When your Pasadena business needs IT services, you want to hire a company that stands out from the competition. IT companies need to be reliable and experienced, of course. But what really makes an IT company exceptional? These are ten characteristics IT companies need to employ to become truly outstanding.
1. Understanding Your Needs
Not all businesses have identical cybersecurity, or IT needs, and an experienced IT provider understands this. The best IT companies will listen to your specific requirements and tailor their offerings to match.
They will be transparent about what is achievable and what is challenging, and not over-promise or under-deliver. Understanding the IT and cybersecurity needs of different industries such as legal IT services or medical IT services is a sign of an exceptional IT company.
2. Customer-Focused
No matter how technical or complex an IT query is, your IT provider should focus on you, the customer, with empathy and understanding. Their experience with numerous technical issues—whether it’s dealing with website downtime, or simple patch management—lets them deal with the technical side of things clinically.
That clinical detachment shouldn’t extend to human interactions! Expect a high-performing IT company to take the time to listen to you and your pain points, and respond appropriately at all times.
3. Available When You Are
It should go without saying that you want your IT company to be able to deal with unexpected issues anytime, any day.
Experienced IT service providers may make use of automation and scheduled services to maximize their apparent availability. They should also be able to explain how they deliver their services and what service-level agreement (SLA) they provide, plus any guarantees around uptime.
4. Efficient and User-Friendly
IT support and cybersecurity are complicated, but it shouldn’t be difficult for you or your business to get that support. Ideally, tech companies should provide a single touchpoint that’s convenient for the customer, whether that’s a phone call, a social media message, or a contact form on a website.
From there, the IT services provider should pick up any complex actions, liaising directly with the business to ensure an efficient solution with the minimum stress for the service user.
5. Community Values
How does the IT company give back to the local or wider community? Do they provide services for small businesses and startups? Do they have exceptional local knowledge that they can bring to the table?
Talk to your tech company about how they are an integral part of their local community and business network, and how they make themselves indispensable by working closely with local enterprises.
6. A Good Reputation
A reputable IT company will have a strong track record of delivering exceptional services to its clients. They should have positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers, as well as a good rating with the Better Business Bureau.
You can also ask for references to speak with previous or current clients directly, or ask around your own networking circles to see what has worked for others like you.
7. Transparency
Transparency is essential to digital security, so you need an IT company that keeps you informed about potential vulnerabilities and emerging threats. There should be no hidden fees, and they should explain their pricing structure and ensure that you have the opportunity to ask questions about any unfamiliarity.
An exceptional tech provider will also keep and provide full records of their services—from the specifics of your account to what work has been done on your systems—so you always know how much value they are adding.
8. A Tailored, Proactive Approach
Exceptional IT companies don’t wait for problems to arise before taking action. They should constantly monitor and address potential vulnerabilities in your systems, as well as keep you updated on the latest trends and relevant best practices in cybersecurity. By anticipating and preventing issues before they happen, they save you time and money in the long run.
Cookie-cutter solutions don’t work when it comes to IT services. An exceptional IT company will analyze your current systems and processes, identify areas for improvement, and create a customized plan to address your specific needs.
9. Trusted Partnerships
IT businesses should seek long-term partnerships rather than quick fixes. They understand that IT support is an ongoing need, and they strive to build strong relationships with their clients.
They should act as a trusted advisor, offering guidance and support in all aspects of technology to help your business reach its full potential. This level of partnership ensures that your IT company has a deep understanding of your business needs and can provide the best possible solutions for your success.
10. Never Stops Learning
Technology is constantly evolving, so an exceptional IT company will too with a solid commitment to learning and development. They should be up-to-date with the latest trends, tools, and techniques used in their field.
They should also have recognized certifications and accreditations that demonstrate their expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of IT advancements.
Tech Rockstars: Your Lifelong IT Partner
You might recognize some of these characteristics from your own company values. That’s why it’s desirable to work with companies that provide IT services that reflect the same high standards you expect of your own employees and business culture.
Make a note of these company characteristics and contact us if you need an IT company for your business’s cybersecurity needs.
