Can you imagine driving your new car without first adjusting the seat and the mirrors, maybe finding your favorite radio stations? Making sure you’re familiar with the controls and dashboard?

When it comes to our tech, however, we so often skip over the steps to ensure we’ve customized our experience and understand the functionality, which costs us time and money.

That’s why, I’m excited to share some tips from Susan Shapiro, an efficiency and productivity specialist, who focuses on technology and related processes to support growing businesses.

From Susan’s years of conducting requirements analyses, software research and recommendations, and managing implementation, training, and documentation, she’s identified some of the common mistakes we make and how to avoid them when it comes to establishing a successful tech infrastructure.

So, instead of purchasing a tool and letting it sit on the sidelines until you're ready to 'figure it all out' or struggling to create a helpful workflow that's easy to maintain, do this:

1. Select the Right Tech​
   ​While asking for recommendations is a great way to identify potential tools, don’t just take someone else’s word for it. ​
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   First, do a complete requirements analysis to define the goal you’re looking to accomplish with the technology, identify the information you need to capture, and determine any integrations you’ll need with your other tools.
2. Take Time to Customize​
   ​Far too often, people accept the default settings without exploring ways to make their tools better fit their needs, their comfort, and their workflows. ​
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   Set aside time during the onboarding of new tech to customize your experience so you have the information you need at your fingertips, and it’s displayed in a way that works for you and your team.
3. Get Familiar with the Functionality​
   ​Many software solutions are multi-functional, so before assuming you need a separate tool for something, make sure you’re not already paying for that functionality.​
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   Tool around with your software and explore its options on a regular basis. Tech companies regularly add new functionality to support evolving customer needs. What you need may be there, or it may be available with a simple upgrade.
4. Spell It Out for Your Team​
   ​Your technology is only effective as a resource if everyone knows how to use it correctly. So, make sure everyone has the same process to follow.
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   ​Create simple user guides providing step-by-step instructions for the necessary activities in each tool. This not only ensures consistency no matter who’s utilizing the technology but enables new team members to quickly onboard and get up-to-speed.

Listen, I know I'm not the only one who's invested in a shiny new tool to 'revolutionize' my business, and then let it collect dust, or worse, subscription fees. I know this because plenty of my clients have done it, too.

So, if you’re struggling with your tech strategy, management, and/or implementation, reach out to Susan at susan@bralan-consulting.com to schedule a free consultation. Her approach is customized to support your specific needs and struggles.
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Until next time,

If you missed it, last week I provided tips if you're struggling with Time Out of Mind aka Time Blindness.

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