Reading in the recent issue of the NY Enterprise Report that "CFOs Planning on Investing in IT in 2012" my cold little heart was warmed for more than just the obvious reasons. Aside from the clear opportunities this creates for my business, it really does make me breathe a sigh of relief to know that many small business are actually considering rising out of the techno back waters we often find them in.

All to often, when we start working with a new client, the current state of their IT is one a few scenarios. Either, they have a fair number of "Frankenstein" computers that were cobbled together by their last IT guy, with pirated software that has stopped functioning properly. Or we walk into a scenario where too much technology was implemented in an effort to solve a relatively simple issue. For example, a $10,000 server purchased to resolve the simple issue of sending out fifty page faxes the purchase of a new fax machine would have solved. It is not uncommon for us to find fully loaded servers, sitting in the corner, lonely and sad because the last tech never finished the implementation.

My point here is that, as with anything else, there are two extremes for IT spending. Squeezing the nickel and cutting corners leads to countless hours of lost work time due to machines that don't function well. Overspending and not following through on the technology purchased has the same effect on the budget and productivity. None of these approaches work.

My best advice is to get some professional advice. They say "a man who is his own lawyer has a fool for his client." Just about the same can be said for the business owner that is his own technology adviser. Before you make any technology decision, do your homework and get the advice of several technology professionals. It is best if these professionals have expertise in the small business arena. And if their email address ends in @gmail.com, run. As fast as your feet can take you.


So, are you planning on investing in your IT? Have you made IT purchases that you wished you got better advice on? Do tell.