Line up your tech support before trouble starts

As you grow your business your reliance on your technology tools grows along with it.  Our business is our connections, our knowledge, our history and our data.  Imagine losing access to all of your electronically stored information in situations ranging from a few hours of  down-time or complete loss.

We try to keep on top of everything through having data backup regimens in place; we keep our antivirus and other software up-to-date; we use surge protection and keep our computers cool and copacetic–but still things  happen.  Computers fail, bad guys break in and sometimes your software doesn’t play well with others.  Who are you going to call?

Well, Ghostbusters won’t be much help.  Do you have a backup plan other than wishful thinking?  Your data is your business and you can’t risk losing your data without having a rescue plan.

Find a reliable tech support service before disaster strikes.  Just like finding a good mechanic, a good doctor or a good receptionist–it takes some research, trial and error and advice from colleagues.  Ask around and ask questions.

A good way to test out a computer support professional is to buy a few hours of consulting time.  Get their advice on planning your next tech move (building your network, setting up VPN access, integrating your phones/ computers).  Are you impressed with their insights?  Have them repair or setup something that has exceeded your own tech skillset.  Did they listen and they solve the problem?  If you find good computer help, get them to provide a service agreement.  Have them commit to an acceptable response time.  If you secure good help in advance, when you have the luxury of time, you will be ahead of the game when the inevitable failure occurs.