Has My Business Outgrown Its IT Company?

Does it feel like your business is outgrowing your IT company? As if your technology were a bottleneck, holding you back, when the whole point of technology is to pave the way forward?

You aren’t alone.

Small businesses are reliant on IT, and in turn that sort of shackles the small business to whoever they hire to consult and support their technology. That could be an in-house person, or more than likely, an outsourced IT company.

But just like how some pizza places are better than others, not all IT companies are going to get your business the same results, especially as you scale and your demands increase.

Is Your IT Scaling or Stagnant?

Is your business growing at a pace that your IT company can't keep up with? This is a question that many business owners grapple with. It's not always easy to tell if your IT company is scaling with your business or holding it back.

Managed IT services should evolve with your business. But sometimes, they don't. Lack of communication, slow response times, and missed opportunities can be signs that you've outgrown your IT company.

We'll help you understand its importance and how to recognize when it's time for a change.

Recognizing the Signs of Outgrown IT Services

One of the first signs that you've outgrown your IT company is a lack of scalability. This means that as your business grows, your IT services can't keep up.

You might notice that your IT company needs help to meet your needs. This could be due to a lack of resources, expertise, or simply a lack of understanding of your business.

Here are a few signs that you've outgrown your IT company:

• Slow response times
• Communication breakdowns
• Missed opportunities due to IT limitations

The Impact of Slow Response Times on Your Business

When you are dealing with an issue, how quickly do they respond? Slow response times can be a major issue. They can lead to extensive downtime, which can cost your business money and customer trust.

If your IT company can't respond quickly to issues, it's a sign that they might not be able to scale with your business.

Communication Breakdown: A Red Flag

Communication is key in any business relationship. If your IT company isn't communicating effectively, it's a red flag. 

A lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities. It can also make it difficult for your business to plan for the future. If you aren’t having quarterly business reviews to discuss your goals and shifts in your organization and how IT can help,  then it’s going to be harder to drive things forward.

Missed Opportunities Due to IT Limitations

If your IT company can't keep up with your growth, you might start to miss opportunities. This could be due to a lack of resources or a lack of technical expertise. Hiring new staff or opening up new departments becomes a huge struggle. Implementing new services or streamlining processes becomes a challenge. If your IT provider is only sticking to the status quo, it can really hold you back.

Missed opportunities can slow down your business growth. They can also lead to lost revenue and customer dissatisfaction.

The Role Managed IT Services Has When it Comes to Business Scalability

Managed IT services play a crucial role in business scalability. They provide the technical support and expertise that your business needs to grow.

However, as we’ve said, not all IT companies are created equal. Some may not have the resources or expertise to scale with your business.

Here are a few things to consider when evaluating your IT company's scalability:

• Can they handle an increase in workload?
• Do they have the technical expertise to support your growth?
• Are they proactive in identifying and addressing potential issues?
• Do they streamline processes for when new users are hired and added to the network?

Aligning IT Goals with Business Objectives

Aligning your IT goals with your business objectives is crucial. Your IT company should understand your business and its goals.

If your IT company doesn't understand your business, they won't be able to provide the support you need to grow.

When to Shift Contracts for Better Scalability

Sometimes, it might be necessary to shift contracts for better scalability. This could be due to a lack of resources, expertise, or simply a lack of understanding of your business.

If your current IT company can't meet your needs, it might be time to consider a change.

Evaluating Your IT Company's Growth Potential

Your IT company's growth potential is a key factor in its scalability. If they can't grow with you, they might hold you back.

Consider their track record. Have they successfully scaled with other businesses? If not, it might be a red flag.

Assessing Technical Expertise and Resources

Technical expertise and resources are also crucial. Your IT company should have the skills and tools to support your growth.

If they lack the necessary expertise or resources, they might struggle to meet your needs. This could hinder your business' scalability.

Planning for the Future: Communicating with Your IT Partner

Open communication with your IT partner is vital. They should understand your future plans and growth trajectory.

If they're not aware of your plans, they can't prepare for them. This could lead to scalability issues down the line.

The Importance of Regular IT Service Reviews

Regular IT service reviews are also important. They can help you identify any potential issues before they become major problems.

If your IT company isn't performing regular reviews, it might be time to consider a change. Regular reviews are a key part of IT company scalability.

Conclusion: Making the Decision to Scale Up

Recognizing when your business has outgrown its IT company is crucial. It's a decision that can significantly impact your business' growth and success.

If you're experiencing any of the issues discussed, it might be time to consider a change. Remember, a scalable IT company is a valuable business partner that can support your growth and help you achieve your goals.