It can be overwhelming selecting the best IT service provider for your business. Perhaps you’ve been burned in the past by a previous IT provider and really want to find the right fit this time. Maybe you like to be very thorough with your vendor selection.
Below are questions that take your IT services candidate interviews to the next level. For more introductory questions read our previous blog, Best Interview Questions To Ask Your IT Services Candidates – Part One.
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1. What are your core values?
This may or may not be important to you. A company’s core values are the foundation on which employees perform work and conduct themselves. You can tell a lot about a company by its culture, and a strong culture is a reflection of core values. Does your company have core values? If so, you probably want to work with a company that shares similar ideals.
2. How easily can we terminate services?
Certain types of professional services may require months to show a client results but managed IT service is not one of them. You should start to see improvements in your IT environment right away. If you ever find you are not satisfied with the level of service, or if things change in your business, it should not be a hassle to change or terminate your managed services plan.
The best managed service providers don’t need lengthy contracts because they rely on high quality results to keep you around. If the managed service agreement you are considering requires a lengthy term you may want to continue looking.
3. Can we come tour your office?
Many IT service providers offer similar service plans at similar pricing. Visiting the office is a great way to see the differentiation. You can tell a lot about a business by visiting its office. You get a sense if the business is organized or chaotic. You may witness a culture of high job satisfaction or quick turnover.
It may feel time consuming to take the trip but so many unasked questions are revealed and answered. You may discover that there is a reason one provider promises service levels at half the cost and that the savings aren’t worth it.
Further Thoughts
These questions are a great start but you also want to evaluate your relationship with current vendors. What do you wish you had asked them when you were interviewing them? What are the characteristics of your excellent vendors? If you don’t have many vendors ask your peers or friends.
Good luck! Remember a good service provider will love that you have an excellent list of questions. If you need any help or have any questions contact us.
Our goal for this blog is to answer the questions you ask. If you have any questions about IT service providers or any topic please leave a comment below or email me at [email protected].
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