<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:s="http://www.techrepublic.com/search" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"  xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
<channel>
    <title><![CDATA[Discussion on When running a one-person IT shop, know when to call in the experts ]]></title>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500]]></link>
    <atom:link rel="hub" type="application/rss+xml" href="http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/" />
    <atom:link rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" href="http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500/rss" />

    <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
    <language>en-us</language>
    <lastBuildDate>2013-05-25T20:25:12-07:00</lastBuildDate>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[? Subcontracting rates to other agency?]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2656315]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[As a subcontractor of IT contractors?  What would be a good way to assess what the rates should be to the agency you are subing for?]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2656315]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[info@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2008 10:02:26 -0800</pubDate>
    </item>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[RE: When running a one-person IT shop, know when to call in the experts]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2633765]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Muy Buenas tardes, es cierto en algunos momentos uno debe llamar a alguien para que nos socorra... y en cierto modo es realidad  y muchas veces como se muestra fue mucho menos complicado para el encargado del proyecto]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2633765]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[juan_milano@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:31:59 -0800</pubDate>
    </item>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Mike Meyers says...]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2633011]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Mike Meyers, the world's most famous A+ teacher and writer, says, in his coursebook, that the best indicator of a good technician is someone who knows exactly when to call in the expert.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2633011]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[enquiries@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:10:40 -0800</pubDate>
    </item>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Using contractors...]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2629817]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I don't mind hiring contractors to do jobs that quite frankly would cost more if I did it myself; just in man-hours alone!But when it comes to designing and building the data facilities, I get very picky, and always build my own racks and control boards. After all I'm the one that is going to have to troubleshoot and maintain them and I probably know what's best for my situationl.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2629817]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[JCitizen]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Sat, 01 Nov 2008 15:35:08 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[What should the title have been?]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2629791]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Any suggestions?]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2629791]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Joe_R]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Sat, 01 Nov 2008 13:14:57 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[. . . . .why do you think I found TR?. . . . .]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2629736]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[That's why I found it as well.Thanks for posting.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2629736]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Joe_R]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Sat, 01 Nov 2008 11:49:15 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[. . . . .a solution that is awkward and cheap. . . . .]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2629735]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[That's what I wanted to avoid. The size and scope of the project did get greater the more I looked into it. At first, we discussed something more simple and for very limited use. As time went by, however, I decided that I wanted to avoid a solution that is awkward and cheap.Thanks for posting]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2629735]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Joe_R]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Sat, 01 Nov 2008 11:45:23 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Consultants can be good]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2629734]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Thanks for posting]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2629734]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Joe_R]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Sat, 01 Nov 2008 11:42:52 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[My goal]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2629496]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[It's my goal to get someone else to do almost all of my work . . . hahaSeriously, I think my predecessor had this DIY ethic that just didn't work for our office. I think it's hard for people to admit when they don't know how to do something, especially when their boss doesn't know how to do it either but just wants it done with no excuses. But me, I am not proud -- I just want to get something that works so my job is as much being resourceful as anything.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2629496]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Somewhat anonymous]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:51:52 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[The small shop is a cheap shop]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2629193]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I found that the small shops are the ones that cannot afford to hire the experienced administrators.  I have just finished 2 years at a local technical school (BCIT) and was hired right into a full time position as the only administrator at a small (about 50 users) size company.  I had two days to absorb any experience from the previous admin and then I was on my own.  I am noticing a lack of documentation here.  Enough of my sob story though, the point is that I appreciate every bit of the advice I get from TR but to claim that the smaller companies have the more experienced people is wrong.  They _should_ have the more experienced people, on this I can agree, but to be 19 and in my position is an excellent opportunity so I cannot complain.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2629193]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[chris.briggs@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:44:07 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[When to outsource not as big a problem as managing outsources]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2628884]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Agreed, As I started and my position grew (combining several people into just me) I quickly realized that I couldnt do it all and started &quot;managing&quot; outsources for specific tasks and projects.  I always keep my foot in the project so i can learn from these experts as well as give them guidance as to better ways for our needs when i see it.  Lately my issue isnt in when to hand it off to outsource but in getting reliable outsources.  My work seems to have tripled this past year or two simply because I have to continually call when promised times are up and have no word,  Have to double check the work to be sure it was done to my needs (often having them return because something still isnt working).  Its a killer to have to track many different projects in many fields of service with several outsources when a promised delivery or tech appearance a few weeks out doesnt happen.  The rescheduling, payment tracking, the leading around the location to techs that don't know our site because the &quot;normal&quot; tech cant make it etc.  Is a real headache.  What happened to the term &quot;Customer Service?&quot;]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2628884]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Senior Program Analyst]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2008 05:49:46 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[The trick is knowing what you don't know, and who does]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2628819]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[When I started out in &quot;IT&quot;, it was almost possible to know everything about everything.  