Let’s face it. We live in a world that is becoming more and more dependent on technology. And small businesses are one of the front runners for those needing technology to succeed. Whether it’s for communication, organization, or information, technology is what is driving companies. And while it definitely helps to better manage a business, finding the right tool and getting it set up correctly can cause enough stress for you to just give up.
One of the main issues is trying to understand (or in some cases, trying NOT to understand) how the technology works. You as an owner need to understand the things that make you your money, and in most cases in an office atmosphere, this means having your processes in place to perform the functions needed. In the field, technicians and employees need to know how to perform their jobs, and not how to become technological gurus. The secret to this is to find a support structure for the technology you use, or are exploring.
When you have issues with a computer, you call your computer guy (or in a lot of cases you call a relative who is the family geek). Or when you have issues with accounting you call the accountant. Or if there are questions with software, you want to contact some helpful support. This should be part of the decision making when investing in technology. Make sure you’ve got someone to handle the stuff you don’t need to know.
Recently we had an issue with our email service not sending emails. We’re not email experts and our email provider offered no help whatsoever in trying to find the problem. We made the decision to switch email providers to one who was right up front about offering help when we had questions or problems. All transitions are a little bit rough, but knowing we have a number to call at any time has certainly eased the pain.
It’s worth the money if you lose the stress. That is the bottom line. Invest in technology that makes your life easier and do not let it control your life. If you need to spend a little extra to achieve the results you want, then spend that extra money.