1. Not enough training.
When you buy a new device for your staff, it’s smart to provide training. But typically, they get little, if any. There are multiple reasons for this. First, the tech giants making the products offer surprisingly little guidance (unless you really dig for it). Second, typical business owners are very busy — and they don’t know how to guide their people, either. So, the default position is that small businesses let their employees loose and hope for the best.
But what if? What if business owners thought things through before buying the latest, greatest technology? Sometimes, it’s best to stick with existing equipment rather than spending money and time getting up to speed with a new device. Another not-so-crazy idea: Invest in your employee’s success and hire a qualified tech consultant to train your people. It can be money well spent.
2. Not providing devices for employees (BYOD).
It is not uncommon for employers to let their staff bring their own devices to work. The upside is that companies avoid the expense of buying new devices, and employees can use laptops, cell phones or tablets that they are already familiar with.
Warning: This can be a recipe for disaster. Employees will use the same device for work as they do for personal reasons. Sometimes these devices are shared with other people, including kids doing their homework. All kinds of sensitive data may be exposed this way. It’s easy to see how things can go south.
But what if? Consider ponying up and supply company-owned technology. Shop around — a lower cost device might work perfectly well. But if you do decide to embrace a BYOD policy,
Please design an official corporate guidelines.
3. No tech policies.
Many small companies don’t have a technology manual. Assuming that your people will always do the right thing, or work error-free, isn’t realistic. In the real world, even good employees with the best of intention make mistakes. That’s why your staff needs clear, written guidelines. It doesn’t need to be exhaustive, but it does need to be done.
But what if? Again, the average business owner knows that this is a good idea — but they may be too busy or not have enough knowledge to do it. Let a tech consultant come in and design a corporate technology policy.”
4. Over-the-top expectations for the newest tech gadget.
“Wow,” the business owner says, “the camera on this new phone is so much better than what we have. It will help our team create better visual documentation of our processes. Let’s order today!” While it probably is accurate that the new device offers superior performance, it is also true that getting up to speed will require not only installation time, but downtime as employees get up to speed. In other words, a business might solve one problem while creating new ones.
But what if? Perform a reality check before investing in new tech. A little pre-planning and a quick cost-benefit analysis are strongly recommended.
5. Springing a leak. Managing passwords and documents has always been a challenge. But when everyone did their work from the office, it was easier to keep track. Now, so many employees work remotely — and they don’t have access to IT help, or scrutiny. Often, remote employees are quite literally left to their own devices. Condominium and apartment complexes are easy targets for hackers. This can lead to leaked passwords and the loss of valuable information.
But what if? What if you sat down with key staff members and brainstormed ideas? Shrugging one’s shoulders and deciding nothing can be done is a risky plan.
Michael Coury is the tech guy with a twist.
He knows business first — and tech second. He understands how most people interact with technology, and why the usual problems occur.
Michael’s solutions are unique from most IT trained professionals because he focuses on results-based actions regardless of the tech platform. You can reach Michael — and request a complimentary consultation — by calling 949-537-1953.
