Translating the Geek Speak: Is It Time to Dump Your IT Company?

Not every executive is as technically savvy as the times require. Even the most technically savvy organizations need a way to stay competitive. Emerging cloud technologies, new applications, mobility and other technologies mean that executives and businesses have to rely on their IT partners to guide them in the right direction. Too often we see businesses that are being over charged and taken advantage of because of their lack of technical accumen. If your current IT provider seems to keep you in the dark about most technologies they implement, it might be time to consider switching it up. Here are some signs that it’s time to switch IT providers.

Warning Sign #1: Too Much Geek Speak.
To a certain extent, every technology professional is a bit of a geek. After all, it takes a certain breed to be informed of every single technology and application that emerges. But when you ask something of your technology provider and they respond in over-complicated terms that don’t make sense to you – this is a warning sign. Even technicians should be able to explain in simple terms how they resolved user issues and other problems. The unfortunate truth is that your IT company might be hiding information from you in order to hide mistakes, keep themselves in demand, and wracking up the billable hours every time your users encounter the smallest technical issue.

Warning Sign #2: A Know-It-All Attitude.
If you’re hesitant to “bother” your IT partner with issues or to tell them about your concerns regarding a project, this is a huge red flag. Your IT partner should be someone that you feel that you can communicate honestly with for every issue that arises. If your provider has an attitude any time they’re questioned or issues arise that require their attention, it might be time to switch providers. 

Warning Sign #3: A Boxed Approach.
Every organization is completely different that we work with. Our strategy manager spends countless hours with each one becoming familiar with their business and operations so that he can come up with the best strategic solutions for their organization. Too often, though, we encounter businesses that have been placed into a boxed solution that forces them to utilize technology that doesn’t service their business well. An organization should never feel pigeonholed into a solution. Be sure that your IT partner has your best interests in mind and is tailoring your solutions to your unique needs. 

Warning Sign #4: Requesting the Same Information Over and Over.
A well-organized IT provider has your company data at the ready any time a user calls in with issues. They should be familiar with how your organization runs, common issues that your users encounter, your line of business application and the overall configuration of your systems. If your IT provider doesn’t have this information or has to request it every time you call, it’s a warning sign that they’re not focused on your organization. An ideal provider makes it a practice to become familiar enough with your organizations day-to-day operations to provide strategic planning.

No one wants to have that uncomfortable conversation that goes along with firing a vendor, but ultimately you have to look out for your organization. If your provider has been exhibiting any of the signs we’ve listed above, it might be time to consider switching IT providers. Your technology vendors should be partners that collaborate regularly with your organization and tailor solutions to suit your specific needs. If you don’t have that – odds are it’s time to start looking for a provider you can trust.