This month, we’ll be going through a series of “Should Ask Questions” (SAQs). These are questions that you should routinely ask of your own business.
So, how integral is technology to your business? It’s important to ask this question for two reasons. First, if your company is heavily dependent on technology, you should be heavily investing in that technology. You should be evaluating the importance of technology to your business regularly; make big investments in aspects of your business that yield big returns. Think of it this way: if you were an Uber driver, you would invest in a nice car because the nicer your car is, the more returns you see.
If you’re a seamstress, you buy a high-end sewing machine that doesn’t overheat because your profits are highly dependent on the efficiency of your machine. If every single staff member at your company relies on a computer to do his or her job, or you store important data electronically, or your business requires specific software to operate, your business is highly technology-dependent. Invest time and money into that technology. Invest in the things that make you successful.
Second, you need to know what would happen with your business if you ever lost access to your technology. If you are partnered with a trusted MSP, you should see almost zero downtime. But even with experienced partners, hurricanes come. Power lines fall. Lightning strikes. When the uncontrollable happens, you need to be prepared. Here’s where knowing technology’s role in your business is important: can you operate without internet? without phones? without communications? How much data can you afford to lose in an incidence response situation? How long can your business tolerate your systems being down? We sincerely hope you never have to deal with this kind of situation, but for the sake of your company, your staff, and your peace of mind, you need to know the answers to these questions. So, a few times a year, sit down and evaluate your technology. If you aren’t where you want to be, give us a call. If you’re ready to invest in your technology, we’re ready to invest in you.