How Much IT Does Your Business Need?
Understanding your unique needs around IT.
The 6 Levels of IT
Imagine transforming a small business with minimal IT resources into a tech-savvy powerhouse capable of tackling complex challenges in just a few months.
Imagine transforming a small business with minimal IT resources into a tech-savvy powerhouse capable of tackling complex challenges in just a few months.
In this week’s newsletter, we’ll explore the six levels of IT needs and how understanding them can help your business scale.
Grab your coffee and let's dive into the strategies that can transform your business from good to great.
Level 1 - Basic Computer Support
Businesses at this level typically purchase hardware and software from retailers and use basic office suites.
Most IT tasks are handled in-house by employees who are not IT professionals.
For these businesses, IT is a basic tool, not a strategic asset.
Who Fits Here?
Startups and Small Businesses (1-10 employees):
These businesses often operate on tight budgets and view IT as a necessary expense rather than a strategic investment.
They rely on off-the-shelf solutions to meet their needs, focusing on day-to-day operations rather than long-term IT planning.
Level 2 - Some Help Needed
At this stage, businesses begin to recognize the importance of IT and start seeking outside help for specific issues.
They hire consultants to address particular challenges but lack a long-term IT strategy.
Approximately 10% of their budget is allocated to IT.
Who Fits Here?
Businesses Recognizing IT Importance but Not Fully Outsourcing:
These are small businesses that understand the value of IT but are not ready to fully commit to outsourcing. They seek assistance for immediate problems but have not yet integrated IT into their strategic planning.
Level 3 - Wants Some Help
Businesses in this category outsource their IT needs to managed service providers (MSPs).
They recognize the complexity of IT and the necessity for expertise to ensure reliability and security.
IT is seen as a critical component of their operations.
Who Fits Here?
Small to Medium Businesses (20-50 employees):
As businesses grow, so do their IT needs.
These companies require more robust solutions to manage increasing data and ensure security, turning to MSPs for support and guidance.
Level 4 - Knowledge of Need for More
At this level, businesses regularly collaborate with MSPs because their IT needs surpass their internal capabilities.
They seek productivity improvements and recognize that IT plays a significant role in their success.
Who Fits Here?
Medium Businesses (50-100 employees):
With larger teams and more complex operations, these businesses understand that IT is essential for maintaining productivity and staying competitive.
They require comprehensive IT solutions that go beyond basic support.
Level 5 - Knows What They Want
These businesses have specific IT needs driven by compliance and regulatory requirements.
They require assistance with compliance management and software solutions.
IT is highly valued, and they easily adopt new technologies.
Who Fits Here?
Regulated Industries (e.g., Finance, Healthcare, Manufacturing):
Companies in regulated sectors face stringent IT requirements and must adhere to industry standards.
They prioritize IT investments to ensure compliance and leverage technology to gain a competitive edge.
Level 6 - Have an IT Department
Businesses at this level have an internal IT director or manager and an internal help desk to handle daily support.
They outsource projects only to fill skill gaps, utilizing a mix of in-house and external resources to meet their IT needs.
Who Fits Here?
Large Businesses (100+ employees):
Large enterprises have complex IT ecosystems and require dedicated teams to manage their infrastructure.
They view IT as a strategic asset, leveraging technology to drive innovation and growth.
So where do I fit?
Understanding your business's IT needs is crucial for making informed decisions about technology investments.
Whether you're a startup looking for basic support or a large enterprise with an internal IT team, aligning your IT strategy with your business goals is key to success.
By identifying where your business fits within these six levels, you can better tailor your IT approach to support growth, efficiency, and innovation.
One final note: as they say, size isn’t everything.
I’ve worked with businesses at level 6 with just 30 employees.
So, take the size parameter with a grain of salt. 🧂
It's more about understanding your unique needs and leveraging IT to meet them effectively.
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