🛠️ How to Add The Right Tools to Your Business

Good morning.

It’s been a while since we discussed something related to technology. Weird, right?

Let’s get into it.

— Gordon

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It’s natural to hit plateaus over the life of a business.

A business starts, it grows to a point, and then it plateaus.

At each ceiling of achievement, your business will require a breakthrough.

A breakthrough in your business will likely come from one of three things:

1. Systems/Technology

2. Training/Coaching

3. People

Each ceiling will require a specific solution depending on the cause of the plateau.

When your business is new, or you already have the right coaching and staffing in place, the solution is often a new system or piece of technology.

Adding the right technology is the fastest and most cost-effective way to add leverage for growth.

Unfortunately, finding and choosing new technology for growth and efficiency isn't as easy as it sounds.

There are so many options in the marketplace, so many bells and whistles, and so many opinions about which tools are the best.

If I had a dollar for every time I was asked, “What CRM do you use?” I would still be writing this newsletter, but the font would be GOLD. 🤑

After consulting hundreds of small businesses to help them determine which tech tool(s) would be the best fit for their business, I’ve developed a simple framework.

Here are 7 dead-simple steps to help you add the right tool to your tech stack:

Step 1: Identify Your Needs

Pinpoint your business's exact needs. What is your ideal outcome?

Are you looking to streamline client onboarding, enhance your content creation process, or increase sales conversions?

Understanding your specific goals is the first step to finding the right solution.

Step 2: Research

Once you know what you need, research systems that cater to those needs.

Look for tools known for creating successful outcomes in your area of interest.

Read reviews and user testimonials and consult with peers who have used the product and operate similar-sized businesses.

Step 3: Prioritize Ease of Use

Choose technology you can easily integrate into your operations without a steep learning curve.

It should complement your workflow, not complicate it. 

The aim is to save time and reduce errors, not spend dozens of hours figuring out properly impelement a new tool.

You will have to invest time upfront. If after a week, you’re not getting the hang of it, seek help from support.

Step 4: Test and Refine

Many tools offer free trials. Take advantage of this to test how well it fits your business processes.

During the trial period, assess its effectiveness, ease of use, and impact on your productivity.

Refine your choice based on this trial and feedback from clients or colleagues, if applicable.

Step 5: Seek Professional Support

Don't shy away from seeking professional advice if you're stuck or need a second opinion.

This could be from a tech consultant (ahem) or other entrepreneurs who have successfully integrated the technology or system you're considering into their business.

Step 6: Consider Scalability

Ensure the technology or system you choose can grow with your business.

It should be able to handle increased workloads and accommodate new features or services you may offer in the future.

Don’t pay for tiers with features you don’t need right away, but it’s good to know what is available for when your business is ready in the near future.

Step 7: Network and Collaborate

Connect with peers in your field through networking events, online forums, and social platforms.

These conversations can provide insight into what others use and their experiences with different technologies or systems.

Just keep in mind that each business is unique and the reason another business uses a certain piece of technology may be vastly different from the outcome you are looking to achieve.

Remember, the goal is to choose technology that will streamline your operations and save you time, allowing you to focus on growing your business through revenue-generating activities.

Technology that is the best fit will give you back more time than it takes to use it.

ONWARD TOGETHER.