Relationships (even business relationships) are hard work, but if your relationship with your IT provider is wearing on you, don’t just accept it as normal.
Your IT provider should do more than just place your orders or begrudgingly fix your network problems. You should receive the business equivalent to a box of chocolates and a dozen roses: great service and technology that meets your business needs.
An IT provider might be your hardware/software reseller, managed service provider, or anything in between. But the fact is technology is a big part of business, so it’s important that you’re working with the right company (maybe even “the one”).
No matter what they’re helping you with, if you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s time to do some soul-searching. So grab some chunky monkey ice cream and a seat on the couch, and let’s talk.
1. They don’t get you
An IT provider should be more than just a company you work with—they should be a business partner. Their goal shouldn’t be placing orders or merely remediating problems, but equipping you with the means of accomplishing your mission and goals. Technology is just how they do that.
Does your IT provider understand you? Do they know your business, your mission, your goals, hopes, and dreams? Now, hopes and dreams might be a deeper stage of the relationship, but if they’re not familiar with what your company is about, then they’ll never be capable of fully meeting your needs.
You should be equipped with technology to achieve your mission and goals, and that will require an IT provider who knows what those missions and goals are. If your IT provider doesn’t know your business on that level, then stop settling! Get out there and find someone who does.
2. They don’t make you feel special
A growing relationship should keep you feeling like a priority. A major part of feeling valued comes from responsiveness to needs. Nobody likes waiting on a response to a call or an email, and then being met with an unapologetic answer when they finally get back to you. As Dr. Phil probably says, “Communication is a big part of relationships!”
Time is money, so if your IT provider is consistently unresponsive and has long turn-around times, then you should sit them down and have a conversation. If things don’t start to change, then it might be time to say goodbye. If they’re not making you feel valued, then be assured there is a company out there that would love the chance to change that!
3. You’re frustrated more often than you’re happy
New relationships often start out great when the IT provider is trying to earn your trust and business. But what about when the honeymoon is over? It’s not uncommon for the quality of service to gradually degrade as they become “comfortable” with delivering subpar support.
If this has happened, don’t be content with the status quo! It’s your provider’s duty to make sure you’re taken care of, so if the quality of service is waning, then let them know how you feel. If nothing changes, then it’s time to move on.
4. You’ve both changed
Sometimes, businesses simply… grow apart. It happens, and when it does it’s best to acknowledge the changes and adjust as necessary.
Do you feel like your IT provider hasn’t grown or scaled with you? If you’ve grown or downsized significantly since you started working with your provider, it might be best to reassess and ensure they’re the best fit. If you’re paying a premium for services you no longer need then look for a company that will meet you where you are and tailor the solution.
Maybe your IT provider changed their business strategy and has shifted focus in industries or services. Examine whether or not the services you need fall within their expertise; if not, then look for someone who is an expert at what you need.
Has customer service quality dropped? Are you dealing with issues and putting out IT fires yourself that aren’t yours to deal with? Whatever the reason for such behavior might be, it definitely warrants a reevaluation on your part.
How to have that difficult conversation
So you’ve checked all the boxes, you’ve weighed the costs, and it’s official: you’re ready to break up with your IT company. Now what?
Well, how you deliver the news is up to you, but maybe these classic break-up lines from Demetri Martin will help:
“Is it hot in here? Or are you just suffocating me in this relationship? Let’s breakup.”
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“Just wondering, have you been doing pushups with your knees down? ‘Cause I’m not sure this is working out. Let’s breakup.”
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“Are your feet tired? Because you’ve been stomping on my dreams for a few months now. Let’s breakup.”
Learning to love (your IT provider) again
If your relationship with your IT provider is going well, then stick with it! But if you’re having the issues described above, then simply put, you deserve better—and CCB would love to be the knight in shining armor.
We pride ourselves in delivering tailored support and service for any of your IT needs, including managed services, project services, hardware and software procurement, and much more. So let’s build a relationship and build one that’s made to last.
If you’re interested in seeing what we can do and how it stacks up against what you’ve known, then reach out. Let us know what we can help you with—whether it’s a hardware or software quote, project proposal, or any form of managed IT services, we’ll take care of you.
Make CCB your business partner
Work with an IT provider who will come alongside your missions and goals. Let’s build a relationship.
