5 Tips for Hiring the Right IT for Your Agency

As an independent insurance agent, you may find it practical to hire a third-party to run your day-to-day IT services for things like help desk support and hardware issues. When it comes to in-house IT, you may consider hiring for more innovative and strategic skillsets to make tech a growth enabler for your agency. Philosophically, lean IT keeps the innovative talent in-house and outsources the rest to provide maximum value. Let’s look at 5 helpful tips for both options and how to select for them.

Hiring a third-party IT, Managed Services Provider (MSP):

1. Clearly define your IT needs and goals. Before you begin the process, it is important to understand your IT needs and goals. This will help you identify the right provider that can best meet your needs.
2. Look for a provider with a wide range of services. A good provider should offer a range of services including network and infrastructure management, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity.
3. Consider a provider that offers 24/7 support. Find a provider that can provide support around the clock. This will ensure that your business can quickly resolve any IT issues that may arise.
4. Research the provider’s reputation and check their references, looking for those who work with insurance agencies. It is important to find a provider that has a good reputation in the industry and has satisfied clients who are willing to vouch for their services.
5. Look for a provider that offers a flexible and scalable service. Businesses may have fluctuating IT needs and requirements, so it is important to find a provider that can adapt and scale their services accordingly. This will ensure that your business can continue to grow and evolve without the need to constantly search for new IT providers.

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Hiring in-house IT:

1. Look for a candidate with a diverse set of skills. An IT professional for an independent insurance agency should have a good understanding of the industry, as well as a broad range of technical skills. This includes knowledge of computer hardware and software, as well as experience with data analysis & management, and security.
   *Pro tip: If you are looking to hire more strategically and have leaner IT spending overall, contemplate hiring an innovative project manager who understands tech, budgeting, and how to implement technology solutions.
2. Consider hiring someone with experience in the insurance industry. This will ensure that the candidate has a good understanding of the unique needs of an independent insurance agency and can hit the ground running.
3. Look for someone who works well with others. IT professionals often must collaborate with other departments and outsourced third-party providers, so it is important to find someone who is a good communicator and can work well in a team.
4. Consider hiring someone with a strong work ethic. Working long hours and meeting tight deadlines is common, so it is important to find someone who is dedicated and willing to put in the extra effort. Find a natural leader with an appetite for challenges.
5. Look for someone who is adaptable. The IT landscape is constantly changing, so it is important to find someone who can adapt to new technologies and trends. This will ensure that your agency is always up-to-date and can take advantage of new opportunities.

A third option, consider a fractional tech resource from Catalyit to help you with your needs.

See how Catalyit can help!