Does Your Small Business Have a Technology Plan?

Yesterday I changed the heading on this blog and publicly committed myself to more frequent posts.  My planning hasn’t been enough in this case because I failed to take action.  On the flip side–a plan is critical for the successful completion of any endeavor.  Someone said: “If you don’t have a plan—How will you know when the goal has been reached?”

When it comes to technology, most small business owners fall into the same category.  They were thrust into the world of computers and technology out of necessity.  You know how it goes:  In the beginning–someone said: “Send me an email.”   So the first computer was acquired.  And then someone said:  “Check out my website.”  And then the bookkeeper said: “I need QuickBooks so we can do this more effectively.”  The accountant said: “Send me the file and I’ll take a look at it.”  The shipping department said: “We need a computer so we can send UPS.”  The salesman said: “I need a laptop so I can track my customers and their contact information.”  Before you know it a small business that had one computer ends up with ten that are under utilized and frequently in need of repair.  It’s a great big new expense that didn’t exist 10 years ago.

On and on it goes.  More computers, more frustration, less time to do the real business because you have to keep the system running in order to do your work.  Trust me–The Technology Merry Go Round will make you dizzy.  I’ve had the opportunity to speak before several groups recently.  They confirmed that their computer systems really haven’t been planned.  Their technology involvement to date has been out of necessity–not out of any organized plan.

Now here’s a wild idea that’s based on the promise of technology.  The promise to make your life easier, save you time, entertain you, allow you to more be more effective, to communicate better, or to offer a return on your investment.  Wow what a concept!!  What if technology became a competitive advantage?  What if it allowed you to make more money faster–to outperform your competition??  Now that would be something to behold.

I have seen a few companies who use their computers efficiently.  Without exception, those using technology to their benefit have a plan.  They look forward and plan ahead to get the most out of technology with a minimum of expense.

I need to wrap this thought up before you get bored and leave me.  There are many things to consider when creating a technology plan.  But the bottom line is that if you don’t have a plan on how you will use technology in the future–You’ll end up spending more money than you need to.  You’ll end up with up more headaches, greater frustration, and fewer dollars in the bank.

Look for my next posting where we’ll start to explore what makes a good technology plan for small business.  If you don’t have a technology plan—now’s the time to get one in place!!

Have a Great Day,
Rusty Lee

1. 

   Alexis Mason/Present Yourself says:

   March 26, 2009 at 6:49 am

   I appreciate the emphasis on the importance of planning. Discussing planning in terms of technology goals is innovative, in my opinion. I agree. It is true that if you don’t implement a plan (or map of some kind) and you don’t know where you’re going, any road at all will do. In this case, the wrong road will lead to unnecessary expense, incompatible systems, and much aggravation. I can’t wait to read your next posting and get started on an effective plan for my business. Thanks, Rusty.