Create your very own Auto Publish News/Blog Site and Earn Passive Income in Just 4 Easy Steps
The opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Technology is an essential part of virtually every modern business plan, but all too often it is implemented before it is properly evaluated. I have been on countless forums where someone has declared, “If you want to succeed, you must use technology.” But in reality, technology is an extension of your business, not someone else's paint-by-numbers guide that allows you to replicate what has already been done.
Sure, following the advice of others can help shorten some of the decision-making phases in the beginning, but once a business or organization is established, that may not be the best strategy. So I'm not here to tell you what technology to use, because I believe the process of choosing the right technology is complex and unique to each user. You can and should be happy with the systems you've invested in.
Here are some signs that your employees are no longer supporting you as they should.
1. Spending too much time setting up and troubleshooting
It's all too easy to find yourself working late into the night, skipping events, and spending less time with people you care about. Instead, you end up sitting at your computer, frustrated, feeling like you're banging your head against the wall. You may end up only getting to “good enough” and then giving up.
The saying “fighting with technology is part of the business” is simply not true, or at least it shouldn't be. The odd late-night session when you're inspired can be productive, but these should end with a feeling of victory, not compromise.
Related: How to choose the right technology for your startup
2. Relying on outside people to make adjustments
Typically, you get a friend or family member who is “really good at it” to set up the technology. The problem with this is that this can very easily lead to someone else running your business. Not having the confidence to delve into your own digital tools and/or repeatedly having stressful conversations with the help desk because your contact is unavailable just doesn’t work.
3. Customers become aware of the problem
If you're a business owner, your clients are usually pretty understanding. They know you're multitasking and that technology can be difficult to navigate. But at the core, they're looking for your services, and unsupportive tools get in the way of that – and hurt your relationships. Your problems should never become their problems.
Related: Small business owners, don't run from technology – embrace it. Here are 5 strategies for success.
4. You avoid opening your own app
There are many reasons to be afraid to open an app. These range from an inappropriate color scheme to a non-intuitive UX – for example, having to resort to help pages for routine tasks or frequent glitches. This cannot happen with your digital services.
5. You are not having fun
Not everyone loves technology like I do, but you should feel like your technology is “automagical.” This means that you are putting in the work and reaping the rewards – that the technology is supporting you and that it is making you feel empowered, not drained. The absence of such happy feelings means there is an important problem that needs to be addressed.
But keep in mind: Even if you experience some or all of the above, you shouldn't rush into investing in new software. Because the reality is that the right technology for you may not have been developed yet, or you may not be cut out for it. As any entrepreneur knows, knowing your target audience is crucial, and that goes for technology too: it's not for absolutely everyone, even if it has the most and best reviews.
Related: Which software solution is best for your company? How to decide.
Some factors to consider when considering your requirements:
Set goals: The first step is to clarify your business goals and objectives, which play a big role in implementing supporting software and other solutions. From monthly costs to ease of use, it is crucial to understand your unique needs before investing in tools that can truly support (and never hinder) operations.
As you grow and scale, you'll need software that can support changes in data size/complexity and adapt to more customers in different ways. And if your budget doesn't allow for such scalable solutions, consider technical goals that may be better aligned with understanding transition points and moving to new systems in response.
Inventory: Once you're clear on your goal, go through each app you use and write down how it helps you achieve those goals. And don't forget to include what you hate about them, as well as the subscription cost and effort they require. This process paints a picture of the value of each tool and the current state of your tech stack. It also helps highlight any gaps and opportunities.
Alignment: Your digital tools should “spark joy,” as professional organizer and consultant Marie Kondo would say. That doesn't mean they have to be 100% perfect, but fundamentally, they should make your life easier, not harder. Consider whether you can juggle, tweak, or downsize them, or if it's time to trade them in for something new.
Related: 5 tech tools to impress your coworkers and neighbors all summer long
By following this evaluation framework, you will be more productive, avoid stress, increase production, regain focus, and simply enjoy your work more. The right decisions reflect your values, are easy to use, grow with you, offer a clear ROI, and work well with other systems.
Create your very own Auto Publish News/Blog Site and Earn Passive Income in Just 4 Easy Steps
