Technology
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Hire Out for Small Business Technology Help

Operating a successful small business today means keeping up with a great
many technology-related tasks. You need basic computers and perhaps
laptops, as well as a bunch of different business software, depending on what
your business does.  Then there are networks, Internet access, email and
Web sites to contend with.  Even selecting the right technology is not easy. It’s
hard to know what works best for a small business.

Common missteps include buying only bargain-shelf hardware, using pirated
software or buying it piecemeal rather than in discount bundles and setting up
e-mail accounts without controls or Web sites that don’t work.

Helping small businesses avoid such technology blunders has become big
business itself. There’s now a nationwide network of computer or IT
consultants who specialize in setting up tech systems and solving problems
for small companies.

The future success of your business hinges on systems that work properly, so
seeking professional help makes sense. An outside tech expert can become
a vital extension of your business, almost like a trusted attorney or accountant.
But not just anyone with a little PC smarts will do. You’ll want someone who
does this full-time for you and other clients rather than a person who merely
dabbles in computers on the side.

To find the right fit, develop a detailed list of your needs and how you want the
person to work including part-time, on-call or a project basis. Look for
someone who understands your type of business.  They should also be able to
explain the work in plain English so you or someone else in your business can
learn how it all works.

Experience with businesses of your size is also important. Someone who
works only with big companies may not be familiar with the best solutions for
you. You should tap your independent tech guru for advice before making
hardware or software purchases. A few minutes on the phone can prevent
costly mistakes.

For help finding a tech consultant, contact the Independent Computer
Consultants Association at www.icaa.org, a national nonprofit membership
group based in St. Louis. Their Web site has a free feature that lets you
search for consultants by area or special skills.

To learn more about technology issues facing your small business, contact
SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business." SCORE is a nonprofit
organization of more than 10,500 volunteer business counselors who provide
free, confidential business counseling and training workshops to small
business owners. Go to www.scoredm.org on the web or call (515) 284-4760
between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. Monday through Friday.