Assess your IT consulting needs

If your business runs on paper, your management information system needs will most likely be basic. If it's poised to gain greater efficiency, they may be intermediate. And if you're ready to go big-time, advanced IT capabilities will help get you there.

I recommend: An easy way to start is by running down SCORE's Technology Plan Checklist. Microsoft's Partner Program offers a free Small Business Technology Assessment Toolkit to get you started; Microsoft's Small Business group also offers an easy Computer Builder Assessment Wizard. Determine your network needs after consulting Dell's fee-based service. If your information technology consulting needs are industry-specific, then also check out Business.com’s directories for more information, such as health care IT consulting.

Choose your core management information system technologies

Your IT consulting assessment should lead you naturally to one or more vendors supplying the technology you need.

I recommend: Consult Small Biz Manager for reviews and recommended "best of breed" services. Hook up with Intel, Microsoft, Apple or Hewlett-Packard to explore options.

Choose your IT consulting deployment model

Once you determine what you need, you have plenty of options for who will deliver your information technology services, and how.

I recommend: You can always hire an experienced information technology consulting staff and task them with deployment; Dice.com is a good place to find them. If you want more handholding, IT consultants can come in and manage your deployment; use Microsoft's Consultant Directory or eWork Markets. Or you can outsource your information technology services and have it managed offsite by companies such as everon or External IT. Note that the more help you take, the less control you'll have over such things as choice of computing platform or network.

Keep up with management information system trends

Chances are if it's a trend in technology, it's probably applicable to your business. System security and backup, for example, are areas where new innovations can make a crucial difference in your management information system.

I recommend: Check Small Business Technology for timely articles on a variety of small business management information system solutions and read Business Week.com for the latest technology news and product reviews that will help your business gain the edge.

Track the progress of your information technology services

Is your management information system delivering what you hoped?

I recommend: Use tools like Intel's Small Business ROI Analysis tool regularly to make sure your IT consulting investment is paying off. Also visit Business.com's directory for more help with your management information system.