Republished from the December 11, 2017 Fairfield County Business Journal
By Jarrett Meiers
As an IT Advisor, I get the privilege of working with business leaders that are trying to extract greater value out of their IT investments. One of the first questions I ask when I start a new engagement, is if their current technology investments have been improving their business. The answers usually fall into two categories: not really, or can’t tell for sure.
Deriving value from technology
This scenario should not come as much of a surprise. The typical business leader we work with relies on technology in many aspects of their business, but they have a sneaking suspicion it could do more, integrate better, and cost less. They also have an IT Department or Managed Service Provider that delivers a steady stream of requests for upgrades and special projects throughout the year. These requests usually leave them weary, unsure of the benefit they will have on the business, but without concrete evidence otherwise, they may approve them out of a sense of obligation, hope, or fear of falling behind.
Year after year, more money gets spent, yet real improvement in the business is hard to find. Which brings us back to my question, are they improving their business, or are they just improving their technology?
Which brings us back to the question, are they improving their business, or are they just improving their technology?”
THE TIME FOR CHANGE
To address this dilemma, I started the Blueprint Essential IT Advisory division as part of Reynolds + Rowella’s consulting offerings. We offer support to these very same leaders through monthly packages that provide regularly scheduled IT management events and on-demand advice. This standard level of IT direction means you are always covered with structure, analysis, planning, and advice. I’m happy to say our work is creating a new dynamic for business leaders, one that puts executives back in control by tying technology to the needs and direction of the business, not an IT wish-list.
Before you make your next big IT decision, think about if it’s really going to improve your business, and if you aren’t sure, maybe it’s time to give us a call.
As part of our 2018 New Year Planning special we are offering a free IT Management Review, full of quick wins and cost-savings, just call 203.438.0161 or email jarrettm@reynoldsrowella.com and mention you saw this article.
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Jarrett Meiers leads Reynolds + Rowella’s IT consulting division, Blueprint Essential. For over 18 years, Jarrett has been helping businesses both large and small grow & scale by focusing on their technology capabilities and long-term strategic planning. Equally comfortable discussing business strategy with executives or in technical discussions with service providers, Jarrett has a background in both management and technology.
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