When you’re a business owner, you have to wear a lot of hats. From managing orders and vetting vendors to handling accounting, your plate is always full. But one job that you shouldn’t have to worry about is dealing with IT issues. Here’s why outsourcing your IT needs to professionals can be a game-changer for your small business.
Common Reasons Small Businesses Don’t Invest in IT Solutions
Perceived High Costs
Perhaps one of the most common reasons why small businesses shy away from Managed IT Services is the perceived high costs. As a fairly new or small business, you might be tight on budget, which may make you think that all IT services are sophisticated and out of reach financially. But here’s a fact you may overlook: you are paying for IT services, one way or another. Think about it: If you’re not hiring someone to help with IT support, you’re most likely handling it yourself, using your own time. Time equals money, so while you are “saving” costs on outsourced IT services, you’re still investing the time and effort that could otherwise be spent on other important aspects of your business. When you factor in the long-term benefits of IT support services, and the risks associated with unsecured networks, you may actually find it’s cost-effective to leave the technical aspects to the professionals.
Lack of Awareness
Sometimes, small businesses may not be aware that they have the option to invest in IT management services. They might not realize the full range of IT solutions available and how these can be customized to suit the specific needs of their business size.
Additionally, many business owners underestimate the importance of protecting their digital assets until it’s too late. Some small business owners may even believe they’re too small to be targeted by cybercriminals because “hackers have bigger fish to fry,” right? Well, not quite. In reality, small businesses are often prime targets due to their perceived lack of security measures. According to a report, 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses for this very reason (James, 2024).
Lastly, many business owners may not fully understand what Managed IT Services are. What exactly do they entail? In simple terms, Managed IT Services involve outsourcing your IT needs to a specialist, also known as a Managed Services Provider (MSP). MSPs provide comprehensive support to ensure all your IT needs are taken care of, from slow computers to securing your entire network.
The Benefits of Investing in IT Solutions
Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity
When you automate routine tasks and streamline workflows with Managed IT Services, your team can focus on what really matters–growing your business. This means less time spent on manual processes and more time dedicated to strategic initiatives. For example, MSPs can automate routine functions like ordering toner for your copier with the help of reporting software so your admin team does not have to worry about keeping track of inventory.
Improved Data Management and Security
Data breaches can be catastrophic for any business. On average, a data breach can cost small businesses over three million dollars (Rinaldi, 2024). As mentioned earlier, a Managed IT Services Provider ensures your data is managed efficiently and securely. As a busy owner juggling various tasks, it is understandable that you may not be able to keep up with the latest security updates and patches to protect your business at all times, but your MSP will. They ensure round-the-clock security to protect your critical information from potential threats and reduce the risk of costly breaches with security protocols.
Cost Savings Over Time
Although outsourcing your IT needs may appear more expensive initially, it’s important to consider the long-term cost benefits. For starters, MSPs often have partnerships that allow them to source software and hardware at better prices than you can as an individual business.
Secondly, MSPs focus on proactive support, which means they catch issues before they become major problems, reducing or even eliminating downtime. Without their proactive approach, you’d be stuck reacting to problems as they arise, which can lead to more downtime and unpredicted expenses. Think of it this way: Would you rather prevent the milk from spilling or clean up the mess afterward?
Moreover, MSPs offer long-term cost savings by automating workflows and processes for your employees. With designated IT support, your staff won’t have to deal with slow systems and computers, which can drastically decrease productivity. Automated systems reduce operational costs, decrease downtime, and eliminate the time-consuming maintenance associated with outdated technology.
Supplement Existing Teams
Some businesses believe they don’t need Managed IT Services if they have an internal IT team. However, you can still benefit from managed IT solutions even with an in-house team. Why? Because an MSP can support and complement your internal IT staff, helping to divide and conquer tasks. Your internal IT team will likely be more familiar with your staff and company culture, so you can reserve their time to handle issues that directly involve employees. Meanwhile, an outsourced team can focus on behind-the-scenes tasks like security and system maintenance. This division of labor frees up your internal IT team to concentrate on strategic initiatives that can help propel your business forward.
Take the Next Step Toward Success
Investing in Managed IT Services is an investment in the future of your business. It empowers you to operate more efficiently, protect your valuable data, and stay competitive. Don’t wait until a crisis hits to realize the importance of expert IT support. Take proactive steps today to secure your business’s success. If you’re ready to explore how Managed IT Services can transform your business, we’re here to help. Whether you run a retail store, a consultancy, or a small manufacturing firm, we have customizable IT solutions to meet your specific needs. Reach out to us today to learn more.
References
James, C. (2024, June 17). Small businesses prioritize cybersecurity amid evolving threats. Spectrum News. https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/news/2024/06/17/small-business-cybersecurity–data-protection–cyber-threats–proactive-measures-#:~:text=A%20report%20by%20Accenture%20found,security%20department%2C%22%20Wytrwal%20said.
Rinaldi, A. (2024, January 177). The cost of cybersecurity and how to budget for it. Business.com. https://www.business.com/articles/smb-budget-for-cybersecurity/#how-much-does-a-data-breach-cost
