It’s February – the love month.  If you think about it, when you work with an IT vendor it is very similar to any other important relationship in your life.  You share intimate knowledge about your business with them, you potentially let them handle your private information, and you trust them to help make financial decisions for you just to note a few similarities.

To have such a relationship, you have to build trust and understanding.  It is not much different than developing a relationship with a new friend, colleague, or lover.  In each, a strong, building trust and respect is of critical importance.  As that trust develops, you’ll be open to feedback and criticism more than if you were “casual acquaintances.”  If the relationship is good, you’ll forgive each others mistakes and continue to look for ways to improve each other.

When you’re evaluating your partnership with your IT department or vendor, do you have a good sense of trust and intimacy?  These questions may help you find out:

• Will someone take the time to help you understand what is needed and the WHY behind those needs?
• Is a good business case built for infrastructure improvements?
• Do you feel like you’re being asked to spend money needlessly?
• Are your needs paraphrased and brought back to you so you know they understand you?
• Do you feel like your vendor has your long-term needs in mind?
• Have you heard “I’m sorry” when mistakes were made?
• Has time been spent managing expectations and ensuring each of you are on the same page?
• Do you have someone to talk to who will listen and respond to your needs?

These are just a few of the things you should be asking yourself when working with your local geek, your in-house staff, or your third-party vendor.  CSI Onsite works very hard to be that trusted partner with our clients.  It’s why we say we’re the “Techs you can trust!”