How to Incorporate Technology Planning Into Your Business

Leveraging technology to boost your business--and run your operations--is vital in today's technically savvy world. From incorporating an electronic accounting system to protecting your computer data, planning on technology is a must-do for your business. These steps should get you started.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Yellow Pages

1. Integrate technology planning into your overall business plan or strategy. Create a master plan for technology use in your company, just as you would draw up a business plan, a budget or a marketing plan. Include budget projections for equipment, what types of gear you will need and how you will use technology to uphold your operations.
2. Invest in technology. It's imperative to remember that purchasing technology is an investment (and in many cases a tax write-off!) When you integrate purchases into your overall technology plan, you will also avoid overspending or wasting money because you'll know exactly what you need from technical equipment.
3. Prepare for extra purchases. You never know when that laptop will crash or your security alarm will need to be updated. It's a great idea to build in extra money in your technology budget for the extras. Cords for phones, ink for printers, batteries for walkie-talkies--that sort of stuff. Also remember that for things like computers, you'll want to keep up to speed on virus protection software and other applications.
4. Get tech help. The technology maze can be crazy to navigate. You don't want to overdo it, but you'll want to know what things you can improve with a little investment. Don't know much? Hire someone to help. Look up computer system designers and computer consultants and see what they can do for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to get references if you hire an outside consultant.
• Space out technology purchases over a multi-year plan so you don't do all of your spending at once.
• Talk to your accountant about any possible write-offs.
• Make sure to get protection plans on your most expensive technology purchases. Computers break, drinks spill, things happen. You'll want to be prepared.