Although businesses cut costs in some areas due to likely recession, it doesn’t concern the IT budget – it’ll predictably continue to grow. Because of the pandemic and massive transition to remote work, managers understood that IT is not only worth investment, technology is critical to achieving success. And Clubs aren’t the exception.
But while planning the IT budget for a Club, General Managers or Controllers sometimes make mistakes and use their resources unreasonably. We prepared this article, so you avoid common oversights and get the most bang for your buck.
What you need to know about IT budget planning in 2023
SWZD presented its annual report on IT budgets and tech trends. We want to share with you some interesting data from it.
- Most companies (51%) plan to increase year-over-year IT spending, and only 6% plan on a decrease.
- IT budgets are expected to grow by 13% YoY in 2023, with a median increase of 5%, at the company level.
- Factors that are driving businesses to increase IT budgets:
1. Inflation: 40% of budget increases in 2023 will be influenced by inflation, compared to 22% in 2022.
2. Need to upgrade outdated infrastructure.
3. Increased priority on IT projects.
4. Employee growth.
5. Increased security concerns.
6. Other secondary reasons for IT budget growth in 2023 relate to operations, including continuing to support a remote workforce, business revenue increases, and changes to business operations.
- Managed services spending will account for 18% of IT budgets in 2023, up from 15% in 2020.
Mistakes in technology budgeting
Budgeting for technology can be tricky because you want to be ready for anything, but you also don’t want to overspend and waste valuable resources. It’s a delicate balance that many fail to achieve because of the following mistakes.
Mistake #1: The cheapest option is always the best
You need technology to improve your members’ satisfaction, streamline workflows, and increase employee productivity. So, it’s essential to look at the quality, not only at the cost.
But the most expensive option isn’t always the best either, because it can include many features you don’t need. The price-quality ratio is the key.
Define the most important criteria for your Club and focus only on them when choosing technologies. Just remember that IT shouldn’t be an afterthought because it can significantly improve your bottom line and customer experience.
Mistake #2: Last year’s IT budget will work for this year
As technology and cybersecurity threats evolve and advance, Clubs need to stay up-to-date to succeed. It can be challenging because budgets are often tight, and it can be hard to justify spending on new technology when old systems are still operational.
You can overcome this barrier by conducting internal assessments to identify friction points and areas where upgrading to a new system or platform could improve business outcomes. This information can help make a case for the necessary expenditure to stay relevant and improve your Club’s long-term success.
Mistake #3: One or two internal specialists can handle all IT needs of your Club
Even an IT genius needs the occasional vacation or day off. Augmenting internal resources with an IT service provider can help bridge gaps and relieve your internal resources.
IT service providers can help take on some day-to-day tasks and responsibilities. It improves job satisfaction and employee retention since your team members will feel appreciated and empowered to take time off when necessary without jeopardizing your Club’s IT infrastructure.
Another crucial factor is that an IT service provider can help you in areas the internal IT team doesn’t have adequate bandwidth to cover or in which they do not excel.
Mistake #4: Thinking short-term
Always keep your overall business objectives in mind when budgeting for IT needs. Purchasing solutions that cannot grow with you is wasteful. You will end up spending more money in the long run. You can avoid potential roadblocks and extra costs by planning ahead as much as possible.
Partnering with an IT service provider can be an excellent strategy for IT budgeting. Club Support’s team has been working with clubs for over 20 years and knows everything about industry needs and costs.
Do you want professional help with IT budgeting? Contact us, and we’ll choose and provide you with cost-effective solutions that meet your specific needs.
Did you know that, on average, IT infrastructure costs in 2022 were predicted to rise by 26% from the previous year? Total IT budgets in 2023 are expected to grow by 13% YoY. Based on SWZD’s annual report, most companies (51%) plan to increase YoY IT spending, continuing the trend of healthy IT investment over the last several years. Indeed, that is a substantial sum!
IT operations and infrastructure costs are changing dramatically. Until recently, almost all IT expenses were related to buying, maintaining, and upgrading hardware and software.
Today, due to cyber threats, cloud computing, and other variables affecting IT for clubs, they must deal with additional costs that, if mismanaged, can influence other areas of club operations.
How well-versed are you in IT infrastructure spending? You can learn more about it here in this thorough analysis of expenses, companies, and other factors.
What Is IT Infrastructure?
