibitive, as these professionals typically expect a much higher salary than other employees. This is particularly true if they have experience in cybersecurity or IT infrastructure development.
Outsourcing your IT services allows you to pay a set monthly price. This fee is not only cheaper than maintaining a full-time in-house team, but it is also incredibly easy to work into your monthly budget.
Managed IT services can give you the freedom to fund that expansion you have been dreaming of.
2. You Are Not Training In-House Staff
The world of information technology is constantly evolving. If you want your in-house staff to stay apprised of the latest developments in the IT industry, then you must provide them with regular training. Otherwise, both your staff and your IT resources will begin to lag behind your competitors.
If you cannot afford to continuously train your IT staff or you’re not sure how to implement an upskilling program, then you should consider outsourcing. A managed services provider will ensure that staff teams are up to date on the latest developments in the IT industry so that they can better serve you.
3. Your Technology Resources Can’t Keep Up with Demand
Has your need for technological resources exceeded what is currently available to your organization? If so, then outsourcing is a perfect solution.
Deploying new technologies and software is an incredibly time-consuming process. However, a managed services provider has these resources readily available and can grant you access to them. They will give you the tools you need to maximize productivity and maintain day-to-day business operations.
4. Cybersecurity Is on the Back Burner
Cybersecurity should be a top priority for all businesses. Over the last few years, cyberattacks have been on the rise. While data breaches and other digital attacks are concerning to all organizations, small business owners are especially vulnerable to cyberattacks.
If you do not have a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy in place, then you should strongly consider outsourcing. A managed service provider can implement the latest cybersecurity protocols to eliminate vulnerabilities and protect your business.
5. Maintaining Compliance Is Becoming Challenging
Depending on the industry you are in, you may be subject to state and national regulations that govern how you utilize consumer data. Even if your business is not governed by one of these institutions, you owe it to your clients to take every precaution possible when handling their confidential information.
Staying compliant with stringent regulations requires that you regularly audit your cybersecurity system and IT infrastructure. If you do not have auditing capabilities, then it is time to outsource to a managed services provider (MSP).
An MSP will ensure that you are in compliance with all relevant mandates so that you can avoid incurring any fines or civil penalties.
6. You Are Ready to Expand
If you are preparing to expand your business or have already done so, it is vital that you enhance your IT capabilities, as well. Before you hire permanent in-house IT support professionals, consider the long-term costs of doing so versus the cost of outsourcing your IT support needs.
What you will likely discover is that outsourcing is not only far more cost-effective, but it gives you access to a complete team of talented IT professionals. This will pay dividends in the future when you need to deploy new software applications in order to support your growing business.
7. You Need an Outside Perspective
Chances are that your in-house IT team, if you have one, is composed of “jack-of-all- trades” types. While these individuals may have the ability to perform a wide range of IT support tasks, they may not possess niche skills required for more dynamic projects.
For instance, these professionals might not be able to optimize your website for a mobile platform, implement artificial intelligence technologies, or enhance overall cybersecurity. When you need specialized IT services, the best solution is to outsource to a third-party provider. These organizations have diverse teams that are capable of taking on a wide range of products.
Ready to Outsource? Contact JMA Consulting
If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned challenges, outsource your IT Support needs to a talented MSP like JMA Consulting. We deploy true turnkey systems so that your staff teams can perform at their best. Contact us today to connect with one of our experienced team members.
