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why transform?


Why do I want to change, who said anything was wrong with my stack of papers and sea of Excel files?  We solve problems, that is a key characteristic of any successful service organization, if it isn't broke why fix it?  Often, when discussing a transformation from paper or cobbled together systems to a cohesive digital approach, folks struggle with the gap between what they currently do and how digital tools can help.  You really need to look at where the pain points are in your organization and how these compare to your business objectives.  Consider writing down these points on the whiteboard in no particular order, spend a few days shuffling and consolidating into a prioritized list.  Once you have the "why" and the "what" identified, the old remaining step is "how".  Some of the most popular observations over the years have been;

  • Slipping through the cracks:  you know, not the major muscle movements, instead those little items that help you remember things promised to others.
  • When will you be here?  this is a tough one, you want to be as responsive as possible yet at the same time balance competing priorities and requests.  No better way to upset someone then to commit in seeing them and never showing up.
  • Where did I?  often frustrating and extremely time-consuming when you can't get caught up back to the moment or locate a file that you need.
  • You are helping me, really?  when the perception of your organization falls below, or in many cases well below, the customers use of digital tools….aren't you supposed to be the technical expert?

Today it is not just about choosing an accounting system and/or email environment.  Instead it is about the myriad modern tools, which can solve so many challenges.  The tricky bit is making sure that you are not purchasing "flavor of the month" applications which do not share data nor distribute/leverage operational costs.  Now more than ever a multi-year digital transformation plan, sized for your pocket book and ability for your company to absorb change, is hyper-critical.  Choose wisely…. feedback encouraged.

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Next post:  from the field to the office

Thoughts?  feel free to leave replies or direct message

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