Not having technological know-how can impact productivity, efficiency, and your ability to move forward in your business. Many businesses partner with a technological specialist to help address this issue. It’s a great option, especially if you’re a smaller enterprise without the money to hire a full-time software developer.
Selecting the right tech partner is essential. Let’s explore how to do this.
What is a Technology Partner?
This is a partnership between your business and a company that specializes in technological development and implementation. The partnership serves to optimize and streamline your technological operations.
A tech partner can also offer custom software development offering your platform a unique design that helps with the target market.
1. Check Potential Tech Partner’s Portfolios
It’s essential to do your research thoroughly when selecting a tech partner. Make sure they aren’t all talk, but have a successful portfolio of work behind them. Check that the kind of work they do is of the standard and feel you’re looking for.
Be sure to talk to their clients to get references about potential partners. Don’t just take a company’s word for what they can do. Other customers’ perspectives will give you a real sense of their abilities and ways of working.
Talk to previous clients about how the company handled any challenges or setbacks. These are inevitable, but a good partner needs to manage problems effectively and get back on track.
2. They Should be Experts in Their Field
Your tech partner should have many years of experience under their belts, and they should also show they have moved with the times. Technology is a constantly evolving area. You need to partner with a company that is up to speed, or even better, at the forefront of technological advancement.
A company worth their salt will be able to advise you on your individual business needs. They should not just be trying to sell you the latest and most expensive tech and software.
They should also have been in business for several years, and have staff members and clients on the books that have been working with them for extended periods. This shows the company has good practices and can deliver long-term.
3. Make Sure They Offer Solid Support
A company’s customer service resources and model are extremely important to check out. Are you on your own once you have made a purchase or signed a contract, or is the company still there for you if you have any questions or problems? Do they have a dedicated customer care center and call line?
These things are important. If tech is not your strong point, it is unavoidable that you will need support at some point. You should also have clear lines of communication with essential members of the tech partner company, and a fair and transparent financial model.
4. Assess Business Culture Compatibility
The synergy between your two companies is also a factor in establishing a positive and impactful partnership. Your two houses should have similar formality levels, values, principles, ways of communicating, and so on.
Make sure the company members who will be working together on tech get along and understand each other. This will minimize miscommunications, frustration, disappointment, and other unnecessary drama.
5. They Should Have an Eye on the Future
As said earlier, technology is always changing and growing. Your tech partner should have some ideas about how to keep your technical systems relevant going forward.
They should have a range of solutions and alternatives for you to choose from. They should also have the ability to explain these options clearly and succinctly so as not to boggle your brain with tech jargon.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, your tech partner should be someone who knows their job, offers solid customer support, and aligns with your business culture. Trust your instincts – if something feels off, it most likely is.