An IT infrastructure encompasses hardware and software, as well as network resources needed to deliver IT services. Let’s look at them:
Hardware Infrastructure
The term “hardware” describes the physical IT infrastructure. The following fall into the category of hardware:
- Data centers
- Network servers and hubs
- Network routers
- Desktop computers
- Personal laptops
- Mobile devices such as cell phones and tablets
In IT infrastructure, these are all distinct pieces of hardware. Still, each piece of hardware has physical parts that support its operation.
Software Infrastructure
IT hardware and software are inextricably linked. Software applications give the functionality and instructions that allow our hardware to perform our desired tasks. Some common types of business software are:
- Operating system software provides a user interface for network endpoint devices
- Customer relationship management software helps companies track client interactions
- IT operators and analysts employ security analytics software to monitor IT infrastructure safety and security
Networking Infrastructure
Networking connects your club’s machines. This enables both internal and outside communication between devices and apps.
IT Infrastructure Costs and Value
Hardware and software upfront charges affect a club’s resources. Any large purchase can strain cash flow, such as:
- Software and services
- Network servers
- Network Infrastructure
- Structured cabling
- Storage devices
Hardware or software price isn’t the primary concern. Instead, design, construction, deployment, and integration are required before using an IT infrastructure.
Cost of IT Infrastructure Maintenance
Once your IT infrastructure works, you’ll need to troubleshoot and fix its components. This will take time and money. Also, your IT costs will rise as they age.
IT devices may lose performance and be inefficient. You’ll need to perform further improvements and troubleshooting over time.
Cost of Upgrade For an IT Infrastructure
IT solutions age and become too expensive and unsafe to maintain. You must do upgrades to reduce downtime caused by an aging IT solution.
Compliance and Security Costs
Cybercriminals value the amount and type of data many clubs keep, handle, and exchange in IT infrastructure and operations. Cybercriminals sell the following information on the dark web:
- Credit card data
- Proprietary information
- Financial information
- Personal data
IT for clubs must improve IT cyber security to counter these threats. They must also comply with data privacy and protection rules and regulations.
Cloud Operational Costs
When you use the cloud, your capital expenditures are reduced. No longer must a substantial upfront investment be made for software and hardware. However, this cost does not disappear. It will become an inescapable expense of club operations.
If you utilize many cloud services and do not manage them properly, you may spend more in the long term than you initially did.
Managing IT In-House Vs. Outsourcing IT
Let’s admit it: every firm has limited funds and resources. As a result, not every club can afford the privilege of a full-time IT team. Consider managed IT support services if you belong to one of these clubs.
But ultimately, it will depend on the particular requirements of your club. Let’s look at the two below.
IT Managed Services: What Is It?
In essence, managed IT support services follow the outsourcing business model. For instance, an outsourced support model can include software management and hardware maintenance or replacement services.
In either case, it saves you the expense of internal IT employment.
The following are some of the services that a Managed IT Service Partner (MSP) most frequently provides:
- Security of networks
- End-user and desktop
- Administration of servers
- Control of infrastructure and access
- Backup and disaster recovery
- Cybersecurity solutions
- Management of data
- Law and regulation compliance
More specialist services are available. However, these would be unique to your club’s needs.
Advantages of Managed IT
There are many benefits to using an IT MSP for clubs. Let’s look at some compelling advantages.
Predictable Expenses
Can money be saved by utilizing managed services? Yes. Additionally, it can assist you budget for IT spending.
Your expenses are neatly bundled with managed services into a fixed annual or monthly fee. But, on the other side, an in-house IT team is accompanied by many additional, often unplanned, charges that can quickly drain your budget.
A club will benefit significantly from managed services as the start-up cost is so low. However, when a club starts up from scratch, the early costs of hiring and training people and purchasing equipment can be costly.
Minimizing Downtime
The leading cause of downtime is software and equipment malfunction. Computers are both prone to failure. In addition, electrical difficulties can also emerge. Frequently, these concerns are overcome by installing extra equipment, which allows systems to switch to a backup in case of a malfunction.
Human error contributes significantly to downtime, and nothing can be done to prevent it. The most effective method for reducing risk is to put adequate protection in vital systems.
Concentrate on Your Core Club Business
With the assistance of an MSP, your club may concentrate on more crucial club business responsibilities.
Other advantages that merit consideration include the following:
- The right MSP with a thorough grasp of your club will ensure correct compliance measures
- 24/7/365 support
- Stay in pace with technology
All of these advantages make employing a managed IT services firm more advantageous.
Strive for Optimal IT for Clubs!
