Mindset Checkup
Mindset Checkup –Why Your Business Must Invest Time and Money into Tech
When I am discussing our services with business owners, no matter their industry, they will commonly approach their tech with two distinct mentalities.
Some see technology as a means to an end.
These owners realize it is a necessity and simply wish to mitigate their IT bill as much as humanly possible. So, they have chosen macOS and avoid IT costs like the plague. This thought process leads companies using half-decade-old Macs that function with zero speed and less efficiency.
Then some organizations understand technology is an investment. No, they’re not dropping funds on tools with reckless abandon to acquire the latest and greatest that Mac has to offer. Instead, they grasp the concept that technology can be leveraged in a way that enhances productivity, bolsters security, and increases profits as a result.
During this mindset checkup, I want you to consider where you stand on this matter.
After all, you might think that you are taking full advantage of your technology when really, it is acting as more of an obstacle.
Let’s investigate further:
Where is Your Head at with Tech?
When obtaining the most value from your tech, it can turn a business that is merely surviving into one that is thriving.
Yet, all too often, I notice how little knowledge and understanding owners have concerning the positive influence their tech can have on their business. They view their tech as a financial drain, albeit one they can not do without. It is almost like they have the mentality that their devices and software are akin to death and taxes—an unfortunate life scenario they can not avoid.
Though in relegating your business to tech that does not fit its infrastructure, it will act as only a financial sinkhole. That same notion applies when you do not take the time to learn how to use the many available tools offered by technology. And yes, you will end up with five-year-old computers that operate at a snail’s pace, leaving your organization behind the times while your rivals find themselves at the cutting edge.
Furthermore, the outdated software on these antiquated devices will only serve to infuriate your team. They will only grow less confident with the clunky, cumbersome tools that do not seem catered to your business’s needs.
Though it is possible to extract value from older systems, as long as your employees understand how to apply the tools productively. Still, these companies are not willing to invest money on decent devices and software. With that in mind, they are definitely not going to expand their budget to train their team on leveraging the tech to its fullest.
It is those misguided businesses that maintain the short-sighted philosophy that employees should only focus on the specific tasks involved in their role. Any time spent training is minutes not spent completing job-specific tasks, whether its sales, marketing, or project management related, etc.
And to them, computers are just virtual notebooks where the work is recorded. With this utterly incorrect viewpoint, the longer the Mac lasts, the more value it has offered—functionality and efficiency aside.
Giving You a Return on Labor
Paying your employees to do work costs your business the most money. In most cases, almost all employees are using a computer and its various technologies to complete that work.
If you are paying your team $40,000-$50,000 annually, you’d want them to offer you a decent return for that salary.
It is only possible to multiply the amount of work being done by maximizing your technology.
Now, I am not saying tech is without its pitfalls—especially if you do not take the time to master its varying intricacies. Yes, when technology works against your business, you can end up overrun with malfunctioning systems and viruses that hamper productivity and cost tons of money. The cost of IT support is rarely worth it, as the customer service is virtually non-existent, and they will talk to you in jargon you do not understand.
As such, you will try to DIY the repair, or you will not deal with it until the system crashes.
It is a never-ending cycle that can only be remedied with a change in attitude. These kinds of companies only want technology that does not malfunction versus technology that actually helps their business. Unless you take the time to be diligent about your tech, you are probably going to be resentful and see it as an obstacle.
Finding a Better Way
Imagine, for a second, that tech was no the bane of your business, and you did not see it as a necessary inconvenience.
The fact is, with a paradigm and philosophical shift towards these tools, things like email accounts, computers, and file servers will work seamlessly. Accessing data from anywhere, at any time, would be straightforward and without any aggravation. Meaning your tech would be a contributor to your business’s success versus a constant source of stress.
In this scenario, your team will appreciate the chance to work on reliable and efficient machines that make it easier to do better work. With the collective knowledge among your workforce, you will deftly sidestep cybercriminals looking to breach and steal your data. You will also avoid failed backups.
With a progressive tech-based philosophy, you will maintain the same numbers of workers and initial labor costs but experience an influx of productivity and profits.
Therefore, it is integral that you stop seeing tech as an expense and start treating it as an investment.
Time is Money
You would be shocked at how much investing a bit of time into your tech can help you save and make money.
If you pay for tech, it needs to be an integral part of your workplace functions. Otherwise, it will only ever cost you money with no return of which to speak.
The fact is,productivity apps and software work wonders for businesses in all industries.They just require time and patience to mold to your procedural and employee-based needs. Many owners might worry that this will detract from more relevant tasks. But thirty minutes a week is barely enough to break a sweat. In fact, you would be surprised at how little fifteen-thirty minutes per day would distract your team. It is a small investment of time for what will amount to a massive return of money.
