Shrugging Shoulders and the Passing Telecom Mistake
I used to work with an associate a number of years ago who prided himself on his knowledge of computers and being a resource for all things technical even though he had no training in IT whatsoever. In presentations he would extol the virtues of services and products with absolute confidence that people readily believed him even though he was dead wrong. One day, Diane, a colleague of mine came over to my office and asked a question about her computer and why it was acting so funny.
I started asking her a list of questions trying to diagnose the issue. “When did it start acting this way?”, “Have you changed any setting?”, “Was this something that continued to get worse or did it come on suddenly?” Questions you would ask prior to figuring out what the problem was so you could create a solution.
Our conversation was overheard by this associate and he jumped at the chance to make his input into the conversation.
“It’s probably a virus” he confidently said. “Yeah, it sounds like it could be a result of a memory leak as well”
“Are you sure about that?” Diane replied? “Could you take a look at my laptop and see?”
I got a call and had to take it and off they went to solve the IT issue of the day.
Later that week, I was headed to a meeting when I overheard that voice again, “..it sounds like a virus… could be a memory leak as well” sure enough it was the same associate talking to another colleague telling him how to fix his computer. I just kept on walking.
In my business, many business owners are dismissive of the idea of a telecom audit by creating decisions on wrong information. I’ve spent a great deal of time talking to CEOs and upper-level executives discussing the need to evaluate how reviewing your phone bills and having a professional audit firm can find savings and surprises because well over 98% of companies don’t have the time or knowledge how to discover savings. I was once in a meeting with a number of managers all nodding with the idea of potentially saving that firm much needed operating expenses. When from the back of the room one gentleman exclaimed “Getting a telecom audit is a waste of time, we review the bills monthly and we’re getting the best rates and services available today”
I explained that our service was unobtrusive and that we’d typically only need about 30 minutes of help from them to start our process without any obligation from them. I went on to let him know that our auditors are trained on various issues such as tax, tariff and a through understanding rates that could be used to their advantage. He furrowed his brow, crossed his arms and let out the occasional comment throughout the rest of the meeting.
The company went ahead with the audit and although they had done some base review, we were still able to find 24% savings MONTHLY for them which they are still enjoying today. The decision to have an audit creating TENS OF THOUSANDS of dollars annually for their bottom line – very nice in this economy.
While many business professionals may believe that there is no savings to be found or that they have the best deal, let an auditor find out for you – sit back and know for sure.
Oh and by the way, that issue with my colleagues and their computers? It wasn’t a virus, the network was slow.
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Benny Carreon is the President and CEO of GrayBear Resources Group. GBR is a next-generation telecommunications consulting firm. We aren't a telephone company's vendor disguising itself as a consultant. We don't sell carrier products that would conflict with out mission - our goal is to work for our clients by reducing costs, streamlining services, eliminating waste and fraud while providing the least disruption to your business.
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