There were only so many technologies and products to choose from applicable to small businesses.  Those days pretty much disappeared with shoulder pads and leg warmers.I think that if you're going to a big box computer store for advice about implementing a multi-thousand dollar solution, that's a good sign that what you really need is another consultant with experience in the area you are dealing with.  I know that's often difficult to admit or to sell a client on.  But the alternative is certainly worse; a solution that is awkward and cheap, or one that is expensive and yet doesn't deliver.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2628819]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[JohnMcGrew@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2008 04:55:15 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Know your skills and limitations]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2628776]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[A colleague of mine, a talented genius in many ways, promised a new account (brand new) that he could install Voice over IP phones.  I do not do phones.  He has never done them either but he believed his technical genius could overcome this slight barrier to knowledge.  I would have recommended a phone consultant.  But, my colleague made this commitment without my knowledge, spent $ 600 of his own dime on phones and promptly destroyed the phone network of a lawyer.The last word has vast ramifications.  It almost went legal, but my colleague then had to put in about a hundred hours of his own time to restore horrible feelings to fair, may get a check.  In the meantime, I am out of income and the reference from a new niche has been destroyed.I do server backups, support, workstations, etc.  A corporate IT department.  And I would have called in a phone consultant too.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2628776]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[reisen55@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2008 04:52:47 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[RE: When running a one-person IT shop, know when to call in the experts]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2628765]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I have to agree with Tink.Yes, I also try to do everything myself, but our company has grown to such an extent that I cannot cope anymore with all the different apps we are running, over and above the new projects.Joe - I &quot;still&quot; have to setup a VC and I opted for thePolycom 6400. The project is on hold at the moment because the cost on our side has shot up because of the exchange rates.Neverless, why did you opt for the 7000?Ettienne]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2628765]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[swane04@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2008 02:11:51 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[re: Mario]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2628320]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I know what you are saying all to well Mario! I am also at the beginning of my career and have found this to be the best opportunity to further my knowledge and experience. This often leads to me getting head deep into a project that I really needed to out source.I remember the day we switched over to our new data network... I had everything in place and setup correctly but the scope of the transition was simply to large for 1 person to do all at once. I learned a valuable lesson that day!]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2628320]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[rmlounsbury@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:01:58 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[RE: When running a one-person IT shop, know when to call in the experts]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2628314]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I'm a 1-man shop for a company of 110 and more often then not I farm out projects if for no other reason than I never have enough time. I have acknowledged that I'm good with servers and data networks but that is the limit of my knowledge when it comes to comfort of &quot;doing it myself.&quot; In most other scenarios (especially video &amp; telco) I write a request for information and grab as many bids as I can while collaborating with my colleagues in the industry on what they did. Based on their input, the submitted bids, and a little research I select a contractor and set them free.Probably the most difficult aspect (and also on the flip side most enjoyable) of being in an IT shop for a small but growing company is that every one assumes you know everything and can get it done with a snap of the fingers. Thanks to my current job I have been exposed to things I never thought I would and it has even altered my choices about my career going forward.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2628314]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[rmlounsbury@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:56:51 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Of course]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2628332]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[If I can't do it, then I look elsewhere for help (why do you think I found TR?  )I must say that in a small company bringing in consultants is usually a very last resort. They don't want to pay high fees to get a job done. I do everything I can using all the resources available to me. When I run into a brick wall that I can't climb, I will bring this to the boss' attention. Doesn't necessarily mean a consultant will be brought in. Sometimes the job just sits until I have more time to invest in research. ]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2628332]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tink!]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:55:28 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[RE: When running a one-person IT shop, know when to call in the experts]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2628281]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Nice article. Im in a similar situationI am the lone IT guy for an engineering consulting firm ... and i try to do IT projects as well as any IT related aspects of the engineering contracts ... at the moment I am the field engineer for a large scale industrial IT project that my company is working on .. and Im also trying to roll out microsoft project server internally .... im loving the job but the stress is crazy]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2628281]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gate keeper]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:28:26 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[RE: When running a one-person IT shop, know when to call in the experts]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2628254]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Hi Joe,my name is Mario and same as you I'm one man IT department, sys. admin., IT manager, network admin, domain, dns, database and everything else that touch IT at some point. Currently we have &gt; 200 people. I cant remember when i have free time for coffee or cigar.When new project arrive i always try to find mix of best and quickest way to achieve goals. If that means some outsource...let it be. At the very beginning of my IT career i was always trying to do all the job by my self. But in the end, approaching jobs in that way result in lots of stress and slow realizations of projects. Its not matter are we capable of something or not, i know my skills and limitations, we are capable for many things, we will learn in process if that is needed, but to know, to ask for others, for their help is critical for success.kind regards,MarioP.S. whats your experience with Polycom VSX 7000.Is everything you expected?]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2628254]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mindspiel]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2008 07:51:52 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Misleading Title]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2628166]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Any company has to know when to pass it onto more experianced people. In Fact lots of large companies are the ones who have the most consultants. The small shop is more likely to have a well experianced Admin who just wants to slow things down and brings with them all that experiance.Cheers,]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-277500-2628166]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[StealthWiFi]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2008 06:31:33 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
    </channel>
</rss>

