IT consulting bridges the gap between your current capabilities and future goals – helping you navigate unique business challenges. However, many small businesses overlook this resource because they assume it’s unaffordable. The truth is, you don’t need to hire an in-house consultant to reap the benefits. Affordable IT consulting services for small businesses offer great ROI.
So, if you want your small business to achieve sustainable growth and competitiveness, it’s an option worth exploring.
In this article, we’ll uncover:
What Are IT Consulting Services for Small Businesses?
IT consulting services refer to the professional expertise provided by IT specialists to help organizations optimize their information technology (IT) operations. Their goal is to help your company effectively leverage technology to improve efficiency, enhance security, and achieve business objectives.
IT consulting is delivered in a variety of ways, including:
- Independent IT Consultants: Individuals or small teams that offer specialized expertise.
- Specialized IT Consulting Firms: Consulting companies, like Accenture and Deloitte, provide a wide range of IT consulting services – from strategy to implementation.
- Management Consulting Firms: Firms such as McKinsey & Company have IT consulting divisions that offer insights on technology and digital transformation.
- Software Vendors: Software development companies offer consulting services to help businesses implement and optimize their products, like Oracle or Microsoft.
- Boutique Consulting Firms: These firms specialize in niche IT areas – such as cloud computing, data analytics, or cybersecurity.
- Managed Service Providers (MSPs): Managed Service Providers like Teal, MyTech, and BetterWorld Technology specialize in delivering comprehensive IT management and consulting services. These providers proactively monitor, manage, and maintain IT infrastructures to ensure optimal performance. MSPs often include help desk support, cybersecurity solutions, and data backup services as integral parts of their offerings – making them essential partners for businesses seeking robust IT support.
Teal Cofounder, Gar Whaley, explains how our MSP delivers IT Consulting Services to small businesses.
“Our goal is to provide small and medium-sized businesses with an enterprise-class IT department, but in an outsourced model,” said Gar. “Our value add is clear. You need a help desk person, a systems engineer, a network engineer, a CIO, and a vCISO. However, it wouldn’t be wise for a small or medium-sized company to hire all these roles. So, we provide the right slice of expertise based on your specific needs
4 Common IT Consulting Misconceptions
There are many misconceptions about IT consulting amongst small business leaders. Let’s dispel some of these myths so you can leverage it more effectively to grow your business. Common misconceptions include:
1. Doing IT In-House is a Better Option
Many small business leaders believe managing IT in-house is more effective and secure. However, finding the full range of expertise needed is challenging and often too expensive – leaving gaps in your IT strategy.
Partnering with external IT consultants provides access to specialized skills that might otherwise be unattainable. This approach can not only enhance security and efficiency but also allow your business to benefit from advanced technology solutions without the significant costs associated with in-house IT teams.
2. It’s Too Expensive to Outsource
Many small business owners believe IT consulting is prohibitively expensive and only suited for large enterprises. This may be true if you’re looking to recruit an individual IT consultant because that can run you $77K – $134K a year, according to Glassdoor.
That’s not including costs associated with their ongoing training or implementing new systems. However, tailored services from managed service providers, for instance, are much more cost-effective.
A managed service provider can provide you with the consulting you need at a significant cost savings. This reduced investment enables you to access high-quality IT expertise without the hefty cost of a full-time hire – resulting in a strong return on investment.
3. They Provide Quick Fixes
Some small businesses think IT consultants are only needed when problems arise. In truth, proactive consulting helps prevent costly downtime and optimizes IT infrastructure. The average cost of downtime for small businesses is $427 per minute, according to SolarWinds’ Orange Matter.
MSPs, like Teal, offer continuous monitoring, proactive maintenance, and strategic IT planning. This approach ensures long-term stability and growth for your business. By partnering with an MSP, you can benefit from a comprehensive IT strategy that aligns with your business goals and provides lasting improvements.
4. It’s a One-Size-Fits-All Approach
There is a misconception that IT consultants provide generic solutions. In reality, good consultants tailor their advice to meet the specific needs of each business.
Benefits of Small Business Technology Consulting
We’ve already mentioned some benefits of outsourcing IT consulting, but let’s take a closer look at the key advantages.
Cybersecurity and data protection are critical for small businesses, yet many cannot afford a full-time CIO or CISO. This lack of expertise is a major challenge. In fact, it’s one of the biggest struggles we see small businesses face.
