Brian Sherman Posts

Many IT services firms continue to overlook the potential for growing sales through social media. The good news is it's not to late to get involved and start driving new business. How do the experts do it? Read on...

Most IT professionals have come to realize that their business is no longer about themselves and the services they offer. It has more to do with the solutions they deliver and the specific needs they address for their business clients.

Samantha Ciaccia learned quickly how to adapt and excel in the quick-paced, demanding IT environment. While she credits many for helping her learn the ropes and cope with all those transitions, taking a leadership role in CompTIA communities has surely been a major factor in her success.

On June 29th, 2007, the world changed with the introduction of the iPhone. What Apple managed to do a decade ago was change the perception and conversation around mobile computing. They created a massive following by focusing more heavily on the user experience than other manufacturers had to that point; making talk, music and the Web a more intuitive experience.

What many businesses — not just technology companies — tend to forget is that customer engagement must be firmly instilled as a corporate mindset, not just something to do when things slow down. It becomes, in effect, the organization’s personality; one of encouragement and collaboration to ensure an optimal outcome for the client. Many IT services providers need to adopt that philosophy, and here are a few ways to make it happen.

Three of the most taxing concerns for today's channel professionals involve innovation, strategy, and shifts in sales methodologies. The CompTIA Canadian IT Business Community brought several experts into their latest meeting to share their experiences and insight in those areas and to conduct small group workshops to discuss individual challenges.

The IT industry must do a better job of attracting and properly preparing the next generation workforce for success, and outreach to underutilized communities is a great starting point. CompTIA's new Advancing Diversity in Technology Community is exploring options to help make that happen, developing programs to empower and expand the pool of talent available to IT companies.

Now is the time for channel firms to explore new opportunities and develop closer relationships with their clients. To get a better understanding of those customers’ needs and aspirations, and gain more “wallet share” as they build useful, viable new practices. With a little time and training, IT services firms can be the "tech visionary" their clients need while boosting their own future prospects. .

Though many IT services firms have adopted the managed or cloud services recurring revenue model, a fair number of those companies are still using dates payment systems and processes. The tools and best practices are available for those looking to enter the age of improved cash flow.

The big problem for IT security providers is that their tools no longer differentiate their businesses. The real value is ensuring that end users have the knowledge, skills and training to protect their organizations.