IT managers and independent consultants face many challenges when searching for ways to streamline their workflows, increase profits, and manage projects and employees more efficiently all while keeping their clients’ critical data safe. While there are a number of tools and resources available, the trick for IT managers and consultants is choosing the right solutions with the right providers. How well a tool, and the providers behind it, are able to meet your needs will always reflect on your happiness with the tool, the extent to which you use the tool, and the benefit you receive from the tool.
If you’re running your own IT consulting business or want to help your IT department run more smoothly, the following tools will help you maximize your time, money and resources to help make your IT job easier:
1. Remote Desktop Manager
A remote desktop manager program should be at the top of every IT professional’s must-have list. It operates as the name implies, offering remote access to another user’s computer. This capability is especially critical for IT providers as it enables them to access and troubleshoot problems without leaving their office, and without confusing their clients by attempting to walk them through complex step-by-steps. This is a cost efficient solution, that can help you quickly and easily solve a variety of computer issues no matter where you are. For Windows, VENM Remote Desktop Manager is one of the top rated tools by users and offers a 30 day free trial. Along with remote desktop control it provides the ability for screen captures, remote PowerShell scripting, IP network scans, VNC deployment and more. For Mac users, Apple Remote Desktop Admin for Mac is a free tool that allows you to provide remote assistance to VNC-enabled computers including Windows, Linux and UNIX systems.
2. Program Installer
When you reformat a disk, do a clean install, or start a new system installing all of the necessary softwares and programs it will need can take up precious time. Instead of manually installing programs one by one, you can use Ninite to select all of the programs you want to install and have them installed all at once to their default locations. This includes web browsers, security programs, utilities, runtimes, media, developer tools and more. You can use it free on one computer, or manage up to 100 machines for $20 a month. You can view a complete list of programs and compatibilities here. The one thing they don’t offer to install is a cloud backup tool, so remember to discuss cloud backup needs and requirements with your clients separately to avoid potential data loss.
3. Reseller Programs
There are multiple ways to increase your IT business’s income, above and beyond generating new client accounts. Joining reseller programs for tools and softwares you believe in can help you increase your monthly income without adding more work to your plate. The best reseller programs to join are those which offer products or services you’re already selling to your clients — things like cloud backup, data recovery, etc. By reselling these products, you can make thousands of additional dollars in passive income a month. Nordic Backup offers a reseller program for referrals to its cloud backup services that is free to join, invoices your clients directly, and offers sales tools and 24/7 support to you. Whether you sell cloud backup to a personal, small business, or enterprise user, you can earn one time or even recurring commission for your referral. You can find a breakdown of the amounts you can earn here. You can learn more about the program and sign up to join here.
4. Sales CRM
A CRM (customer relationship management) tool is very helpful for growing IT businesses. It allows you to keep track of your entire sales process, from tracking your communications with potential clients so you’ll know who is close to a sale, to setting up sales calls and more. One of the top IT tools for workforce, sales and customer management is Salesforce, which lets you track deal conversations, call logs, quotes and more. This insight is especially helpful if you have multiple employees making sales.
5. Time Tracking Tools
Timekeeping tools are essential for IT managers and consultants trying to be more mindful of budgets and bill clients for any overages in work, or justify the need for larger budgets. These tools make it easy for you to track your team members’ hours, even when their job requires them to work remotely. If you’re an independent IT consultant operating alone or with a small team, the free time tracking tool Toggl will meet all of your basic needs and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Larger teams or IT managers working within organizations may enjoy Harvest. This tool offers more robust plan options and even integrates with invoicing so you can get multiple functions out of this single tool.
6. Cloud Backup
Keeping your client’s data safe and retrievable no matter when or how a data disaster hits should always be a top priority, and that means utilizing preventative tools. If you’re an independant consultant, this is a huge factor in client retention. If you’re managing an IT department, you have just in much at stake if your company loses data and you haven’t taken thorough preventative measures against data loss. Nordic Backup is one of the best cloud backup providers, offering a comprehensive line of consumer, small business and enterprise backup solutions with features ranging from file level and server backup to managed bare metal cloud recovery and a 24/7 hosted server copy. Best of all it uses In-File Delta to automatically and continuously back up your clients’ data as they create and change files so you don’t have to schedule or remember to run backups. It will also send you and your client an email backup report to alert you to any issues so you can catch them early.
By applying a combination of these tools, you can make your IT department or consultancy business run smoother, faster, save time, maximize your earning potential, and more.
For a partner who offers both a reseller program and extensive cloud backup plans, visit https://nordic-backup.com to learn more.
