The Benefits of Digitizing your Business

Does the thought of digitizing your SME give you a headache? Here are several keys to digital success for technology-resistant business owners, no matter how big or small your company is, no matter what industry you're in.

You had a great business idea, you ploughed your life-savings into starting it, customers liked the concept or the product, and initial sales were good. But sales have slowed no matter how many new inquiries you get or how many people you employ to meet demand.

Everyone’s telling you, you need technology to help you, and you know you do, but you’re terrified because you know nothing about the technological solutions that might solve your problem.

You’re not alone, studies show that SMEs consider IT implementation to be in the top three barriers to their company’s growth.?

Any business wanting to succeed doesn’t only have to adopt IT solutions, it has to keep up with their ever-demanding customers’ constantly changing needs. If it’s challenging for big companies, it’s even more daunting for the SME.?

SMEs who don’t educate themselves and overcome their resistance to adopting intelligent IT systems are at serious risk of not only falling behind their competitors, but of losing their businesses altogether. Isn’t that more terrifying?

Why the resistance?

Businesses resist using technology, but they don't know what technology they need, how much it’s going to cost, or who to consult. There is so much IT lingo out there, it’s just a minefield of confusion for an already harassed business owner. So they limp on, trying to ignore the need for processes that will allow the business to function optimally.

Knock-on effect of putting it off

Using technology in your company is vital for sales, and it affects the type of staff your business will attract. When businesses don’t have the technology available to streamline processes, it’s more difficult to attract professional staff. Millennials and Generation Zs, as digital natives, are the most tech-savvy employees today, they insist on financial recognition for their expertise and comfort level with technology, and they're unlikely to accept a job in a company that isn’t equipped and able to implement tech innovations.?

Failing to have IT systems and the ability to attract staff who are able to increase productivity and workflow is a disaster for any growing business.?

Who can help me?

However, there are plenty of software and solutions developer companies, who are themselves SMEs and who are willing to help you identify your IT needs and steer you in the right direction. So how do you find one that you don’t feel intimidated by?

Can you speak my language?

A google search of software and systems developers is daunting for any business owner. As websites show, many of these companies use language that alienates their customers, they’ve forgotten that they too were once a small business and faced challenges. As they’ve grown, they’ve targeted the bigger companies with a bigger IT $pend. SME owners find it daunting to find a company that can speak to them in simple techno lingo that they understand, and a real person.

“IT Land Canada also started off small. We strive to maintain the humility of a small business, and remember what it was like to feel intimidated by business options offered by haughty sales people, or worse - disinterested ones,” says MD Mohamed Ibrahim of IT Land Canada

Is anyone listening?

If you’re scrambling to find someone to listen to your needs, it’s important to find a company you can actually talk to, not a bot, not a call centre, but a person who is available and accessible. A real live person who listens to the different problems that you’re facing, such as limited to no knowledge about systems, your terror that the price of the system will empty your bank account, and being afraid that you’ll be sold something that is not useful, is too complicated to manage, or can’t grow with your company.

Make sure you ask questions and can phone back to clarify anything. If the company you approach to help you with your IT problem doesn’t say say - “Ah-ha, this is what you need! We have the exact solution” and offer a demo, or they don’t say “We’ve never done this before, but we’d be delighted to go on the developmental journey with you” then keep searching until you find a solutions provider that does.

Do they know what they’re doing?

IT Land Canada, has leveraged its presence in both the Northern America and Middle East North Africa regions to provide solutions for companies that are just starting out or already well established but have no idea what technology they need to meet the changing business climate and which will allow for scaleability. The benefit of operating in these two regions is the cross-pollination of ideas and solutions that we've developed with our clients.

“With offices in both regions, we draw experts from these areas, are able to offer superior quality from expert management to development to sales, and who ensure optimally functional software and systems tailored to our clients’ needs.

Did you hear what I just said??

There is an IT solution for every problem, big or small. The questioning phase is where the software developer determines whether you need a POS system for your growing restaurant or a fully integrated enterprise resource plan for your entire business, or whether you need something custom designed and developed.

How much is it going to cost me?

There is every imaginable type of IT company developing software and mobile solutions, some work on monthly plans, payment up front plans, pay per user. The possibilities can be overwhelming. Each of these plans have their usefulness.?

However, if your business is your baby, would you put your at-risk baby in the hands of a paediatrician that didn’t examine your baby, run a battery of tests, and consider different treatment options. Why then would you hand over your struggling business to a one-size-fits-all company?

Speak to a company that’s honest enough to say from the beginning that until they understand your problem they can’t provide a solution and then a price. If you don’t get at least one pre-quote consultation, you should consider whether or not that company is the right one to solve your needs. It's also okay to tell them what your budget is.

I need it, and I need it now!

Typically SME owners put off finding solutions until they just can’t go forward and then settle for the first affordable option just to make the problem go away. Rather follow the steps above and during your discussion, explain your urgency, maybe the company will help you develop your digitization needs according to an afforable time plan. Don't settle for the one-size-fits-all off the shelf solution if it's not going to boost your sales.

The most important thing in any business relationship is communication, and as long as you choose an IT company that is always available to answer your questions, you will be in safe hands, and be able to breathe new life into your business.

If you have any further questions don't hesitate to message us, we are here to help guide you to find the best solution.

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