As a small business owner and author, I’ve learned firsthand the importance of efficient IT management. After years of struggling with tech issues that took time away from my writing and publishing, I made the decision to outsource my IT support to a Managed Services Provider (MSP). It was a game-changer for my business, and I want to share with you seven reasons why I believe outsourcing IT support is a smart move for any business, big or small.
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1. Reduce Overhead Costs
When I first considered hiring an in-house IT manager, I was shocked by the salary range – anywhere from £30,000 to £60,000 per year! And that wasn’t even including the extra costs like hiring, benefits, and ongoing training to keep their skills current. As a small publishing business owner, those figures made my head spin.
I quickly realized that having a full-time IT professional on staff was a luxury I simply couldn’t afford. Before I made the switch to outsourcing, I found myself dealing with outdated technology and frustrating periods of downtime. I’d often see my team struggling to fix tech issues they didn’t fully understand, instead of focusing on their actual jobs. The lost productivity was costing me more than I realized.
That’s when I discovered the beauty of outsourcing IT management. Now, I only pay for what I actually need. Instead of a hefty salary, I have a predictable monthly or annual fee that fits neatly into my budget. It’s been a game-changer for my small business, allowing me to access top-notch IT support without breaking the bank. Trust me, whether you’re running a large company or a small operation like mine, this approach can work wonders for your bottom line.
2. Got the Support I Desperately Needed
I remember the day my entire system crashed right before a crucial book launch. It was a nightmare! I had no idea who to call or how to fix it. That’s when I realized I needed a specialist on standby, ready to swoop in when things go wrong.
But it’s not just about crisis management. When I decided to modernize my publishing process and move to a more digital-first approach, I found myself in over my head with the technical aspects. I needed expert guidance to make smart, forward-thinking decisions about my tech setup.
That’s why I turned to a managed service provider. Now, I have peace of mind knowing that my IT systems are being proactively monitored. They catch and resolve issues before they can escalate into major problems that could derail my writing schedule or delay a book release.
And on those rare occasions when something does go wrong? I have a whole team of technical experts just a phone call away. No more panicking or wasting hours trying to Google solutions to complex IT problems. I can focus on what I do best – writing and publishing – while knowing my tech needs are in capable hands.
3. It Complemented My Existing Team
Even when I had an IT person on staff, there were times when they were unavailable or the problem was beyond their expertise. My outsourced IT support fills those gaps seamlessly.
Let me tell you about the time I was finalizing the layout for my latest book. It was a Friday afternoon, and my in-house tech guru had already left for a long weekend. Suddenly, my publishing software crashed, and I couldn’t access any of my files. Panic set in as I realized my printing deadline was looming.
That’s when I was grateful for my outsourced IT support. With just one call, I had an expert on the line who guided me through recovering my files and getting back on track. They even stayed on the call until I had successfully sent everything to the printer. Talk about a lifesaver!
This experience taught me the value of having a backup team. Now, whether my regular IT person is on vacation, sick, or just busy with another project, I know I’m covered. There’s always someone available to take my call and provide a solution, no matter how complex the issue might be.
It’s like having a safety net for those “oh no!” tech moments that always seem to happen at the worst possible time. For a small business owner like me, that peace of mind is priceless. It allows me to focus on my writing and publishing deadlines, knowing that whatever technical hiccups come my way, I have a team of experts ready to jump in and save the day.
4. I Can Focus on Growing My Business
Before outsourcing, I spent countless hours troubleshooting tech issues instead of writing or working on my publishing strategy. Now, I can dedicate my time to what I do best – creating content and growing my brand.
I remember a week when I lost three full days to a server problem. Three days! That’s time I could have spent finishing a chapter or planning my next book launch. It was a wake-up call. I realized that every minute spent wrestling with IT issues was a minute not spent growing my business.
By outsourcing my IT support, I’ve reclaimed that time. Now, when a tech problem crops up, I make one call and get back to work. It’s given me the freedom to focus on what really matters – writing great books and reaching more readers. And isn’t that what growing a business is all about?
5. My Productivity Skyrocketed
I used to lose entire days to tech problems. Now, my MSP proactively monitors my systems and often resolves issues before I even notice them. They’ve also introduced me to tools like Microsoft Teams, which has streamlined my collaboration with editors and designers.
Remember when sending a manuscript meant hours of back-and-forth emails and version confusion? Those days are gone. My IT team suggested automation tools that have cut my admin time in half. Now, I spend more time writing and less time wrestling with technology. It’s not just about fixing problems anymore; it’s about finding smart ways to work. And for a writer on deadlines, that’s priceless.
6. I’m Always Up-to-Date with the Latest Technology
As an author, staying current with publishing technology is crucial. My IT support team keeps me informed about the latest software and tools that can enhance my writing and publishing process.
Last year, they introduced me to a new e-book formatting tool that cut my production time by 30%. I would never have known about it otherwise. They’re like my personal tech scouts, always on the lookout for innovations that can give my business an edge. It’s reassuring to know I’m not falling behind in the fast-paced world of publishing technology.
7. Problems Are Prevented Before They Escalate
I’ll never forget the time I lost a nearly-finished manuscript due to a system failure. It was devastating. With my current IT support, such incidents are a thing of the past. They monitor my systems 24/7, ensuring I never have to face such a heartbreaking loss again.
Just last month, they caught a potential hard drive failure before it happened. They replaced it overnight, and I never missed a beat in my writing schedule. It’s like having a guardian angel for my tech – they spot and fix issues before I even know they exist. No more costly downtime or frustrating productivity losses. For me, this proactive approach has been a game-changer.
Final Thoughts
As someone who was initially sceptical about outsourcing IT supports, I can confidently say it’s been one of the best decisions for my business. It’s allowed me to focus on my passion – writing and publishing – while knowing my tech needs are in capable hands.
If you’re considering outsourcing your IT support, I’d recommend starting with a local search. When I was looking, I simply typed “IT Support Bristol” (my city) into Google, and it led me to several great options. Take your time to find a provider that understands your unique needs. For me, finding an MSP that understood the specific tech requirements of the publishing industry was key to our successful partnership.
Remember, in today’s digital age, robust IT support isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity for business growth and peace of mind. From one business owner to another, I can’t recommend it enough!
