Setting Tech Goals for 2023

We’ve already made it through a month of 2023, but I know New Year’s resolutions are still on my mind. We all have our personal goals — maybe they’re fitness related, career related, relationship related, or something else — but how many of us make goals for our businesses? 

Specifically, I’m talking about your organization’s technology. Today, tech is central to the way businesses operate, and if we don’t give it the attention it needs, our businesses will suffer. 

After some thought, I’ve decided that there are seven major tech goals and areas that should define any successful organization’s strategy in 2023. 

1. Prioritize Cybersecurity

As cybercrimes and threats become more ubiquitous and gain sophistication, businesses must make cybersecurity central to their priorities. Even the smallest vulnerability can lead to damage to your organization and your reputation, as well as be costly to repair. In extreme cases, a data breach or malicious activity could ruin your business entirely.

Cybersecurity is a team effort, one that does not depend on any single team member. Everyone is responsible for protecting their business and themselves. This year, it is important to create a robust strategy for guarding against cyberthreats and attacks. 

Measures you can take include:

• Staying abreast of news in the cybercrime space
• Installing preventative protections such as firewalls, antivirus and malware software, and multifactor authentication systems
• Updating all systems and software because the latest versions often include patches and protections against newer threats
• Educating your staff on the importance of being on guard and understanding what threats exist, such as phishing attacks and weak passwords

2. Facilitate Digital Transformation

Easier said than done, you might be thinking. But digital transformation is critical for keeping your organization digitally up to date and innovative.

Here’s what digital transformation doesn’t mean: replacing every single system, tool, and technology in your stacks. 

While it is an ambitious undertaking, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It involves taking stock of your systems and understanding which ones may need updating or overhauling. It also means discovering how newer technologies could be of value to your organization. Ultimately, it’s about ensuring that your organization is digitally cohesive, modern, and moving forward, as well as having the right resources to usher you into the future.

3. Implement a Data Cleanup

Your data is one of your most critical assets. But when was the last time you actually performed a data cleanup? Chances are that there is an abundance of data cluttering your organization’s devices that you’re not using or don’t currently need. There may be outdated programs or files, for example, as well as information that may not have had any value to begin with.

So, this year, take the time to implement a company-wide data cleanup.

Now, bear in mind that that doesn’t just mean you should delete, delete, delete. A data cleanup is a comprehensive process that involves using cloud storage and backup methods to archive information. In some cases, you may want to dispose of data entirely, but be very careful about taking that step. Additionally, plan ahead for storing data in the future as it grows.

4. Use Tech for Collaboration

Collaboration is critical for your organization’s success. Team members working together productively is likely already one of the most important goals at your company. But are you using the best tools to ensure collaboration?

There are plenty of technologies that enable more seamless collaboration, from project management tools to video conferencing platforms and beyond. This year, consider how to best bring your team members together to facilitate a more collaborative and welcoming environment, one that prioritizes teamwork.

5. Educate Your Staff

Your organization may have the latest, most cutting-edge technologies on hand, but they are useless if your team members don’t know how to use them effectively. In 2023, don’t forget to educate your staff not only on how to use the new programs and gadgets you’ve introduced but also on how to tap into all the features they have to offer. 

I’ve underscored the importance of educating your staff on cyberthreats, and it cannot be overstated. Additionally, make them aware of other threats, such as misinformation. Your team members make your organization run smoothly, so they must always be alert and aware.

6. Be Green

Have you gone paperless? Are you storing your documents via cloud solutions?

These are two ways you can be a greener organization. Technology like cloud computing tools will allow you to store your important information digitally rather than physically, removing the clutter and allowing you to reduce your carbon footprint.

You can make your communications entirely digital too. Who looks at paper messages and flyers anymore, anyway? Today, it’s all about email, e-messages, e-newsletters, and e-communication. Sending out paper mail is a thing of the past and generates waste, harming the planet. Be greener!

7. Align Tech Goals and Business Goals

Last but not least, you must always align your technology goals with your larger business goals. Each objective you establish for technology should support and further your mission as an organization. 

Too often, there are silos among departments within an organization. But no matter what your type of company, tech and business are intertwined and must be treated as a unit. Consider where your organization is going and how technology can help you get there — and then formulate your objectives accordingly.

As your business evolves digitally and otherwise, it is increasingly important to develop a roadmap of where you want to be headed and how you’re going to get there. Here’s to a year of success!