Don’t wait until a network breakdown or other IT-related problems to discover the value of a flexible IT infrastructure. A club’s technological quality and reliability show its potential to develop, thrive, and outrank its competitors.
A fail-safe network system’s solutions, services, and products can improve your club’s IT infrastructure costs and network operations. It’s time to employ these advances to modernize your club.
An IT-managed service provider can help you enhance your business with an internal IT department or complete infrastructure outsourcing.
Are you looking for help with your IT infrastructure? Or do you need help with IT budget planning? Then, contact us. We have been in the North American club business for over 20 years!
Managed IT services encompass an extensive set of solutions, including information security, network monitoring, hardware and software procurement, Wi-Fi setup and maintenance, and remote support. They’re a popular solution for companies looking to streamline the time and money they put into managing their own IT.
But while managed services offer several fantastic benefits, there are a few drawbacks to consider before you sign a contract. In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of switching to managed services in your club.
The Pros of Managed IT Services
1. Keep Tighter Control Over Your Spending
If you’re responsible for your club’s systems, your IT spending may vary from month to month.
Let’s say you experience a problem with a server and have no idea how to put it right. The cost of calling out a local technician for a one-off emergency visit could be higher than you ever expected, and any further issues would lead to extra expenses down the line.
But a good managed service provider will offer an all-inclusive contract, covering all of your IT needs, with a competitive rate. You won’t need to guess what your bill will come to at the end of each month — you’ll know exactly how much your managed services will cost.
2. Reduce the Risk of IT Issues
Working with a managed service provider ensures that your computers and servers run smoothly at all times. A team of experts will provide you with the tech you need and set it up efficiently. As a result, your club will face less risk of serious IT problems.
But in case something does happen, you’ll have direct access to the pros. No need to try to fix the problem yourself or find a local technician in your area. Just contact your service provider, tell them what’s happened, and they’ll get to work.
Club Support Inc uses our experience of working within the club industry to foresee potential issues and fix them before they occur.
3. Empower Your Employees with the Right Tech
Your employees need high-quality devices and software to work at their best. Outdated, sluggish tech will only slow them down and hinder their productivity. Not only will they be frustrated, but your members may question the quality of your club when they see that employees are unequipped for their work.
Club Support Inc will implement a dependable point of sale system and devices for your team. You will know that your employees have user-friendly, efficient tech at their disposal, suited to their tasks, every single day.
4. Deliver a High-Quality Member Experience
Your members will appreciate having access to great devices and online services when dealing with your club. For example, if they can’t sign in when they arrive, their time at your club will get off to a bad start.
And if they can’t find a team member available to help them quickly, their hopes of enjoying a brief round of golf will be dashed. This disappointment could sour their entire relationship with your club and prompt them to warn others against signing up.
But with managed IT services, your members will be able to sign in, make payments, and do anything else they need to. Club Support Inc will identify the ideal hardware and software for your operations, catering to your members’ needs.
5. Reduce IT-Related Distractions
Running a sports club, golf club, or any other type of membership club is rarely easy. You need to oversee your employees, be available to help members, and handle any issues that arise immediately. The last thing you need is yet another problem with your Wi-Fi or a faulty server.
Without managed services, you would have to try to find a solution yourself (or delegate it to an employee) without knowing what to do. That would distract you from other responsibilities, and your team might not have all the support they need from you.
But a managed service provider will take control if you run into an issue and leave you free to focus on your duties.
The Cons of Managed IT Services
There are far fewer cons than pros. Here are three to consider:
1. Not All Service Providers are Reliable
There are many companies providing managed services out there, and some are significantly better than others. Choose the wrong one and you’ll be burdened with a team that can’t provide the support you need. That’s why it’s so important to do your research before you sign a contract.
Check that your service provider has worked with clubs like yours before, has a trustworthy team, provides the solutions you need, and can offer a fair monthly price. Club Support Inc provides honest information on each of our services, our fees, and more.
2. Adjusting to New Hardware and Software May Take Time
Upgrading your computers, platforms, and applications (if necessary) can be tough if you have used the same ones for years. You may feel nervous about making a mistake, or wonder how your team will cope with a whole new setup.
Club Support Inc will ensure that the transition to your new tech will be smooth and simple.
3. You May Need to Find New Tasks for Your In-House IT Expert
If you currently have an on-site IT technician, their workload and routines may change when you start working with a managed service provider.
