New business ideas often require customised IT systems for the service or product offered. Using an online marketplace makes IT suppliers easily accessible to U.K. businesses. However it’s important to choose wisely as a good business idea can then suddenly be at risk of bad execution!

Know your business requirements: It is absolutely crucial that your business requirements are clearly defined and communicated and realistically prioritised. More often it’s the lack of good requirements capture that leads to problems in an IT project.

Know your suppliers: Your IT service provider is your partner so choose them carefully. Research their background to make sure they have relevant skills and experience. It’s always good to ask for references from similar size businesses.

Negotiate, and then negotiate some more: Always make sure that you sign a contract with your supplier. It should include exactly what is being delivered, when and how much for.

Ask the experts: The likelihood of knowing an IT expert in your personal or professional network is high. Ask them for advice and guidance. There are also impartial consultancy services like iWebManage.com that can help with this.

Labels: business requirements, IT buyer, IT supplier, outsourcing, small business, tips