What Does It Mean to Have a vCIO? Peace of Mind.
These days, business success and technology are all but connected at the hip. It’s hard to imagine a business in the current marketplace whose bottom line and approach aren’t tied, for better or worse, to technological issues and concerns.
For larger companies, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) handles short and long-term technological strategy. The CIO ensures that the company’s technology syncs up with its business goals and needs.
But most SMBs don’t have the luxury of a CIO. This can lead to financial and technical problems. Wasted resources, downtime, low morale, incompatible or outdated systems…
And no one with the proper skill set to pull it all together.
Not to mention programs that don’t meet the company’s needs, or lack the consistency required to keep the business competitive, attractive to new recruits and firing on all cylinders.
Synced, well-budgeted technology means powerful potential for growth and advancement. That’s where a virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) can transform your operation.
So what does a vCIO do?
A vCIO Brings Cost-Effective CIO Expertise
A virtual CIO is an experienced IT executive tasked with providing part-time, C-level guidance to multiple companies. This means working with a company’s current executive team on a number of levels.
These include assessing potential problem areas, consulting on recommended technological upgrades, and analyzing functionality.
Simply put, a vCIO provides clarity on the multiple technological issues facing a company.
A well-structured IT approach is like riding in a well-maintained vehicle. It can mean the difference between a smooth trip, and a ride where every bump in the road threatens to jar your business off the highway to success.
The vCIO provides on-demand IT expertise by participating in executive-level meetings, auditing systems, and overseeing technological changes.
Related: 3 Things Great IT Consulting can do for Your Business
What to Look for in a vCIO
So you’re ready to hire a vCIO. Now how do you choose the right vCIO for your business?
Most vCIOs will have the technical knowledge required to consult effectively. But that doesn’t tell the whole story.
IT qualifications are notoriously hard to measure. Real-world experience is crucial, but an exceptional vCIO also meshes seamlessly with a company’s culture.
Firms spend extensive time focusing on technological compatibility. But often SMBs don’t stop to think about personal compatibility.
A lack of personal compatibility can lead to many of the same problems that incompatible technology creates. Successful firms hire based on a combination of competence, flexibility and personality.
Experience is great, no question.
But even experienced MSPs can get stretched thin. Finding a vCIO who has time for you, and who cares about your company’s continued success, are as important as finding one with experience.
Can they shuffle their plate to prioritize the pressing issues that crop up on your radar? Will they? Will they be able to communicate with you in a way that makes them feel like part of the team?
These are important questions to ask when selecting your vCIO partner. They need to interact with your executive team in a way that feels organic, comfortable and effective.
Get Your vCIO On
Choosing and working with a vCIO can set you up for long-term growth that feels effortless. Nothing short of a full-time CIO has as much potential to link your systems together in a way that maximizes productivity.
Better employee experience, better customer service, better planning. A good vCIO creates all of these.
So why wait?
Hire a virtual Chief Information Officer that will go Above and Beyond to take your business to the next level. Your future will thank you!
