The world of work is profoundly different compared to 20 years ago. These days, B2B/B2C customers seek solutions via search, not the Yellow Pages. According to internet marketing firm Hubspot, 97% of people learn more about a business online than through any other source. What’s more, 88% who search for a business via mobile will call/visit within 24 hours.
In other words – if you don’t have an online presence, you may as well not exist.
Once you get your website up, though, your worries don’t stop there. Cybercriminals can break into your server as easily as burglars break into Main Street businesses. And then, there’s your competition. It’s hard enough to wrap your head around SEO. But the coming AI revolution? It could give them an unbeatable advantage over you.
Also See: What Are What Are Managed IT Services?
If you’re overwhelmed, we feel you. Few people have the time/resources to learn this stuff while running a business. But, by hiring an IT consultant, you can leverage their knowledge to transform your enterprise.
Benefits of Working With An IT Consultant
1. They Can Digitally Transform Your Business
Not long ago, workplaces primarily relied upon analogue processes. For decades, hospitals used paper records to archive patient data. This age-old method was highly problematic, as poorly-understood handwriting often led to medical errors. Sometimes, files would go missing, forcing ER physicians to make high-stakes guesses.
Digital transformation of medical workplaces has mostly eliminated these costly problems. In your workplace, an IT consultant can scan paper-based records, coach employees on the use of IT systems, and much more.
Many consultancies are qualified to do this work – among them, Ntiva is a highly recommended firm.
2. They Can Set Up A Cloud Server For Your Business
21st-century businesses, by their nature, tend to be data-intensive enterprises. As you scale up, you’ll quickly find yourself needing more storage space/processing power. In the past, you would buy physical servers, but this solution takes up space and can get costly.
The rise of cloud-based servers has given entrepreneurs unprecedented flexibility. However, setting them up can be laborious and complicated. An IT consultant can coordinate this process and help maintain the system once it goes online.
3. An IT Consultant Can Help You Harness The Power Of AI
Increases in computing power have led to the rise of artificial intelligence or AI systems. This technology has the potential to transform your business completely. From streamlining processes to cutting labour costs, they can improve outcomes while saving money & time.
An IT consultant can recommend uses for AI that can improve the performance of your business. From setting up AI chatbots to implementing a facial recognition check-in system, the possibilities are endless.
4. They Can Protect Your Enterprise From Cyber Criminals
Every hour of every day, they’re casing new targets. Every 39 seconds, a hacker somewhere in the world attacks a website. And, far too often, they get away with it. According to IBM, it takes, on average, 206 days before a target realizes they’ve been compromised. With countless businesses keeping payment data on their servers, there’s plenty of motivation for would-be criminals to attack.
An IT consultant can stop sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands. They can evaluate your system for security deficiencies (e.g., poor password hygiene, weakness to specific exploits, etc.), thereby decreasing your odds of being broken into.
5. They Can Help You Make Sense Of Your Data
Virtually every business has a gold mine buried deep within their servers. Sadly, most fail to capitalize upon it. By applying analysis to massive data sets, we are uncovering profitable trends that have long gone unnoticed. In tech circles, they call this Big Data.
For instance, the Center For Disease Control (CDC) used to be weeks behind in dispatching flu vaccines. But, by comparing historical data to common flu search queries, response times have been sped up significantly.
Similarly, an IT consultant can use Big Data analytics to predict customer behaviour, serve optimal ads, etc. in your business.
6. They Can Optimize Your Website For Mobile
More of your customers are using mobile devices to access the web. According to Pew Research, 81% own a smartphone. Almost 20% of Americans use the internet solely via mobile.
Take your smartphone/tablet out right now. Now, open your mobile browser and load up your site. If it doesn’t fit the screen, you have a problem. Rather than cope with tiny text, most mobile customers will bounce right to your competition.
An IT consultant can re-code your website so that it fits tablet and phone screens properly. They’ll create a mobile-friendly experience where the text is easily scrollable, and navigation is a cinch.
7. They Can Save Your Operation’s Capital
Money is the universal language of business. While most of us start companies to change the world, we strive to get maximum compensation for our contribution. In growth stages, cash can be tight – the more we save, the better our chances of survival.
An IT consultant redesigns processes to save your company time & money. By switching a hospital from paper to digital records, medical malpractice lawsuits go down. By tightening cybersecurity defences, you avoid losing valuable data to a ransomware attack.
Most of all, you stop wasting time learning IT processes and instead use it to focus on your core strengths.
Leverage The Knowledge Of An Experienced IT Consultant
Even if you’re knowledgeable about IT, that doesn’t mean you should waste your time on these tasks. Instead, outsource them to an IT consultant that lives eats, and breathes all things tech. Your company will be more prosperous for it in the long run.
