 They're
going to need an exciting computer project,
but are you?
It didn't used to be like this. Computers used to be very, very expensive,
and companies spent whatever was necessary to keep them running. Software
was complicated, and systems didn't talk to each other. Computer people
were critical to the daily functions of a business. Now it's different:
networking is simple, everyone uses Ethernet. Internet access is ubiquitous,
and the software needs of every office are typically limited to Microsoft
Office, email, the Web and some graphics programs. What does this mean
for your computer support people?
Try this simple test: ask your computer person or department to give
you a list of everything they're doing for your employees. See how long
it takes to get a list. Ask your employees if all of their requests
are on the list, or if the list contains projects that are only interesting
to your computer folks.
To stay interested and educated, your computer staff will have to find
challenges either inside or outside your firm. If they find it inside,
you're liable to be investing in solutions that they tell you are "important"
or "will help us accomplish ________" and will fill the rest of the
conversation with technical jargon. You'll have to either just accept
what they say, or question it and risk offending them.
Or they could find challenges outside your company; maybe leave for
a dotcom job. If they do, how much of your critical office knowledge
goes with them? Passwords, how to handle the backup, how to set up a
new employee in the system. Do you want to scramble and interview new
computer people every nine months?
Computer projects have become relatively simple. Get everyone on the
net, get rid of viruses, administer the backup. This is dull for many
salaried computer people, so they come up with interesting projects
and sell them to their company as "necessary investments."
Mann Consulting fixes this problem - we provide a scalable level of
support (use only as much as you need) but with the continuity that
you don't get with freelancers or temps. Want to know everything on
the list? We manage our client project lists daily. Every item is prioritized
and scheduled. Want more help on Wednesday? We can send an additional
person, or three of four more. And our consultants don't get bored because
we rotate them around different companies and projects.
Don't be held hostage by your computer people! Call Mann Consulting
to find out how we can affordably support your office.
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