Selecting The Right Business Model – Like many of today’s managers, you’re probably being asked to do more with less—a lot less. This isn’t always easy—especially in IT where resources are often limited. So you have to be selective when it comes to projects. You also have to make ample use of all the tools at your discretion, like outsourcing. It offers numerous benefits. One is freeing up resources that you can re-invest in projects that dramatically enhance business value.
The key to succeeding is selecting the right business model for your project. Choosing the right model not only cuts cost, but it also maximizes your return on investment.
To select the right model, you first need to take a hard look at your business. Having picked a model, you then need to decide on the right model for your business situation and the right partner as your provider.
Types of Business Model
Business models fall into one of three categories. They’re either personnel, function, or project.
- The Personnel Model is a most basic form. With this model, you use outside personnel to perform a task without adding internal resources to the mix. Generally, an account manager independently manages the personnel involved. Bringing in additional help to backfill on basic duties during a project rollout is a good example of this model type. Flexibility is this model’s biggest advantage.
- The Function Model allows you to break off an IT task and hand it off to an independent provider. This model works best for compartmentalized responsibilities that can be grouped individually and require little collaboration with internal functions. Help desk support is a good example of this model type. Cost reduction and efficiency are this model’s biggest advantages.
- The Project Model features a start and endpoint as well as a set of deliverables. These projects are one-time engagements that require skill sets your department lacks. This model also includes those instances where you don’t have the manpower to accomplish what you want, yet still must handle core responsibilities.
Projects, where a temporary spike in IT services is needed but hiring additional people, is out of the question are good examples of this model type. Getting the job done quickly is this model’s biggest advantage.
All three models are viable alternatives. Which model you choose depends on your particular business situation.
More Selection Considerations
While the type is the main consideration when choosing the right model, it’s not the only one. Two other considerations include the business objectives you want to accomplish and the impact your service provider will have on internal workflow and productivity.
Additional considerations that can influence model selection include the project’s impact on the company’s overall success, the risk/reward level of handling the project internally versus externalizing it, and the expected return on the project’s investment.
Then there’s the price. The affordable price you’re willing to pay, considering the right models, quality, responsiveness, support, and expertise, also factors into your decision-making process. In fact, these things maybe even more of a factor than price when it comes to choosing the right model.
Identifying The Right Partner Fitting Your Business Model
Once you’ve determined the right business model, you need to identify the right provider for your project. You’ll want a provider that can do the job better than you can, preferably one with a history of succeeding in similar situations.
Size is also a consideration when selecting a partner. A smaller provider may provide greater attention to its clients. But a larger provider can offer you more firepower and be more financially stable. Often, a medium-size provider is best if you’re an SMB.
Whatever size partner you choose, make sure you’re comfortable with the firm and its people. Depending on the project’s length, you may be working with them for a long time.
As an outsourced IT service desk company, we offer to leverage our proven experience in providing top-notch tech support for small and medium-size companies, tailored specifically to meet your needs. Let us put our expertise to work for you. Contact our sales team today to inquire about outsourcing IT service desk pricing and request a quote.
