Technology partners offer businesses an almost dizzying array of services and support these days. So, how can you make sure you’re getting the most value from your relationship with a technology partner?

My advice is to make an IT Priority Plan. List all projects and day-to-day needs and identify those that are a priority. For each item on your list determine what level of tools, personnel and services you have on hand to satisfy its requirements. If you have everything you need, write in “Covered;” if not, “Not Covered” or “Don’t Know.” Once finished, you’ll have a fairly good idea of where your vulnerabilities are and where you need to make changes.

Next, talk to your technology partner about your findings. If you have trouble engaging them in a discussion of how they can be of help, a red flag should go up. What you might find is that your partnership is a one-way relation-ship:  they sell and you buy. If that’s the case, you can be almost certain you’re not getting the most from the relationship and it’s probably time to take your list and talk with a technology partner. One that will listen and respond to your needs.