We know that people often say that IT is confusing so we thought we would produce our own 5 part quick briefing aimed at franchisors.
1. Technology is Voodoo
Ever heard the phrase that people leave their brains at the door when it comes to football. Well technology can make people behave a little like that.
The solution is straightforward. Benefits from technology are not voodoo so even if you don’t understand it, treat it like any other part of your business. Don’t be afraid. Ask lots of questions. Don’t let the IT guys get away with complex words when they guess you don’t dare ask what they are talking about. Insist on plain English at all times and agree with the IT people (preferably on paper) exactly how much it will cost and what it should achieve.
2. Don’t Ask Why!
It is amazing how many people are afraid to ask the basic question. Why would I want IT in my business?
The solution is basic business sense. The moment you are being sold something that doesn’t either make you more efficient or increase sales, you are wasting your money. So set concrete, financial objectives. Remember at all times that fancy toys are lovely to look at but don’t make you any money.
3. Franchising and that Interweb thingy
Franchises are by their very nature unusual for IT people. Offices and people are spread out, the franchisee is semi-independent while the franchisor has a need to understand the whole network.
The solution is to look for technology that deals with these problems head-on. Don’t rely on home-made databases and spreadsheets since these are not designed to be used across lots of companies. One piece of good news is the Internet; it is the franchisors best friend and in conjunction with smart phones, net books and other mobile devices is ideal for hooking up lots of little businesses.
4. Why not be a Luddite?
Looking at the latest smart-phones, tablet pc’s and other devices it is hard to know when and where to start and almost seems safer to be a “Luddite”. Nevertheless, one fact that we can no longer ignore is that the technology is here to stay and it can make a difference to the way we work.
The solution is again to be practical. Yes, ignore the fancy phones and advertising hype but if your guys are out on the road and the sums add up, buy software and hardware that they can use on the road. If you can, connect your franchises using web-based technology so that you don’t have to manually send endless spreadsheets and documents. This is not fancy technology just good old fashioned business sense.
5. Technology? Ask my kids/ dog/ mate*
(*Delete as appropriate)
The playstation generation can make us all feel a bit stupid and sometimes it is easier to just step away and let someone else get on with it.
The solution is once again to be businesslike. Business technology is not something that you necessarily need to understand completely to manage. As a businessperson, you need to know what you want and once you have a strategy you can then step away and leave the getting there to the experts.
