We at Maplenet Solutions believe that IT support should be as simple as possible. Your business should focus on your bottom line and not be bothered with technical difficulties. That is why we have developed 3 simple plans for small businesses with no hidden costs or long term commitments.
Is Your Unstable and Unreliable Computer Network Killing Your Business? Learn How To Improve Your IT Infrastructure and Make Your Business Flourish. During the last ten years of serving small businesses by fixing their IT networks, I have interviewed many of my clients. I wanted to discover what made them buy my IT services as well as keep me as their Network Consultant for so long.
Before I go into details about my findings, it is important to know that most of my clients in Mississauga and Toronto can be defined as 'Aggressive, rapidly expanding firms that utilize and rely on technologies to sustain their growth and maximize their efficiencies'.
Who are they?
Normally they are small businesses that range anywhere from 10-50 computers in the Greater Toronto Area and belong to various industries like law firms, doctor offices, accounting firms, manufacturing, and various service-based businesses.
What do they want?
Their IT needs are very comprehensive and wide-ranging and grow over time. These needs include Networking, Server Maintenance, Desktop Maintenance, Program Compatibilities, Web Hosting, Mobile Apps, various Document Management Systems, and many more.
Their Biggest Problem is...
During these interviews I have learned that for most of my clients, their biggest challenge is the Stability and the Reliability of their Networks. For them, this is mission critical. They just want to make sure that when they click on their program icons, it actually opens.
Most of them are not very interested in the procedures; that how their IT Professional would monitor or fix their network. They simply want a guarantee that their business critical applications open when they need them.
But isn't IT very expensive these days?
I always ask my clients, that how do they justify their IT Costs? They all agree, that Business Continuity justifies IT costs. If a client calls them for a particular document or file and it does not open, they could potentially lose that client, any referrals, get a bad reputation, and so on, just by not opening up that one document or software that their business relies on.
Since such Business Interruption is a liability for their business, if they are assured that their network is running smoothly, then they will not hesitate to pay for IT services.• For them, if they spend $100 and save $1000's in business interruption, then they are happy.
What trait do you look for in an IT expert?
For my clients, the unanimous answer is always Trust. If they can trust their IT Professional, if they know that he understands their business needs and and is looking out for them, then they can concentrate on their business. Trust helps to tie the relationship between the IT pro and his client, and makes that bond stronger over time.
How can Trust be tested on a daily basis?
Another aspect that they normally highlight in relation to trust, is that they want to be sure that their IT Technician is not brushing them off over the phone. When they call their IT expert, he should listen to, and understand their problem so that he can fix the problem in a time sensitive manner. If they feel as if their problem is not being given the attention it deserves right away, then they will lose trust in him.
Can you market 'Trust'?
All of my clients realize that trust is not something that you can put up on the website like “Trust Us!” Trust is just like a snowball going down a hill. The more interaction you have with your IT professional, the more you will start to trust that IT Technician. If their IT Technician will act in a timely manner and will take care of them in a professional and competent way, he can gain their trust over time.
What else do you look for in an IT technician?
During these discussions Knowledge, Expertise and Skill level has been another major issue. My clients want to make sure that their IT technology company is up to date with the latest technology. Operating System (OS) change, software change, new updates come and their compatibility with other software and hardware might change.
They want to have an IT professional who understand the inter-relationship between OS and different software packages, different server configurations, and different workgroup configurations.• The IT expert should have an in-depth understanding of all the latest advancements so that they can advise the client accordingly.
How may I help you?
When ever I asked them about the ideal solution that how would you like me to serve you? Usually, they answer that they want to have a professional who can respond in an expedited manner. If an urgent situation arises, no matter what time of the day, they need their IT professional to be able to react right away. For routine maintenance as well, they want to have someone who has flexible working hours, not just 9-5, because sometimes it is hard to carry out all IT work, like re-set a server, during working hours.
Jack of all Trades?
Another very important aspect for my clients is that they don’t want an expert in only one software or application. They want someone who understands various softwares, who knows about networking, who knows about programming, who knows about the different software packages available and the relationship between them. Because to effectively manage an IT infrastructure you need to know all of this.
Computers are all inter-connected these days. So many different types of servers, so many different types of software packages and someone with limited knowledge would not be able to solve all the problems.
Free Stuff Anyone?
An IT expert's knowledge should speak for itself. That is why I always offer a free consultation and Network Assessment to potential clients. During my interviews with existing clientele, they repeatedly told me that since the first consultation was free, there was no pressure on them and they got to know me and see my expertise first hand. This helped them to decide to hire me as their IT professional.
Why do I interview existing clients?
These are few of my findings that have helped me to resolve my clients day to day IT & Networking related issues. In my experience, getting feedback on a routine basis is an excellent way to assess our services, so that we may improve them and keep our clients in Mississauga, Ontario and practically everywhere in Greater Toronto Area happy.
We are always looking for new clients who value technology and understand its potential as a tool for the advancement of their business.
If you are in the Greater Toronto Area and are looking for an IT Company that specializes in Networking, Managed Services, and Remote Monitoring then MapleNet Solutions can definitely help you!
Call us at 416-568-1190 or send us an email at info@maplenetsolutions.com
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