Building a Successful UC Strategy: Key Considerations for Businesses

Embarking on a Unified Communications journey is a pivotal moment for your organization's growth and success. Yet, to ensure its effectiveness, it's vital to meticulously address every crucial element and prevent the potential pitfalls that could cause your strategy to crumble. With a staggering 86% of business owners citing poor communication as the culprit behind workplace failures, you certainly don't want to find yourself in their company.

So, how do you craft a truly robust and tailored UC strategy that not only leverages the cutting-edge capabilities of today's technology but also harmonizes with your organization's distinctive requirements? The answer lies in a thoughtful reevaluation and transformation of your existing infrastructure, paving the way for a seamless and successful UC implementation.

The ideal Unified Communications strategy enhances collaboration and communication by seamlessly integrating tools that offer smooth interoperability and consistent access. In this article, we'll look into the key considerations for crafting a successful UC strategy that stands the test of time.

1. Align your UC strategy with business goals

Before embarking on your UC journey, it's crucial to ensure that your strategy aligns with your organization's overarching goals. Begin by identifying your business's core objectives and understanding how UC can help you achieve them. For instance, a study by Aberdeen suggests that adding mobile video to a unified communications solution may lead to a substantial improvement in customer service, possibly doubling its impact.?

A clear vision will serve as a foundation for your strategy and guide your decision-making process.

2. Assess your current communication infrastructure

Take a comprehensive look at your existing communication infrastructure and identify any gaps, inefficiencies, or outdated systems that may hinder your UC strategy's success. This evaluation assists in identifying areas needing enhancement, replacement, or leveraging existing resources for an easier transition.

The financial impact of ineffective communication can cause a company to suffer an annual loss of $62.4 million.

3. Prioritize security and compliance

As with any digital transformation initiative, security should be at the forefront of your UC strategy. Develop a comprehensive security plan that addresses potential threats, safeguards sensitive data, and ensures compliance with industry regulations. Engage your IT and security teams early in the process and involve them in vendor selection, implementation, and ongoing management.

4. Foster a culture of collaboration

A successful UC strategy goes beyond just technology – it requires a cultural shift within your organization. Encourage collaboration and communication among employees by promoting a culture that values openness, teamwork, and innovation. Provide training and resources to help employees adapt to new tools and workflows, and recognize and reward those who champion the UC strategy.

5. Monitor, measure, and optimize

Finally, continuously monitor and measure the performance of your UC strategy to ensure it's meeting your business goals. Collect data and feedback from employees, and use these insights to optimize your approach. Be prepared to make adjustments and improvements as needed, and stay informed on industry trends and best practices to keep your strategy current and effective.

The Harvard Business Review reports that 72% of employees believe their performance would improve if their managers provided feedback.?

Future-proof your business with a strong UC strategy

A successful UC strategy demands a mindful approach, factoring in your organization's objectives, current infrastructure, and corporate culture. Businesses must diligently assess the options available to identify the ideal match for their specific needs. Taking into account aspects like scalability, compatibility with existing systems, and ease of integration will pave the way for a smooth implementation and sustained success.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on these strategies. Share your insights by leaving a comment below.