It’s understandable that they might resist that idea initially, but it doesn’t have to be negative. They will have more time to handle minor tasks, such as recovering forgotten passwords, without the stress of fixing bigger problems. Additionally, they could find new ways to apply their technical knowledge and put their skills to better use within your club.
How Can You Set Up Managed IT Services for Your Club?
Club Support Inc has more than 19 years’ experience working in the sports and recreational club industry. We offer 24/7 on-site and remote support with fast response times for your peace of mind.
Is your team struggling to manage your IT without professional assistance?
Running into the same technical issues again and again?
Managed IT solutions could be just what your membership club needs. In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know before you try them.
What are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT solutions provided by an experienced, trained, and dedicated team of experts can make a huge difference to the day-to-day running of your membership club.
Creating the right IT infrastructure for your club, and managing it, can be a challenge even if you have a solid grasp of the latest hardware and software. But if you’re not particularly tech-savvy, handling everything you need to run your membership club smoothly may be daunting, frustrating, and exhausting.
With a managed IT service provider, though, you can leave all the hard work to the professionals instead. Managed services typically include:
- Remote and on-site assistance to solve technical problems
- Sourcing and installing new hardware and software
- Updating your operating systems
- Monitoring your network for potential issues
- High-quality security measures
These are just a few examples of the solutions a provider may offer.
How Does Managed IT Benefit Modern Membership Clubs?
Below, we’ll find out how managed IT can help your club:
Get Access to the Right Hardware and Software to Run Your Club
This may be one of the most appealing reasons to partner with a managed service provider. If your staff only have access to outdated equipment, they will struggle to perform at their best and deliver the most efficient service. Even completing the most rudimentary task could become more complicated than it should be.
Your members will expect a high-quality experience when they visit your club, and if staff are clearly hindered by poor hardware, they may question your dedication to meeting (or exceeding) their expectations.
That’s not something you need to worry about when you work with a managed service provider, though. A knowledgeable team will assess your club’s current IT infrastructure to identify weaknesses, then find the best hardware and software to suit your daily operations.
Provide Your Members and Employees with the Most Reliable POS Systems
POS systems are crucial to modern membership clubs. But if yours are poorly made or difficult to use, your employees may take longer to serve members than they would if they had access to better systems.
Mistakes can occur, causing delays and frustration for everyone involved. And that could sour the overall experience your membership club provides.
Fortunately, a managed IT service provider will set up a POS system that functions smoothly, empowering employees to give better service.
Ensure Your Wi-Fi is Always Reliable
Wi-Fi issues may cause numerous problems that affect your employees and members in different ways.
For example, members may want to make important video calls via your Wi-Fi while on your premises or adjust their current booking online without having to request help from one of your employees. Poor Wi-Fi could prevent them from doing both. Handling payments and interacting with members remotely can be disrupted by Wi-Fi issues too.
Managed IT service providers will make sure that your membership club always has a high-quality Wi-Fi setup, so that your staff and members enjoy uninterrupted access.
Know Exactly How Much Your IT Will Cost
IT costs can fluctuate from month to month if you need to bring in experts to perform emergency maintenance, remove viruses, or handle any other unforeseen problems that affect your IT infrastructure.
But the best-managed service providers offer comprehensive all-inclusive contracts covering all of your IT needs. You won’t be left guessing how much you’ll pay if something goes wrong with your systems. Instead, you’ll make a single monthly payment as per your contract.
Get Direct Access to IT Experts in Any Emergency and Non-Urgent Situation
Have your POS systems gone haywire for no obvious reason? Do your connections keep dropping?
Whatever issues you face, you’ll always know that your managed service provider is just a phone call away. You can rely on them to assess the situation, identify the cause of any problem, and solve it. No need to scour local listings to find an expert in an emergency. No need to get quotes. Just reach out to your provider and they’ll handle it. And with remote support, IT specialists will access your systems without being on your premises. As a result, you can expect an immediate response and watch as the experts get to the root of an issue on your own screen.
Enjoy the Freedom to Focus on Running Your Club
When you trust an external team to manage your IT, you and your employees can focus on running your club without needing to handle technical problems. Any computers, tablets, POS systems, or applications that fail to work as they should be investigated by a professional.
That should free up time and resources, improve productivity, and reduce the risk of downtime.
Scalability to Accommodate Future Changes
Managed IT solutions are scalable, so they can be amended to suit your club’s unique needs. If you plan to expand and take on more members, for example, you may need new hardware and software to accommodate the extra work involved. Your provider will be able to come up with an amended plan and implement the necessary changes to ensure that you always have the technology you need.
