If you are a small business that has tried, or is currently trying, to look for IT services, outsourced IT services, managed IT services or IT consulting services then you may have used one or more of the following methods:
* Asked others who they have used for IT services
* Performed a Google Search such as "IT services in...." and added your city name
* Used an online directory listing such as Yellowpages.com or the chamber of commerce
* Called an IT services and support company from a flyer or direct mailer you got in the mail
Each of these methods is perfectly viable and will definitely produce quite a few results as you may have discovered.
Asking others who they have used, or 'word of mouth' is one of the most popular ways to seek out and IT solutions provider. We do it all of the time and we trust the people that we ask. It's a great method. After asking our trusted resources it's common to then go and do some research to find out more.
Performing a Google Search is the next most used method by businesses when they are looking for an IT provider. This is a great way as well since most Google searches will pull up a ton of results rather quickly. Those results will include business websites, sponsored ads, and a few local search results as well. Since you may not recognize a lot of the results in the list, you can dig through each one, visit their websites and learn about the wide variety of services and solutions they provide.
Beyond the common Google search for an IT solutions provider there are directories such as yellowpages.com or even the local Chamber of Commerce. A search online may pull up a listing of providers or you can visit sites such as the MSP Alliance, which provide a listing of providers that are certified in their MSP Alliance program.
As a business, you most likely have received a few direct mailers from IT solutions providers, outsourced IT providers, Managed Service Providers, or IT consultants. This is another method of finding an IT Solutions provider that works well. It is important to know that with It solution providers direct mailers and marketing letters a good thorough research effort should be completed to make sure the provider is a potential right fit.
Is there Another Way?
Beyond the methods listed above for finding the right IT solutions provider for your business, there is another way. How about being able to search for a solution provider, IT consultant, managed service provider, or other IT service provider by location and business vertical? In just a few seconds you can view all IT solution providers in your city/state/metro area. You will be able to see a description of their business/services, social networking information, company news/blog feeds, industry certifications, and then contact them if you choose. It's fast, free, easy, and visual. Add this to the list of ways you search for an IT solutions provider, computer consultant, managed services provider, etc.
