Top 5 signs you need to change your IT provider

Over the years of consulting with organizations in dozens of industries, many patterns have emerged in our conversations. Problems can crop up from time to time in any relationship, and through open, honest discussion those problems can become important lessons that help strengthen the lines of communication and avoid further issues.

There are times though when the relationship is either damaged beyond repair or simply one sided. Here are the warning signs that it might be time to seek help elsewhere.

1. You don't trust them

If you find that you're skeptical about the advice you receive or have found that they continually recommend courses of action that prove to be wrong, it might be time for a change.

2. You can't stand talking to them

You might find that the only time they start a conversation with you is to sell you an upgrade, but when it comes time to actually help you with something, they're difficult to communicate with.

3. They're a one-stop shop

Need networking, they can do it. Want a website? No problem. Creating a mobile application. Easy. Nobody is an expert at everything and it's dangerous pretending to be.

4. They're not interested in your business

With only technical knowledge, they're only capable of giving you 50% of the service you need. Being able to understand your operational challenges is a requirement, not a luxury.

5. You don't understand what you're paying for

You should have a simple understanding about what you're paying for and why you need it. If you need to research your invoice line items, they're not being transparent.

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If any of these ring true to you, it might be time to start looking for alternatives.