Recently I had a function to attend – a gala networking dinner in Sydney. In preparation for that event I needed to do many things; shop for a suitable outfit, learn who else would be at my table to do some quick research on them, organise my family commitments and logistics to be there on time. All very simple stuff, but still required to ensure the success of the evening.
How does this relate to building an IT environment? It is all in the planning… simple planning at the beginning of your business does save you thousands of dollars. Many businesses begin their IT spend at the local store and they buy ad hoc new items as they are needed, resulting in something that becomes unmanageable and expensive to revise and refresh.
There are only three questions that should drive all of your IT spend:
1.What does your business do?
This includes considering the software or hardware that may be unique to operate your business. For example, a printing house will have a certain printer or software they know they need for their business to function. Building your IT infrastructure around your business needs is a key to not buying what you don’t need.
2.How long can your business operate without the key components working?
This includes considering whether a certain software package or hardware needs to operate for your business to keep making money. The answer to this question drives the disaster recovery and back up strategy for your business. If you can go without your equipment and data for a week before it affects your business, your needs will differ from those of someone who needs to be operational again within an hour.
3.Projected growth of your business in the next 1 – 3 years?
Businesses that build a foundation for growth do save thousands of dollars. You may start up as an individual, with a projected growth up to 5 people in three years. Your growth forecast will affect where you should set your foundations and how you create an IT plan to allow that growth.
The answers to the above questions enable a professional IT consultant to work out a plan to cover the hardware, software, performance, maintenance, internet, telephony, back up, disaster recovery and much more that suits your business needs. Every dollar you spend on your IT environment should have a positive impact on your business. There are many options available, which is why there are so many vendors and consultants in the industry.
Deal with someone that you feel can connect with you and your business as, just like your other professional advisors – your accountant and lawyer for example; they should bring their knowledge to the aid of your business and be able to help the business grow. The same three questions apply to businesses which have passed their start up phase, with IT infrastructure that has grown organically but now needs to be organised to enable continued business growth and a stronger asset management plan.
By the way, the dinner went well – and your businesses will too if you give it the thought it deserves.
