Have you heard the expression “trust your gut”? The expression suggests going with your instincts when making a decision. According to an article by Melody Wilding of HBR.org, Scientists call the stomach the “second brain” for a reason. There’s a vast neural network of 100 million neurons lining your entire digestive tract. That’s more neurons than are found in the spinal cord, which points to the gut’s incredible processing abilities. “Trusting your gut” certainly applies to managing your IT systems and considering the hiring of an outside IT Vendor. Chances are, if some systems are not working quite right, or it’s been a while since you have gotten a “check-up”, it makes sense to assess your systems’ security, efficiency, and connectivity.
When you are looking for a vendor to do an initial assessment or one to manage your IT more regularly, what should you look for? What should you expect?
First and foremost is TRUST. As the client, you may not be as well-versed and experienced in IT. The IT vendor’s job is to be the expert and handle all things associated with adequately assessing and managing your IT systems. This includes ensuring the client’s technology is efficient, protected, monitored, and safe against hacks and infiltration.
As the client, you should always receive regular and proactive COMMUNICATION from the commencement of your working relationship. You should not just hear from your IT vendor when there is a problem. Following the initial assessment, your vendor should bring forth ideas, identify concerns, and reach out frequently to educate you and your staff on how your systems can be improved and enhanced.
Your IT vendor must be RELIABLE. This includes having a quality helpdesk that responds promptly. They should not only solve your IT issues when they happen. They should formulate ways to prevent reoccurrence. Systems should be monitored, and any concerns should be shared and rectified. A reliable IT vendor will do all these things and more.
Technology is constantly changing, and so are the techniques used to abuse systems and ways to capitalize on an agency or company’s complacency. Security should be approached strategically. A good vendor is STRATEGIC, dealing with constantly shifting and evolving platforms. Building and managing an IT plan is key to the success and safety of your systems.
Assessing your IT and associated systems is a priority for a successful, secure agency or business. When you search for a vendor, make sure you include trust, reliability, and strategy in your expectations and require a guarantee that you are getting what you pay for. When it comes right down to it, you may sleep better at night if you know your systems, data, and information are safe and secure. Is it time for you to listen to your gut?