How Can You Set Up Managed IT for Your Membership Club?
Working with a managed IT service provider offers several impressive benefits. And Club Support Inc. has invaluable experience of helping modern membership clubs, including golf clubs, sport clubs, social clubs, and yacht clubs.
We offer 24-hour support, remotely and on-site, every day of the year, with a team ready to assist you in any emergency. We’ll also perform preventative maintenance to fix potential issues before they happen, and we can even assist you with budgetary planning.
Your club must provide a strong membership experience to achieve, and maintain, success. That encompasses various elements, from great customer service to high-quality facilities. But well-designed, user-friendly membership management software is essential, too. Why? Because it can help you keep track of your members, their payments, their communication history with your team, and more. But there are many platforms on the market, offering diverse features and functions. How are you supposed to choose the right one for your club?
Join Club Support Inc. as we help you pick the best membership management software, understand the key features to look out for, and more.
What is Membership Management Software?
Membership management software is designed to help clubs and other membership-based companies deliver a high standard of service. You no longer need to search through hundreds of paper files to find information. Now, the best membership management software puts all the data you need to run your club at your fingertips. Membership management software usually contains a wide range of features to help you handle various tasks, from processing payments to solving members’ problems.
What Benefits Does Membership Management Software Offer?
Let’s check out the top four benefits of using membership management software:
1. Streamline Administrative Tasks
Admin can be time-consuming for clubs with a growing membership base, especially if you have a small team. Everything from responding to queries to processing new registrations can be tough when you’re forced to handle it all manually.
But the automation capabilities of the best software enables you to reduce the number of tasks you have to handle, such as by sending automated replies to messages or reminding members to renew their memberships. That will leave you with more time to focus on bigger tasks.
2. Access All of Your Club’s Data in One Place
With membership management software, your team will have access to a centralized system packed with all the information you need. You won’t have to switch between different platforms or dig through filing cabinets for answers anymore.
Instead, the best software organizes data logically and helps you find the info you need in almost any situation.
3. Make Data-Driven Decisions
Great management software includes analytics, which enables you to understand your club and your members better. You will be able to generate reports and track patterns over specific periods, such as drops in attendance or increases in new memberships.
When you study this data, you can make decisions based on fact rather than guesswork.
4. Build Stronger Connections with Members
Using membership management software provides you with new ways to communicate with your members. You will be able to send emails and notifications to everyone in your database, providing up-to-the-minute information on upcoming events, policy changes, special offers, and more.
Over time, your software could help you foster a stronger connection with your members and increase their general satisfaction with your club.
How to Choose the Best Membership Management Software for Your Club
Check the Features Available.
One of the most important aspects of choosing your club’s software is the set of features available. Some platforms offer more features than others, so it’s crucial that you know what you’ll get for your money.
Top features include:
Member Databases
With comprehensive database features, you can access essential details about your members and organize them in various ways to suit your preferences.
Mobile App
Membership management software may include one or more apps, such as one for members and another for admins.
The latter, for example, would be able to access key information anywhere using their mobile device. Members, on the other hand, may update their account information, book slots at your club, and more.
Payment Management
Payment processing is a highly desirable feature in membership management software. You could offer a range of payment options, which members are likely to appreciate, automate renewals for improved convenience, and more.
Ask How User-Friendly It Is
If you choose software that’s clunky with a steep learning curve, you could make your job harder, not easier. The sooner you can pick it up and find everything you need to, the better.
Check reviews from other clubs, including those in your field (e.g. golf clubs, yacht clubs), for invaluable first-hand insights.
Make Sure Your Membership Management Software Suits Your Budget
Bigger clubs may have their pick of membership management solutions without worrying about the expense. But smaller clubs operating on a tighter budget may need to consider their options a little more carefully before they invest.
You could be tempted to go with the cheapest platform, but take a little time to check that the software you choose offers value for money first. Browse the market to find platforms that fit in with your budget, and make sure that those include the features you’ll need.
Check the Customer Support Available
Customer support is critical in high-quality membership management software. Self-service tools, such as FAQ sections or chatbots, are common components of comprehensive customer support. But confirm that the software provider has a team available via email, phone, and other common channels, too.
When you run into a glitch or a confusing feature, you don’t want to be forced to figure it out while members are waiting to be served. Minor delays could have a negative impact on your member’s visit — and potentially affect their decision to come back.
But with good customer support, you’ll be able to speak to a professional who can help you solve problems efficiently.
