Balancing the day-to-day responsibilities of managing a business with strategic planning for the future is a struggle – especially when it comes to integrating your technology. But, if you run a small to medium-sized business, you probably don’t have the resources for a full-time, in-house Chief Information Officer (CIO) to design and implement solutions for your long-term goals. Enter a virtual CIO, or vCIO – an outsourced expert or team of experts who fill that role in a more affordable, flexible way.

Here are three reasons why you should choose a vCIO over a traditional CIO:

Cost

Hiring an executive carries a host of expenses – salary (CIOs often earn in excess of six figures a year), benefits, equipment and office square footage, to name a few. For an SMB, those costs can kill the bottom line. A virtual CIO has their own office space and resources and operates at a predictable monthly fee. They continue to add to your profit by optimizing your systems to run more efficiently and avoid downtime, negotiating the best deals with vendors and advising you on technology investments.

Expertise and Perspective

Do you dread the phrase, “this is the way we’ve always done it?” Relying on the knowledge of an external vCIO is a great way to avoid getting stuck in a rut. They work with multiple clients in a variety of industries, so they have a broader view of available solutions and their impact on businesses like yours. They also keep pace with changes – like new compliance regulations – so you don’t fall behind or lose valuable opportunities.

Flexibility

Do you need a virtual CIO for forty hours a week? Probably not. Rather than paying a full-time salary to someone you only need part-time, you can tap into the expertise of a highly experienced professional when you need it. Whether you’re looking for guidance on a project, suggestions about an investment or help analyzing data for actionable insights, your vCIO is available on your schedule.

If you want to operate at peak efficiency now and grow your business in the future, virtual CIOs are an invaluable asset. But, you want to make sure you’re getting the best. We can help – contact us now to discuss what a vCIO can do for you!