For many entrepreneurs and small business owners, the nuances of IT management are complex and time-consuming, and take valuable resources away from the things you actually want to do. This is where outsourced IT services can be a game changer.
With their potential to offer specialized support, outsourced IT services pave the way for small businesses to leverage technology, reduce operational costs, and accelerate growth.
What Are Outsourced IT Services?
Do you already have outsourced services working with your business? Maybe you have someone do your taxes or payroll. Or a marketing agency takes care of your branding and advertising. In the same way, outsourced IT services are third-party companies that provide specific technology-related services to businesses.
These can include:
- Technical support and help desk services
- Network and infrastructure management
- Data backup and disaster recovery
- Cloud computing solutions
- Cybersecurity services
Outsourced IT services for small businesses are an extension of your business. They have the primary goal of enhancing your technology infrastructure, and by extension, your operational efficiency. Small businesses that opt for outsourced IT services can free up their in-house resources, save money, and often gain access to a broader skill set than might be possible with an internal IT department.
How Outsourced IT Services Help Your Small Business Grow
Since it’s not an investment in sales and marketing, how do outsourced IT services for small businesses help you grow? Here are six ways we’ve seen outsourced IT help small businesses like yours.
Cost Savings
The most immediate benefit is the significant cost savings. Partnering with an outsourced IT provider allows businesses to avoid the fixed costs associated with maintaining an in-house IT department, like hiring, training, salaries, benefits, and turnover.
These savings can then be invested in other key areas of the business, such as marketing, sales, or product development, which can be instrumental in driving growth. Additionally, the pay-as-you-go model of outsourced services means that costs scale with usage, providing more financial predictability.
Access to Expertise
Outsourced IT providers are dedicated experts in their field and can offer a level of knowledge and experience that might not be available within your business. This means you benefit from the latest technologies, best practices, and industry insights without having to invest time and resources into staying up-to-date.
Having access to this expertise also means faster problem resolution, increased productivity, and improved performance for your business.
Scalability and Flexibility
Small businesses often experience fluctuations in IT needs, whether due to seasonal changes or growth spurts. With outsourced IT services, your business can easily scale up or down as needed without the hassle of hiring and training new employees. This flexibility allows you to adapt quickly to changing market conditions and stay competitive.
Streamlines Operations
By automating routine tasks, managing updates and patches, and ensuring data security, outsourced IT providers allow small businesses to focus on their core competencies rather than getting bogged down in technology management.
Improves Efficiency and Productivity
With the right outsourced IT services, small businesses can improve their operational efficiency and productivity. By providing expertise and resources to manage technology infrastructure, employees can focus on their core tasks without interruption. Additionally, with 24/7 monitoring and support, issues are identified and resolved quickly, minimizing downtime.
Enhances Customer Experience
Your business is all about the customer so anything you can do to improve their experience will ultimately help your business grow. Outsourced IT services can ensure that your technology runs smoothly, which eliminates any disruptions or delays for customers.
Which Outsourced IT Services Are Best for Small Businesses?
After decades in the industry, we’ve found three main services that help our small business clients the most. When tackling these on your own, you’ll use up more time and money while leaving your data vulnerable.
Network Setup and Management
When managing your network on your own, you run the risk of incorrect setup causing bottlenecks, downtime, or even security breaches. This can be especially detrimental to a small business with limited resources. Outsourced IT services can ensure your network is properly set up and managed to provide reliable and secure connectivity for your business.
Cybersecurity Solutions
Considering small businesses have fewer resources for advanced cybersecurity, hackers are turning to them as easy targets. With the right outsourced IT provider, you can have peace of mind knowing your data is secure with up-to-date software and protocols in place to protect against cyber attacks.
Cloud Computing and Data Storage
Storing and accessing data is crucial for small businesses, but traditional methods like physical servers can be costly and vulnerable to disasters. Outsourced IT providers offer cloud computing solutions that allow businesses to store data securely and access it from anywhere, which reduces costs and increases flexibility.
How to Choose the Right Outsourced IT Provider
If you feel like outsourced IT services for small businesses is your next move, the next step is finding the right provider for your specific needs. Consider these factors when making your decision:
Assess Your Business Needs
Before you start your search, make a list of the specific IT services your business needs. If you’re a retail business, you might need a point-of-sale system, while an online retailer needs advanced cybersecurity. Knowing your specific needs will help you narrow down potential providers and find one that can meet those needs.
Research Potential Providers
Do some research and make a list of potential providers. Look for reviews, ask for recommendations from other small business owners, and check the provider’s website to get an idea of their services, experience, and expertise.
Ask the Right Questions
When you have a list of potential providers, it’s essential to ask them the right questions. Find out about their experience working with small businesses, their customer support process, and how they handle data security.
Protect Your Small Business With ANC Group
For over 25 years, small businesses have trusted ANC Group with their outsourced IT services. Our team of experts work closely with businesses like yours, providing reliable and secure technology solutions that help keep your data safe.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your small business grow.
