Connects are probably the least understood IMF Service but perhaps the most valuable when it comes to sharing information and knowledge. Early in my time with IMF, I was greeted with the following line while onsite with a member:
“The value of one connect saved us over a million dollars”
I was happy, skeptical, but happy. Since then I have heard the same phrase on more than one occasion. Sure, it’s not always a million, but it’s still a large dollar amount. How’s that possible you ask? It’s simple. Connects are an easy way to resolve issues in-house, as opposed to paying some consulting firm large sums of money. Typically, consulting engagements consist of the following steps:
1) Dive into understanding a client’s specific issue or task
2) Research the issue by consulting with professionals who have solved the same issue
3) Write up a report
4) Generate a bill
An IMF Connect utilizes steps 1 through 3 but PROUDLY avoids step 4. However, the real value doesn’t lie in eliminating the bill. The real value manifests itself in unfiltered research results. I’ve seen dozens of examples where IT practitioners knew more about a product or service than the research companies and/or vendor salespeople.
Every month IMF members avoid project and purchasing mistakes because of our Connect process. The end result is a more effective and efficient implementation process for their organization.
Some of our more recent Connects include:
- Cloud-Based Instant Messaging Solutions
- Bring Your Own Device Policies
- Public Cloud Computing
- Best Practices for Internal Sourcing Groups
- IT Talent Management
If you are having issues in your IT organization, request a Connect of your own. Let your peers help save you time, money, and headaches.
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