In a fiercely competitive service ecosystem, channel partners are struggling to secure their rank in the face of demanding OEMs like Cisco and Microsoft. While it’s not always easy to adapt, there’s no margin for error in a modern-day service operation. Here are four of the biggest mistakes your tech service business may be making:

1. Not Engaging 1099 Contractors

A recent Service Council survey found that 71% of respondents expect to face a field service talent shortage in the next 10 years. Therefore, it’s no surprise that businesses are supplementing their full-time W-2 staff with independent contractors.

While there are pros and cons to using on-demand labor in any business—less oversight versus expanded geographic coverage—this model may prove particularly cost-effective for IT service providers, since contractors are responsible for their own training, licensing, and equipment.

2. Using Outdated Management Methods

Growing service teams need new management techniques. Management tools like spreadsheets or point solutions are outdated compared to software-as-a-service (SaaS) technology, which can provide an entirely new set of capabilities for businesses looking to do more with less.

Most SaaS solutions are subscription based, which helps lower day-to-day costs while offering flexibility and customization. SaaS vendors eliminate the need for a full-time IT staff by providing software upgrades, security, and maintenance services.

3. Not Centralizing Your Field Service Operations

While using some software is helpful, too many tools can do more harm than good. Consolidating contractor management onto one platform allows for consistency, compliance, and visibility. A cloud-based, end-to-end freelance management platform can help you find, manage, deploy, and pay your contractors. You can also keep tabs on your entire workforce—labor, W-2, 1099—all from one simple dashboard.

4. Not Arming Your Workforce with Mobile

Customers are always looking for faster, better service, and mobile is key to arming your techs with the information and tools they need to be successful in the field. It allows them to communicate in real time with off-site end users and accomplish key tasks before, during, and after a site visit.

Today’s tech services market is cutthroat, and these mistakes can cost your business dearly. It’s important to embrace new technologies that can help you hire, manage, and grow a reliable workforce. All the tools and knowledge you need are out there; it just takes a little ingenuity and willingness to evolve in order to be successful.

Visit Work Market today to learn how freelance management software is revolutionizing how channel partners build trusted pools of top-rated techs.