You can secure your networks and meet compliance goals in a cost-efficient way by hiring an external consultant for vCISO services. This approach strengthens your cybersecurity posture and ensures that your organization stays protected against evolving threats without the high cost of a permanent hire.
Optimized IT solutions can significantly reduce costs for your business by streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency. Plus, avoiding cyberattacks, costly downtime and data breaches is vital. IT consulting can provide you with the proactive strategies and support you need.
By leveraging external expertise, you can benefit from advanced technology and best practices without the expense of maintaining a complete in-house IT department. This leads to a strong return on investment and sustainable growth for your organization.
Discover everything you need to know about investing in outsourced cybersecurity and managed IT services.
You gain access to a wealth of specialized expertise you don’t have in-house, nor possibly afford without outsourcing. These professionals stay up to date with the latest technology trends and best practices – keeping your business competitive and innovative.
IT consulting services support business growth by providing scalable IT solutions tailored to your evolving needs. Consultants adapt your IT infrastructure to accommodate changing business demands, ensuring your technology can grow alongside your business. This adaptability means your IT systems will be ready to handle increased workloads and new challenges.
Streamlining your business processes through efficient IT systems is a massive benefit of IT consulting. They enhance your employee’s productivity by implementing the right tools. With optimized workflows and best-of-breed technology solutions, your team can work more efficiently, reducing downtime and increasing overall business performance.
Small Business Tech Consulting Services
IT consulting can encompass a wide range of services that are beneficial to small business owners, including:
This is where consultants create a long-term plan that defines how IT will support your business.
What You Get: Strategic IT planning includes creating a customized roadmap that aligns IT with your business goals. It ensures efficient resource allocation, identifying technology gaps and recommending future investments that align with your long-term goals. This provides you with:
- Scalable solutions that grow with your business.
- Proactive risk management strategies for continuity.
- Detailed budget planning for managing costs and future technology expenses.
The consultants connect all the parts of your IT system and ensure they work together.
What You Get: Data that is updated across platforms regularly. Integration streamlines operations, eliminates redundancies and enhances user experiences.
3. Network and Infrastructure Management
The consultants implement and manage the components of your IT infrastructure. This includes servers, networks, and storage solutions that form the backbone of your business operations.
What You Get: Continuous monitoring ensures optimal performance and rapid issue resolution, enhancing network speed and reliability. Plus, implementing backup strategies protects against data loss by regularly securing critical information for easy recovery. A robust disaster recovery plan minimizes downtime and data loss from cyberattacks or natural disasters. Allowing you to quickly resume operations after a disruption.
IT consultants can develop and implement a comprehensive security strategy. This includes protecting data, networks, and systems from unauthorized access and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
What You Get: Proactive measures are taken to identify and mitigate potential threats – reducing the risk of cyber attacks and associated costs before they impact your business. Key solutions include:
- Advanced Ransomware Protection & Antivirus
- Endpoint Threat Detection & Response (EDR)
- Security Awareness Training
- Monthly Simulated Phishing Campaigns
- Advanced Email Protection
- Email Security Management
- Endpoint Encryption Management
- Endpoint Vulnerability Scanning
- Managed Detection & Response (MDR) w/ Security Operations Center (SOC)
5. Cloud Computing Solutions
IT consultants can assist small businesses in leveraging cloud technologies to improve:
This means they can seamlessly migrate your applications and data to cloud platforms, efficiently manage cloud services, and ensure security and performance.
What You Get: Transitioning to cloud solutions enhances your business with increased accessibility, robust disaster recovery options, and reduced IT overhead.
This is where consultants collect business data to generate actionable insights.
What You Get: This data can help you make informed decisions, answer business questions, identify trends, and improve business performance.
7. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
Consultants can assist you with the selection and implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning systems. These solutions manage daily business activities such as:
What You Get: Access to expertise that ensures the chosen ERP system supports your unique processes. This leads to better resource management and business performance.
Specialized consultants can lead software development projects, including:
- Delivery of high-quality code
What You Get: This expertise ensures your solutions meet business requirements, are high-quality, drive operational efficiency, and are delivered on time.
Choosing the Right Consulting Firm for Your Business
Partnering with a well-known IT consulting firm does not guarantee great results. So, it’s important to do your due diligence.
This section will guide you through the process of ensuring the firms you’re considering can support your business and IT consulting goals effectively.
Evaluating Your Business Needs
Identifying your consulting needs is a crucial step in the process. Here’s what you need to do:
- Determine the skills the consultants need. Start by evaluating the problems you’re trying to solve and what you’re currently doing to solve them.