How to Keep Your IT Infrastructure Running Smoothly
Choosing membership management software is just one aspect of operating an effective, efficient IT infrastructure. You also need to keep your computers and servers running smoothly, provide staff and members with quality POS systems, and maintain reliable Wi-Fi connections.
Sounds like a tall order? Don’t worry — Club Support Inc. is here to help. We offer a comprehensive range of services for social clubs, sport clubs, golf clubs, and more.
Your IT infrastructure plays a fundamental role in operating a successful club, but managing your own systems, without expert input, can be tough.
Fortunately, you can hire a team of IT support specialists to keep your infrastructure in its best condition — but how do you find the best company for your club?
In this post, our team will explore the most important factors to keep in mind when choosing your IT support company.
Years of Experience Working with Clients in the Club Industry
The best IT support team for you should have worked with other clubs over the years. If not, they may not understand how to create the right IT infrastructure for your business. That lack of clarity could lead the company to make poor recommendations regarding computers and software — which would leave your staff without the best tools for essential everyday tasks.
Speak to prospective companies about their experience, the type of clubs they have worked with in the past, and what common problems they have solved.
A Provable Client Portfolio to Bring You Peace of Mind
Experienced IT support companies have built a solid portfolio of clients in one or more industries. Even if they have only been operating for a few years, a reliable team should still have a small number of clients willing to praise their services.
Most IT support companies, regardless of size, will showcase a selection of their clients on their websites. Take a moment to browse these when researching any company on your list of potentials.
In some cases, a client may simply be referred to by name. In others, though, they will supply a testimonial to highlight the benefits of working with the company.
Be wary of any IT support team that fails to include information on its clients on its website and/or social media pages. They may be too concerned about their past clients scaring other businesses away.
Know Your Monthly Costs with All-Inclusive Contracts
Running a successful club incurs a great deal of expense. And that’s why you need to consider your ongoing IT support costs carefully before you sign up with a new service provider. The amount of money you invest into your IT infrastructure could rise — and ultimately get out of control — without a fixed budget to work with. However, the best IT support companies offer all-inclusive contracts.
Choose a team providing all-inclusive contracts and you won’t have to guess how much your IT expenses will amount to each month. All the services required to keep your infrastructure (and your club) running properly will be included in your contract. That will provide you with the peace of mind you need to focus on delivering the best member experience without worrying about potential unexpected costs associated with technical issues.
Professional Support Available 24/7
Even if your club only operates between standard opening hours, you could run into issues with your IT infrastructure at any time. And those little hiccups could affect your club’s operations and the quality of the member experience you provide. Your valued members may face problems with booking visits online, accessing their account information, and more.
It’s crucial that your IT support company offers remote support 24 hours a day, every day. No matter when a crisis strikes, you’ll know you can reach out to the experts for a solution. Additionally, your service provider should offer on-site or remote support based on the nature of the issue.
On-site support would involve visiting your club to resolve problems as soon as possible. But remote support is a convenient, fast way to fix many issues that don’t require a technician to be physically present. They will be able to take control of your computers from their office straight away.
A Team Willing to Help You with Budgetary Planning
Budgetary planning is vital to ensure that you make the most of available funds and configure the ideal IT infrastructure for your club. A company with experience in the club industry will be able to help general managers and controllers with budgetary planning and optimization. That type of support can be extremely helpful when putting your IT setup into place and make this process easier.
Access to the Latest Technologies to Bring Out the Best in Your Club
When you work with a trusted IT support company, you’ll have access to seasoned experts who can recommend the hardware and software best suited to your club. If you typically buy systems without professional input, you could have missed out on better options or spent more money than necessary.
That’s not an issue when you have a team of specialists just a phone call away. Any questions you have about your current systems, or any equipment you’re considering buying in the future, will be answered by the right people.
On top of that, they will also work hard to keep all of your technologies running properly round the clock. You don’t need to worry about your members and staff struggling with poor POS systems or tablets.
A Proactive Approach
Proactive service matters in the world of IT support. Some service providers might focus on responding to client calls and fixing problems after they occur. But if they take too long, the damage may have already been done, such as poor member experiences or technical glitches that set your team back for hours.
Choose the right professionals and they will take a proactive approach to managing your systems. They will make sure that your hardware and software is running smoothly to maintain optimal performance. That type of approach will reduce the risk of problems occurring down the line and reassure you that you’re in good hands.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Club Support Inc. works with an extensive range of sport, golf, yacht, and social clubs, providing our clients with services essential to their success. And we’re here to help your club, too!
