SmallBizResource Blog -- SmallBizResource

What Enterprises Can Teach You About IT

Posted by Gayle Kesten Tuesday, Jan 29, 2008, 04:19 PM ET

Growing up the oldest child had its privileges, but an extra hour for curfew hardly replaced an older sibling who could have advised me through the joyless moments of adolescence and early adulthood.

Heck, I could use one even now.

In the world of home and small business, the analogy is the same. We can all benefit from the guidance of other companies that blazed trails before ours -- especially enterprises that already endured many of the same technology growing pains we now face. After all, they were once small, too.

So what have the big guys learned along their way? ComputerWorld contributor Jake Widman posed that question to IT pros whose companies provide outsourced IT services. Six themes emerged, all of which applies whether you’re a sole proprietor or have up to 50 people on your payroll.

1. Put IT in your budget: This means not only factoring in enough money for support and training on the latest software, but then quantitatively assessing a return on your investment.

2. Plan your IT future: Think through your IT purchases and consider how new equipment will play with your older equipment, lest you wind up a motley crew of products.

3. Make IT part of management: If you’re fortunate enough to have a CTO-type on your payroll, or even someone you can call in a pinch, get that person’s thoughts as to you how tech can improve your business’ overall direction.

4. Take care of the basics: A reliable, secure Internet connection, equipment like printers and fax machines that work...Nothing is more frustrating than when the simple, yet essential stuff poops out.

5. Choose your vendors wisely: Make your expectations clear, and don’t be afraid to shop around for new partners as your business needs change and grow. You can actually save money in the long run.

6. Keep learning: Look no further than the Internet for IT training and to gain insight from industry organizations, research houses and competitors.

SmallBizResource