If you are a startup or a small business, you are often on the cutting edge of new product or service innovation. However, you may not be quite as up to speed on integrating new technologies into your business model, especially as these elements can be complex. Your team are experts in marketing, in accounting, in channel management or production – but are they proficient in picking up the nuances of new software, hardware and communications protocols?
Rolling Out New Technologies
If you are a business owner who is looking to integrate new technologies into your everyday operations, you know the pitfalls. You could face downtime, glitches, or frustration from users who liked it better “the old way”, stealing productivity and even spilling over into your customer interaction. The good news is, with a little help and planning you can introduce new technologies into your business – streamlining operations, increasing profits, and maximizing customer satisfaction.
Present Solutions: Rather than simply telling users that their way of operating is changing, fill them in on the problems, issues and frustrations which the new technology will address. For instance, if users were constantly faced with the system “hanging up” and freezing during transactions, introduce the new system by telling them about the speed and efficiency that they will now experience. Pro Tip: Before considering the implementation of any new system, speak with your users to make sure you have a clear understanding of what they really go through, and the solutions they really need. Then you can present new technologies as an answer to their concerns.
Provide Tutorials: A well-designed and executed user demo can make all the difference when it comes to a successful implementation. But when employees are stressed because they are missing calls or getting behind on their work, the learning experience can be sabotaged. Consider creative ways to provide training that will be in-depth and allow for true learning and adoption to take place, while not compromising your employees. These may include a planned offsite retreat, tiered learning opportunities before the full roll-out, or lunch and learns. Provide good food and make it fun, and users are more likely to accept the new technologies and their learning curve.
Design for Them: Be sure to utilize new technologies with simple and intuitive interfaces, ensuring that the client will find them user friendly. While an overzealous developer or IT professional may dream of designing a high-tech solution with every bell, whistle and function – your users simply need something they can easily understand, navigate and implement. The faster they can learn the new way of doing things, the easier their job becomes – resulting in improved employee morale and higher customer satisfaction. Be sure that your IT team, whether in-house or through a managed services firm , is available and floating during the first days of implementation. Being close by (physically or over chat) allows your team to get answers to their questions before frustrations set in.
If your business is aware that you need to upgrade your operations but don’t know where to begin, experts recommend calling in outside help. A non-biased professional can take a critical look at your current situation, assess your needs and problem areas, and speak with your users about their frustrations. They can then make informed recommendations based on your budget and business model. A managed services company is a great option to help with your assessment, and can also help to acquire, implement and maintain your new technologies.
Alliance IT Managed Services provides technical assistance, support and resources to companies across the Sarasota and Tampa Bay area. Call us today to discuss how we can assist you to become more profitable and productive.
