by Jared Goralnick
It pains me to see good people getting bad advice when it comes to technology. Culprits include horrible websites, custom software that shouldn’t be written, and IT vendors treating technology like an out-of-reach and separate world than their clients’.
The influencers who spread outdated, expensive, and erroneous information should get a clue or quit their jobs–because they’re not helping anyone.
The Problem With Technology In Organizations
I’ve worked with companies of all sizes and one of two things is usually the case:
- The technology that runs their business could use an overhaul and they know it (which is not ideal but at least understandable), or
- More often than not a business is complacent about their technology and doesn’t realize the money and hours that they’re wasting
I’m not saying every business should use the latest-and-greatest bleeding-edge tech-wizardry–I’m a firm believer that there’s a tipping point when an investment in technology becomes worthwhile. But usually it’s not the businesses’ fault that they haven’t chosen the right tools; in many cases they have attempted to do so. It’s often that the advice they’re getting could be much improved.
Websites, Search Engine Optimization, Design
Why are websites still created that can’t easily be updated? A website without stylesheets, some sort of templating or content management, and web friendly graphics does not deserve to be alive today.
An organization doesn’t need to spend $15,000 to get a three page brochure website. And as part of any package, clients should be instructed how to find their web stats and make basic site modifications.
Software as a Service, Web 2.0, Open-Source
There are so many applications out there that perform what businesses need to accomplish. The fastest way to solve a client’s need is not to get a Microsoft SQL and IIS Server together and then start coding.
The first step is to see what software has solved similar challenges for other organizations. From outsourcing one’s email to project management to CRM to ERP–it’s been done with hosted applications, off the shelf products, and open source tools. Many times. And it doesn’t have to be expensive.
If there’s not a tool available, there’s probably at least some insight to be gained by the way people have already attempted to solve a similar problem. Developing a custom application for something that’s readily already is not good business—it’s dishonest.
It’s The Fault Of Advisers
There may be a gap between us and them when it comes to knowing what’s going on online. But the barrier of entry for people who want to blog, to use RSS, or to draw traffic to their site is not technology—it’s information.
Advisers owe it to their clients to keep them informed of what’s going on and to suggest ways they can improve their organizations or win new business. More things are happening now online than ever before, which means that one should have more opportunities to serve their clients with technology than in the past.
So if you’re a technology adviser, stay abreast so that you can help your clients with all the exciting and practical tools now available.
And if you’re the client who might be receiving bad advice (or if you don’t feel technology is helping your business very much), look around for a second opinion.
If technology is making your life more difficult then you’re likely not only using the wrong tools, you’re getting the wrong advice.
No, Really.
I wrote this article a long time ago in response to blatant nepotism that put someone in a position of leadership…and thus gave them an opportunity to spread information they weren’t qualified to share. A year later I see this person out and about, still spreading the same erroneous advice.
There are bad hair dressers, bad mechanics, and bad cooks. Technology advisers come in all kinds, too: they just charge more. On a daily basis I see this—I just ask that you keep your eyes open and think twice before getting the first offer from a “trusted source.”
And if you’re giving that bad advice, I hope that Darwin gets you.
You should really subscribe to Technotheory via 
email or rss.
Very true, Jared. Great call.
I find that all too often an organization makes a technology decision based on the recommendation of an individual who has an especially significant amount of influence – be it a consultant or internal IT staff. In some cases this works out great for the organization, but in far too many that one person’s or small team’s voice drowns what would otherwise be much more practical and appropriate decisions for the situation the organization is in.
Thanks for calling these folks out!
Agreed !
100% and more!
As a tech manager I have seen it too often. I even chose the the theme of my own blog to puncture some holes in IT for non-IT Business Managers in the Small / Medium Enterprise space.
It is not just a question of being “worthwhile” – but investment in technology must be identified after the people, then the processes. At that point technology can be added to the equation
Thanks, Jake. And I’ve been really enjoying your coverage on “good journalism” lately on your site!
And thank you, Elliot, I’ve checked out your site and you do have some great resources for small-medium businesses with regard to choosing software and making IT decisions. I really appreciate your stopping by!