Managing Small Business Technology

You're looking to hire a lawyer, or maybe you're a law firm about to sign a new client. Either way, you'll want to create an Attorney Engagement Letter to help protect your legal rights and obligations. Get the letter in writing before signing on for legal services, so that both parties can be on the same page. Use the Attorney Engagement Letter document if: You are a lawyer or law firm providing services to another business or individual. You will be contracting with a lawyer or law firm to receive legal services. Whether you're a lawyer or just looking to hire one, an Attorney Engagement Letter is a handy tool for outlining the attorney-client relationship. In essence, it documents the terms and conditions of the sale of legal services to a business or individual. With this information in writing, you'll have a better idea of your legal rights and responsibilities. Your Attorney Engagement Letter should include details like: the name of the client; the name of the attorney or law firm providing legal services; a description of the legal services being provided; how the attorney will be compensated; whether the attorney will charge hourly rates, or whether the law firm charges different rates for different members; the terms of the payment; whether the attorney charges a deposit, and how much; and which state's laws will govern this agreement. Other names for this document: Legal Engagement Letter, Lawyer Engagement Letter, Attorney Client Engagement Letter,

Technology Levels the Playing Field

One advantage small business has gained over the years is the ready availability of sophisticated technology that was once the exclusive asset of the largest corporations. But with this benefit comes the additional responsibility of proficient management of that technology.

Customers Demand Better Service

Today's customer has come to expect the greater convenience and efficiency the Internet Age, with online connectivity to company accounts, or at least computerized records, information databases, and customer management systems.

A Technology Breakdown Can Be a Public Relations Nightmare

Managing your technology may not be at the top of your list of important business activities, but perhaps it should be, because how your computers, database, network, phones, etc. are running can make the difference between being seen by your customers as competent and caring about their needs, or inefficient and unconcerned.

Asset Management Can Be a Daunting Task

Your technology must be chosen and sized to the required tasks and your staff must be proficient in its operation, but there is much more to keep track of. Your technology must be periodically upgraded. It is vital that software be updated for security and fixes. Hardware and software depreciate and must be either upgraded or replaced. When facing budget constraints, decisions must be made whether to continue using current equipment and software, or to replace it. For example, perhaps a three-year depreciation cycle could be extended to five years, but circumstances might dictate replacement, such as the inability of older equipment to support the software needed to remain competitive.

Threats Cannot Be Ignored

Damage from computer viruses, unreliable power sources, improper usage of software, etc. is a problem small business managers didn't have to deal with in the past. Proper rules need to be set up, taught to your employees, and enforced. Commercial grade surge protectors, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies), or even backup electrical generation may be necessary for the protection of your equipment, and proper technology training of your employees is always important.

Technology Glitches Must Be Handled Properly

No matter how good your hardware, software, and employee training, technology breakdowns do occur. Properly handling them is a matter of communication. For example, if a customer experiences difficulty accessing their account, they may keep trying over and over. This uses valuable bandwidth and CPU time. Multiply this by many customers trying to access your system, and your network, as well as your technicians, could be tied up with customer requests instead of working to solve the problem. The solution is to tell your customers you are aware of the problem, apologize for the inconvenience, and let them know you are working on it.

Outsourcing As a Solution

Many businesses solve their technology management problems by contracting with an outside technology management service. It is important that you chose one which is competent, flexible in its prices and levels of service, and has a reputation for effective communication with its clients.

Managing your business technology is as important for your business as sales, employment, and other aspects of your business. Properly managed, technology can give you an edge over your competitors and bring you up to the level of the large corporations.

Contracting with the right managed support IT service company is a valuable part of a successful business strategy. InHouse Techies offer several levels of managed IT support services, including custom tailored monthly plans.

HALAMAN SELANJUTNYA:

lawyer engagement letter lawyer engagement letter confidentiality lawyer non-engagement letter california lawyer engagement letter texas lawyer engagement letter are lawyer engagement letters privileged texas lawyer's creed engagement letter engagement letter lawyer expert witness lawyer engagement letter template engagement letter of a lawyer what is a lawyer engagement letter is an attorney engagement letter privileged attorney engagement letter california attorney engagement letter contingency fee attorney engagement letter corporation attorney non-engagement letter california lawyer client engagement letter lawyer engagement letter examples attorney engagement letter estate planning attorney engagement letter real estate attorney engagement letter flat fee attorney engagement letter joint representation attorney engagement letter massachusetts sample attorney engagement letter massachusetts attorney engagement letter new york sample attorney engagement letter new york lawyer letter of engagement attorney engagement letter pdf attorney engagement letter privileged attorney engagement letter pennsylvania attorney engagement letter third party payor sample engagement letter lawyer philippines attorney engagement letter retainer california attorney engagement letter required lawyer engagement letter sample sample lawyer non-engagement letter attorney engagement letter texas attorney non engagement letter template attorney client engagement letter template