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Computer Service for Small Business |
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YOUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY |
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Gracie… The Newest Addition
Weighing only 6 pounds 12 oz, we’re not expecting Gracie to be installing any servers. But if the hours she has been keeping are any indication, Gracie will be more than willing to handle those late night trouble calls. You can see more pictures of Grace at http://www.tailwindconsulting.biz/gracie.
What to Expect from your Technology Partner
Your Information Technology partner, the company or consultant that you rely on to keep your technology running, should be just that – a partner in every sense of the word. Most competent IT partners will focus on fulfilling your basic needs. They fix your technology problems when something inevitably breaks. They provide technology advice and whatever products or services are necessary to put that advice into practice. But a truly valuable IT partner will go well beyond that. A exceptional partner will take an interest in your business. They will provide you with a service that will become central to your company’s growth and success. They will work with you to use technology as a tool to improve your product or service, enhance your customer relationships and reduce you overall cost or operations. Here is as list of what to expect from your technology partner: 1. Technical Expertise – This goes without saying. Your IT partner should be well versed, not only in technology but in how technology can be practically applied to your business. Technology has grown at such a pace that it is impossible for any single person to know every aspect. Your technology partner should have access to the expertise you need and should know when and how to bring that expertise to your business. 2. Awareness of your budget – No IT partner will give away their services for free. And the adage “you get what you pay for” holds true. But your IT partner should be sympathetic to your company’s budget constraints and should work with you to develop a package of services that meets your needs and stays within your budget. If your service contract is for a set number of monthly support hours, make sure unused hours accrue each month. Don’t accept a “use it or lose it” agreement. 3. Planning and implemention skills – Choose an IT partner that knows the best way to put technology recommendations in place. This could mean a gradual implementation over time or a quick cutover when the old is moved out and the new is moved in. Your partner should be able to identify the possible risks and know their potential impact on your business. Always be sure there is a contingency plan. 4. The ability to troubleshoot and resolve problems – No matter how advanced technology is, no matter how expensive it was to implement and no matter how reliable the vendor promises it will be, technology will never be immune to breakdowns. Rather than strive for utopia, your partner should be able to address problems quickly and efficiently. While some problems can be resolved in minutes and other will take longer (sometimes much longer), your IT partner should be able to troubleshoot problems effectively, bring in outside expertise when necessary, communicate the status to you in a way you understand, and ultimately, resolve the problem correctly. 5. An interest in managing all of your technology – Nothing is more wasteful than having to jump from one consultant to another in order to address all the individual elements of your technology needs. Your IT partner should manage all of your technology under one umbrella. When other vendors need to be involved, your partner should work with them directly and stay with them until the problems are corrected. Throughout, they should remain a single point of contact and accountability. 6. Good communication skills – All of the above is no good if your IT partner can’t communicate it to you in a way that you understand and are comfortable with. Find a partner that can translate technology into business terms, doesn’t talk down to you or your employees and will take the extra time to educate you on how and why technology integrates into your company the way it does.
. Client Spotlight on…
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AUGUST 2006
Tailwind Consulting is…
…a computer consulting company dedicated to providing Information Technology services to small businesses. We help businesses gain an advantage over their competition by implementing solutions that reduce business expenses, increase sales, and improve efficiency and customer relations. Get the comfort and security of having your technology managed by a company that specializes in working with small businesses.
Protect your network now!
Contact a Tailwind Consulting partner now for a complimentary 1 hour network assessment. At the end of the assessment, you will be given a document to highlight the areas where you can improve on security and efficiency. Technology is an investment to better your business. Our assessment will show you how.
Call 201-255-0447 and ask to speak to any available partner or send an email to support@tailwindconsulting.biz.
Tailwind’s Quick Links
· Network & Server Installation
Recommended Resources
· Microsoft Small Business Center · Business Network International (BNI)
Network with Tailwind Consulting
Tailwind Consulting is represented every Tuesday morning at the Millenium Chapter of Business Network International (BNI).
Join us any Tuesday for a chance to meet and network with 30 other business professionals. Contact Evan Stein at 201-255-0447 x111 for more information.
Tailwind Clients
Tailwind Consulting clients have access to a small business and technology resources at the Tailwind Client web site at www.tailwindconsulting.biz/clients. Contact your Tailwind Consulting partner for your user id and password.
Tailwind Consulting 409 Washington St. #152 Hoboken, NJ 07030 201-255-0447
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