In today's fast-paced market, it might be challenging to find the right technology and managed services solutions for your company. With so many options, it's easy to get caught up in sales pitches, technical jargon, and flashy presentations. The issue is distinguishing genuine value from "salesman's hype." This guide aims to aid you in sifting through the commotion, sidestepping potential pitfalls, and honing in on crucial considerations when formulating business choices.

1. Establish Your Objectives

Before speaking with salespeople, define your company's objectives. Do you have any issues you'd like to discuss? What are your long-term objectives? Knowing your priorities might help you ask the right questions and remove solutions that don't meet your company's objectives.

2. Conduct Research

The internet has made information clickable. Before speaking with salesmen, do your homework on solutions and technologies. Read unbiased reviews, case studies, and customer testimonials. Understand the benefits and drawbacks of each option, and look for red flags. You can use knowledge to challenge inflated promises and discover true value.

3. Ask the Right Questions

When speaking with salesmen, ask probing inquiries. How does their solution address your concerns? What tangible benefits can you anticipate? How is implementation carried out? Reliable providers will appreciate your effort and provide straightforward responses. Avoid confusing or jargon-like comments. To help you with this step, we have an IT Buyers Guide you can download for free from Cybertools. It includes a list of important questions to ask the service providers you are considering.

4. Demand Evidence and Demonstrations

A good managed service provider can demonstrate how their solution works and how it benefits your company. To test their capabilities, request a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment. Request recommendations from clients who have comparable needs. Seeing the technology in action and hearing from real customers may reveal insights that are not available from a sales pitch.

5. Price vs. Value

While price is a significant consideration, it should not be the only one. Consider the efficiency, productivity, scalability, and long-term ROI of the solution for your company. A solution with higher upfront costs but large benefits may be less expensive than a less expensive solution that fails to deliver.

6. Avoid making unrealistic promises.

Be wary of promises that are too good to be true. To convert, salespeople may exaggerate their abilities or make excessive claims. Without data, a solution that promises overnight transformations or the moon is likely exaggerated. Trustworthy suppliers prioritize realistic goals and incremental improvements, under-promising and over-delivering.

7. Consult with Your Team

Participate in decision-making with important department stakeholders. Their perspectives and thoughts may assist you in evaluating solutions from many perspectives. They will also feel invested in the solution, which will enhance adoption and implementation.

Closing Thoughts

Making informed managed service decisions requires distinguishing between true value and salesman bluster. You may avoid common mistakes and find solutions that fit your business goals by recognizing your needs, researching, asking smart questions, getting demos, focusing on value, and involving your team. Remember that long-term success and the safety of your company are more vital than sales presentations.