Technology Strategy a la Mode

by Guest Blogger, Lena West

One of the topics that I stress when speaking to groups of small business owners, dealing with clients and writing articles, is strategy - especially, obviously, technology strategy.  For some reason small businesses think they are too small to be concerned with strategy.  This couldn't be further from the truth.  In fact, I've talked about this so much, it's become sort of like a recipe.

Three 'ingredients'...

1) Small businesses usually have limited budgets. Big businesses have, shall we say, more financial cushion. Small businesses have a very narrow margin between absorbing a loss and being forced to close up shop.

Sprinkle that with...

2) Ever heard the adage, "Measure twice, cut once."  Well, that's ALL about strategy and planning.

Blend in...

3) Technology, when used the right way, allows small businesses to do more with less. It just does.

And, if that's true, why wouldn't you take the time to develop a strategy for a tool (technology) that helps you do more with less?

The result, as cheesy as it may sound, is the recipe for small business longevity and a sturdy competitive edge.

The next time you find yourself thinking: "Oh, I'll develop a plan when my company is a bit bigger.  I'm too busy now." know that you might be signing your business' death certificate.  If you don't have the time to do it now, where in the heck will you find time to do it once the company starts growing? That is IF your company grows...if there's no plan for growth, what can you reasonably expect?

So, grab two scoops of ice cream (this is the a la mode part). Sit down with a blank piece of paper and start by answering the following questions:

What are your business goals for the next 1-3 years?

What technology are you using currently?

Are you using that technology to its full capacity?

What would be possible if you did?

How will your company use technology in the future?

If you're on a roll, download the rest of the questions in the fr>e Technology Planning & Strategy Guide workbook: http://www.TechnologyDiet.com

Do it now, while you still have time...and a business.