Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use your services?

The Tech Ref will make your office responsibilities easier and less stressful. We arrange for quotes from service providers and handle all of the legwork for VoIP phone services, internet bandwidth or any other IT need you may have. We then manage and facilitate the entire ordering process to completed installation. 

What should I know about your pricing?

The Tech Ref is a 100% free service.

Who do I contract with? 

You contract directly with the service provider.

How do I know I am getting the best pricing possible?

You receive either the same or better pricing than you would receive if you went to the provider directly. There is no markup nor hidden fees of any kind. This is possible because my clients enjoy the benefit of being supported by the “Channel” division of the service provider, not the “Small Business” division. This also provides the benefit of enterprise service and support, versus SMB support.

How does The Tech Ref make money?

This is one of the most popular questions asked of me. Service provider's channel divisions operate their Partner Programs with marketing program budgets. The service provider partner program compensates The Tech Ref for an introduction that results in a sale. The Tech Ref maintains its reputation with clients as a value-added facilitator by managing the entire process on behalf of its clients, and it’s reputation with the service providers as a trusted, unbiased professional account management referral source.

What is your typical process in working with a new client?

I have a keen understanding and appreciation that every client has their own important particular needs and that no matter how small or large, all client situations are important. I have direct conversations with all clients to understand their needs, challenges and time frames. I save clients time, hassle and money by introducing industry leading service providers and I handle all the legwork in obtaining quotes. If and when a decision is made to move forward with a service, I coordinate the entire effort. 

What questions should I think through before talking to professionals about my needs or project?

What is your current situation? What would you like your future situation to look like? What current agreements and term are in place? Is the organization planning for growth? Consolidation? Other changes?

What types of clients have you worked with? 

I work with clients of all sizes, located anywhere. Some recent clients include accounting firms, law firms, unions, fitness studios and financial firms. 

How did you get started doing this type of work?

After 25+ years working in corporate America for leading Fortune 500 technology companies such as IBM, AT&T Bell Labs, MCI/Verizon, Windstream and Spectrum, managing Fortune 500 firms such as JP Morgan Chase, Merrill Lynch and WPP Group, as well as many small to medium sized businesses, I always focused on going above and beyond serving my clients with the most cost effective and "right fit" solutions. Now, as an entrepreneur managing my own business, I have the pleasure of delivering flexible customized solutions 24x7 to a select group of clients at a time. 

What is a recent project you worked on and how long did it take?

Recent projects include internet business continuity services for a 1000 person union office, VoIP services for a 60 person CPA accounting firm (with significant monthly savings), internet services for a national brand Pilates studio, and new VoIP services for a billion dollar NYC based global hedge fund.

I take great pride in solving client’s specific needs and in many cases have ensured urgent delivery of VoIP services the same day of order placement (initially via mobile phone app and desktop app) and then with phones shipped overnight.

What advice would you give to someone looking to hire a provider of similar services?

If you are looking to hire a consultant or service provider, things I would ask are: will they be charging you for the same services The Tech Ref is offering for free and at no obligation? Will they be the "POC" (Point of Contact) on your behalf and handle all circuit/network bandwidth and/or phone service order and installation legwork for you? Will they take all of the hassle out of the process for you, ensuring a smooth installation? Will they make sure they either: configure your VoIP, help you configure your VoIP or arrange for your VoIP provider to do a fully managed installation? Will you be left on your own to configure? With VoIP, you must pay attention to even the smallest of details and it will be to your greatest advantage to work with a nimble, effective facilitator.