In today's digital era, a robust technology strategy is the backbone of every successful small business and non-profit organization. It's not just about keeping up with the competition; it's about setting the pace, fostering innovation, and ensuring sustainability.
We've put together some key considerations that are common for small organizations, followed up by some ideas on ways to improve your technology stance.
As we write more about this topic, we will add links below to deeper dives on how this all fits together, so check back often!
Key Considerations
Below are some key considerations to ensure your technology strategy propels your organization forward. While not all of them are applicable to every org, this is a good starter kit that you can use to customize your technology strategy.
Scalable Solutions
Embrace technology that scales with your vision. Your tech infrastructure should accommodate growth, allowing for seamless adaptation as your business evolves.
Prioritizing User Adoption and Training
The most sophisticated technologies are only beneficial if your team can use them effectively. Ensure user-friendliness and provide ongoing training to maximize technology uptake and productivity.
Keeping an Eye on Costs and Returns
Evaluate both the immediate and long-term financial impacts of your technology investments. A clear understanding of total cost of ownership and potential returns is crucial for informed decision-making.
Building Relationships with Vendors for Unparalleled Support
A strong partnership with technology vendors ensures you receive timely support and updates, keeping your operations smooth and secure.
Ensuring Smooth Integration with Existing Systems
Your new tech solutions should work hand-in-hand with current systems. Proper integration enhances efficiency and avoids the pitfalls of disjointed tech ecosystems.
Fortifying Your Cybersecurity Posture
Develop a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity that includes regular updates, employee training, and a proactive incident response strategy to protect your digital assets.
Developing a Robust Business Continuity Plan
Downtime is not an option. Implement disaster recovery and data backup solutions to safeguard your operations against unforeseen events.
Embracing Digital Transformation for Competitive Edge
Stay ahead by leveraging emerging technologies and digital trends. Innovation can unlock new opportunities and revolutionize customer interactions.
Adopting Environmentally Sustainable Practices
Consider the environmental impact of your tech choices. Sustainable practices not only reduce your carbon footprint but also resonate with eco-conscious consumers.
Navigating Regulatory Landscapes with Confidence
Beyond compliance, it's essential to understand the broader legal implications of technology adoption, ensuring you're covered on all fronts.
Enhancing Customer Experiences through Technology
Leverage tech to elevate your customer service. From personalized interactions to accessible platforms, technology should enrich the customer journey.
Supporting Remote Work and Mobility
In a world where work happens anywhere, technologies that support remote collaboration and access are indispensable.
Technologies to improve your Organization
The rate of change in today's landscape means that organizations should be constantly evaluating how they use technology. Not just the bright and shiny objects on the horizon, but also what tools you are already using and how their evolution can improve existing processes.
Below are some ideas to kick-start your technology strategy planning!
AI
The hot topic today is AI and how it can be used for automation and process workflow improvements. The field is young and evolving faster than many can keep up. Finding solutions in this space requires flexibility and investment, but the results can be dramatic.
Communication Tools
Increase communication and collaboration throughout your organization by utilizing purpose-built tools that not only increase productivity, but ensure your organization’s data stays within proper channels for compliance and privacy requirements.
CRM
Make use of a CRM to help manage your relationships with your clients, and prospective clients. This allows you to improve conversions, then once prospects become clients, a CRM allows you to maintain relationships, discover additional opportunities and increase loyalty.
Industry-Specific Software
Implement or expand industry-standard software for managing processes and workflows. Many organizations have a set of software in use, but aren’t using it properly, or to the fullest extent possible. Some are using software that wasn’t built for their needs, but continue to use it because it’s what they know.
ERP
Don’t have industry software that works for your needs? Implement an ERP like Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, NetSuite, Odoo, or one of countless others. While often the more expensive option (by sticker price AND implementation costs), the advantage of a customized, end-to-end solution could be what your organization needs to get to the next level.
Team Training
Improve team training and development by implementing your own onboarding and training in a Learning Management System (LMS). Take advantage of pre-built systems that come with many of the basics for training up your team where they are deficient and custom building your own training that reflects your unique processes and workflows.
Website & Digital Creation Tools
Website providers such as Wix and Squarespace have emerged as powerful contenders against Wordpress, which has been the de facto standard for years. A professional online presence is important not just for showcasing products or services but can also be used to help recruit your next A-player, inspire confidence in your existing clients and highlighting your “Why”.
Similarly, Canva has caught the world by storm, allowing everyday users to design and share high-quality work without the complexity and expense of traditional design software.
These are just some of the opportunities that your organization can explore to maintain a competitive advantage, or at least keep up in the tech space, so you can do what you do best, at the next level of speed and efficiency.
Please drop us a line if you have questions or comments, or would like to have a conversation about how Northrock can help YOUR organization with its Technology Strategy!