In this post, we’ll explore six critical reasons why all-inclusive IT contracts work so well for membership clubs.
Always Have Access to Expert IT Assistance
Investing in an all-inclusive IT contract for your membership club ensures you will always have access to the professional team you need. That can provide invaluable peace of mind in an emergency, whether your POS systems start to malfunction or an employee has an issue with their computer. You can reach out via phone, email, or other communication channels to find a solution. And you will run your membership club more smoothly, more efficiently, and more effectively when you have experts on hand at all times. Any issues you need to resolve will be dealt with quickly by a team that has seen it all before.
Your employees can concentrate on delivering an exceptional customer experience and leave your members satisfied without trying to make sense of a complex technical problem by themselves.
Understand Exactly How Much You’ll Spend on IT Each Month
An all-inclusive contract involves one monthly payment that covers all of your IT needs. You will discuss your membership club’s daily processes, current IT infrastructure, technological challenges, and other essential factors before your IT service provider offers a monthly price. This is a fixed, transparent rate based on the services provided — you won’t be left guessing what your IT expenses will be from month to month.
You will know that no matter what hardware or software problems you experience, you will receive help from a seasoned team without having to pay unexpected costs out of pocket. That allows you to dedicate funds to other areas of running your membership club without worrying about high emergency call-out charges that may crop up from time to time.
Focus on Running a Successful Club
If you and your team have tried to manage your IT infrastructure independently in the past, you will know how difficult that can be. Without the right training, experience, or knowhow, troubleshooting issues and ensuring that your equipment runs exactly as it should can be a formidable challenge.
You may be forced to wrangle outdated computers, run the risk of security breaches, and try to make the best of hardware that is significantly ill-suited to your technological requirements. And, let’s be honest, you and your team already have more than enough to handle without a flood of IT problems. Simply keeping your club running smoothly and your members happy is a tough, time-consuming endeavor even with a solid IT infrastructure in place. But with an all-inclusive IT contract, you can concentrate on the minutiae of club management without being distracted by technological hiccups. Leave the heavy lifting to the people who do it best.
Provide Members with the High-Quality Experience at All Times
The quality of your IT hardware and software has a direct impact on the quality of your members’ experience. If your staff have nothing but slow, clunky computers and inefficient software to rely on, everything from checking members in to taking payments will be harder than it should be. And that means your members will have a weaker experience overall. They may be forced to stand at your reception desk for minutes at a time while a member of staff tries to figure out why their computer won’t restart. Or they could try to use equipment themselves only to find that it absolutely will not do what they need it to.
Members might forgive slow service, errors, or delays due to technological issues once. Maybe even twice. But if they happen again and again, even the most loyal, compassionate member will be tempted to look elsewhere. It’s likely that they will speak to friends, colleagues, and relatives about their negative experience(s) at your club, too. Even if they highlight the better aspects of your club, their complaints could still put others off trying your venue for themselves. And that would cost you precious new business.
Fortunately, you can reduce the risk of IT-related mishaps considerably with an all-inclusive contract with a trusted team. Your staff and your members will enjoy a better experience overall when you have a solid IT setup.
Get the Right Equipment and Support for Your Day-to-Day Needs
When you sign up for an all-inclusive contract with a professional IT service provider, you will receive well-informed recommendations on hardware and software. They will help you understand why your current setup could be letting you down and what better alternatives are available.
Computers, servers, tablets, and other hardware will all perform at their best when you have a reliable IT team on hand. You can pick their brains about getting the most out of your equipment, and how employees can use the tools at their disposal to improve their productivity. A great team will always be happy to help you, whether that comes in the form of hands-on assistance or advice.
Take Advantage of Budgetary Planning Assistance from IT Professionals
General managers and controllers may find it difficult to allocate the right money to build the right IT infrastructure. Focusing on the cheapest hardware and the most basic software may seem like a great money-saving tactic, but it could backfire. Poorly made equipment and tools could hinder your team with one issue after another. Even a slew of tiny problems can all add up over time.
But Club Support Inc.’s IT experts have years of experience in the club industry, which empowers us to help you plan and optimize your budget. We’ll provide you with a highly competitive quote for your all-inclusive IT contract that encompasses all the solutions you need to maintain your club’s success.
Club Support Inc. delivers professional services to golf, sports, social, and yacht clubs, catering to venues of all sizes and budgets. Take advantage of 24/7 support, either on-site or remotely, for maximum convenience and peace of mind.