- Assess your current IT infrastructure. If you don’t already have one, inventory everything in your IT systems supporting your business. Include details about your network, software, servers, cloud services, and other critical items.
Qualities to Look for in an IT Consulting Firm
When selecting an IT consulting firm, consider these essential qualities:
- Responsiveness: They are quick and efficient when addressing your issues and inquiries.
- Helpfulness: They provide clear guidance and support that is tailored to your needs.
- Industry Experience: They have a proven track record in your industry.
- Specialized Expertise: They possess deep knowledge in the areas you need – like cybersecurity, Microsoft, Cisco Meraki, compliance, cloud computing, data analytics, etc.
- Robust Service Offering: If you’re looking for a comprehensive IT approach, they should be able to handle a variety of IT needs.
Pro Tip: Check out this article from CIO for info on getting the most value from using IT consultants.
Checking Credentials and Certifications
If you’re trying to solve challenges that require special knowledge or training, ensure your potential consultants are qualified to help you.
Examples
- If you need cybersecurity expertise, you might want to look for the CompTIA Security Trustmark+ certification.
- If you need Microsoft assistance, you might look for a Microsoft Solutions Partner.
- If you need CMMC compliance assistance, you’ll want to find Registered Practitioner Organizations (RPOs).
In addition to looking for certifications, research each company’s reputation. You want to prevent a squandered investment with a subpar firm.
- What do their Google reviews say about their consulting?
- Can you speak with a current or previous client?
- If they’re a service provider, have you read their Clutch reviews?
- Do they have any case studies of the consulting they’ve provided?
- Do people report that they provide responsive and helpful customer service?
Potential Questions to Ask
Choosing an IT consultant can feel overwhelming, but make sure you properly vet potential companies. This will help you ensure they possess the expertise to overcome your challenges and meet your goals.
Ask questions like:
- Can you provide examples of similar projects you’ve handled?
- What is your approach to cybersecurity?
- How do you ensure minimal disruption during IT upgrades?
- What ongoing support do you offer after the initial implementation?
If you’re interested in IT consulting services from an MSP like Teal, use this list to procure the right provider.
Use this checklist to make choosing the right managed service provider for your organization easy and stress-free.
Future Trends in IT Consulting for Small Businesses
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
Advanced Cybersecurity Protection
As remote and hybrid work models become more prevalent, small businesses will need to invest in advanced tools and strategies to enhance productivity and security for their remote workforce.
Businesses generate vast amounts of data every day – like customer interactions, social media, and internet of things (IoT) devices. Big data analytics can lead to more accurate forecasting, better customer understanding, enhanced operational efficiency, and innovative product development. By leveraging big data, companies can gain a competitive edge and drive their growth and success in a data-driven market.
Adopting sustainable IT practices is becoming increasingly important for many small and medium-sized businesses. This trend involves implementing energy-efficient technologies (such as low-power servers and cloud computing solutions) which can significantly reduce energy consumption and operational costs.
Additionally, sustainable practices, like recycling electronic waste, not only help the environment but also enhance a company’s reputation. By embracing sustainability, many small businesses will attract environmentally-conscious customers and partners – ultimately contributing to their long-term business success.
According to Statista, the number of IoT devices worldwide is forecast to almost double from 15.9 billion in 2023 to more than 32.1 billion in 2030. Highlighting the need for companies to maintain and manage these devices and their connections.
Is your IT strategy ready for the next step? Discover if a new MSP partnership could boost your business growth. Download your free guide.
Advantages of Small Business Computer Consulting Services
As you can see, IT consulting services for small businesses offer a range of benefits – from enhanced security to improved productivity. And it’s not only affordable, but it can help you reduce your IT expenses over time – significantly enhancing your business’s success.
When looking for business and IT consulting, it’s important to find a partner that understands your unique challenges.
Teal offers responsive and secure managed IT services to SMBs nationally, with local headquarters based in:
Teal IT Consulting Services Success Story
Since 2021, Teal has strategically delivered IT consulting services to Oxford Finance LLC, a financial services firm specializing in corporate lending to the healthcare industry. Oxford partnered with Teal to enhance cybersecurity defenses, network design and implementation, and user support. They chose Teal due to high ratings, strong recommendations, and cultural fit.
The vice president praised Teal in the case study, highlighting our seamless takeover as MSP, successful assessment and upgrade of tools, responsiveness, and timely delivery.
“A well-coordinated effort by many team members. I am very happy with our experience to date.”