September 28, 2009
I heard a self-deprecating preacher tell this story once; if all of the preachers and all of the garbage men went on strike at the same time, which one would you think the citizens would demand come back first?
The point of the story is this; while some issues may not be central to you core mission, they often have more urgency. In today’s highly technological marketplace a computer glitch can stop you from doing a good job even though you may have the best project managers, design engineers, production management, and field installation personnel.
We have reached the point in time in business where Information Technology is not an “add on” to your business strategy, it is an essential element. We all need to have our workstations, server, e-mail, phones and internet work seamlessly in order for us to do the job that we want to do for our customers.
For example:
- Can your customers reach your key personnel flawlessly via phone, mobile phone, email, internet, etc.? Remember, in today’s marketplace each customer, vendor, and associate had a method of communication through which they are most comfortable and you need to accommodate their preference.
- Do you have ready access to all Project information that you need at a moment’s notice? If you do not, you may be making decisions based upon outdated or error filled information and we all know that will not serve you well.
- Are you “telling your story” to customers, vendors and industry associates in a variety of formats? If you do not tell your story through websites, blogs, social media, emails, you are not reaching the bulk of your intended audience. If you want to get a feel for the developing importance of social media, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIFYPQjYhv8. The statistics presented here are astounding. Example: If Facebook were a country it would be the world’s 4th largest or that a 2009 US Department of Education study revealed that on average, online students outperformed those receiving face-to-face instruction and that 1 in 6 higher education students are enrolled in online curriculum. Miller Clapperton and Rapid Materials are embracing social media to “tell our story.” Connect with us on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/millerclapperton.
- All of these things require an Information Technology plan and beyond that, continued
Because of this need, Miller Clapperton has formed a new company to not only keep our business running smoothly but to also offer this service to other companies as well.
That is it for this week. Post your comments on the Blog and let us stimulate the discussion.
Thanks,
Ted S. Miller