An effective IT infrastructure plays a key role in the quality of your club’s membership experience.Poor tech can cause delays, frustrations, and ultimately chase your members away to one of your competitors.But maintaining your own IT systems to keep them running smoothly can be incredibly difficult — and expensive.
Fortunately, professional IT support offers a viable solution for clubs of all sizes. A specialist team will be on hand to provide reliable, efficient solutions for any IT-related problems you encounter. And that can help you cultivate a better membership experience over time. Why? In this post, we’ll explore the top six reasons why expert IT support services improve club membership experience.
Provide Members with Truly Satisfying Service
Information technology is embedded in most (if not all) aspects of running your club’s day-to-day operations. Everything from registering new members to performing transactions, from interacting with suppliers to managing your social media presence, involves computers or devices. Even small technological issues can cause problems for your team and your members. For example, outdated hardware or software could prevent your employees from communicating with members via email or live chat properly. Members may become upset if they continually need to wait for slow responses or repeat themselves.
Implementing new systems can reduce the risk of irritating issues and provide your members with a more satisfying experience. Your team will be able to leverage the latest computers, devices, and software to perform essential tasks. A professional IT support team will be on hand to recommend new technology suited to your club, processes, and member needs.
Solve Technical Issues Faster
Trying to solve complex IT problems without access to a trained expert can be tough, to say the least. Your employees may have enough technical knowledge to find their way around the applications they use everyday, but it’s unlikely that they can identify why a computer keeps crashing or what type of virus has infected your network.
The longer technical issues affect your operations, the longer your members may have to put up with disruptions and delays. Simply signing into their account or booking their next visit could be out of the question. Members may forgive rare glitches in your services, but if your technology is frequently problematic, they may end their membership altogether. And they could even tell others about their poor experience, damaging your reputation.
When you work with an IT support team, though, your technical issues will be fixed faster than ever — you will have access to dedicated experts with the skills to keep your systems at their best.
Free Up Funds to Spend on Member-Focused Improvements
If you often need to hire IT technicians to visit your club and perform unexpected maintenance on your equipment, you likely spend more than you need to. One-off jobs, especially in an emergency, can be extremely expensive. But an IT support team will be able to provide you with a competitively priced package covering all the technical solutions your club needs, with one all-encompassing monthly fee. That can prove significantly more cost effective than paying for one-off callouts as and when you need them. As a result, you should save money — money which you can invest in improving your membership experience in various ways.
Ensure Members Have Access to Facilities of the Highest Standard
Quality, user-friendly POS systems are essential in any club. Your employees and members will rely on your POS systems day in, day out. If your devices are outdated or incapable of meeting the needs of your club, employees and members alike will struggle to use them.
Work with IT support professionals to implement a dependable POS system that consistently performs to the highest standard. Experts will be able to determine whether your current systems need tweaking to work better or it’s time for a full upgrade.
Your members will notice if you improve your POS systems and may even provide you with some positive feedback (online and in person). They will see that you care about the quality of the membership experience you provide and may feel more loyal towards your club.
Take Advantage of Remote Support to Prevent Frustrating Delays
The best IT support teams offer remote support in emergencies. Simply get in touch and they will remotely connect to your computer, take control of your keyboard and mouse, and investigate problems. This is a simpler, faster way to address issues than waiting for a technician to get to your club.
Technical issues may prevent your members from signing in, accessing services, and more. But if your IT support specialists can get hands-on with your systems from their office, right away, you can keep delays to a minimum. That will contribute to a better membership experience, and demonstrate that you take your IT infrastructure seriously.
Empower Your Team to Work at Its Best
Even the best team will struggle to achieve its potential if they only have access to slow, clunky, outdated equipment. If they’re expected to solve any technical issues that affect their devices by themselves, without access to expert assistance, their work will suffer. And they may even make problems worse if they experiment with their equipment’s configuration. But investing in IT expertise, and new equipment will empower your employees to work at their best. They will have all the tools they need to do their job properly at their fingertips. And when complications arise from time to time, your support team will be just a phone call or message away.
The better your team works and the more confident they feel with the tools in their hands, the better your membership experience will be.
How Can You Start Working with IT Professionals?
Club Support Inc. works with golf clubs, social clubs, sport clubs, and yacht clubs. We harness the latest technologies and deliver bespoke solutions at highly competitive fixed rates. We’ll create the ideal plan for your club at a price you can afford.