Insurance and financial agent pc support?

Question

Who do insurance agents and financial advisors use for technical support on their pcs, pdas, and printers. I am an independent IT consultant and I'd like to know if State Farm agents, and SmithBarney financial advisor type companies use independent IT consultants to install and maintain their software & hardware systems?

Answer 1

Call a few of the agents in a town near you - and ask them. I say a nearby town because I suspect you are in that business and want to know what other are doing. Once you know what type of firm they are using, then you can find a similar one in your area. I would ask at a local chamber of commerce meeting for who other businesses are using and like - if the agency doesn't provide their own support.

In the past, I've helped several independent and franchise agents, but it has been several years and the industry has changed a lot. Often the company that is selling the software will provide support for the programs, but not for the computers. For that, I'd ask the other businesses at the chamber. It serves two purposes - it gives you people you can trust to work on your equipment, and lets the businesses know you are a new service in town and that you are ready to work for them.