More On The Ability To Scale Up Or Down—Especially Now

Our companies operate in a turbulent business environment where new technologies are reshaping industries, customer preferences are evolving rapidly. and geopolitical equations are shifting dramatically. If you’re struggling to adapt to these quick and challenging transitions, you’re not alone. I have seen some corporate executives resort to quick fixes that don’t support customer or employee growth in the long run. For example, rushing through process implementations, technology upgrades, and new hire training almost always results in botched executions and unnecessary confusion. What I know for sure is that building a foundation for sustainable scaling can allow you to scale up or down as needed without incurring lengthy downtime, constant technological upgrades, or harming your bottom line.

Consider This Sustainability Triad

It is important to think about your people, processes, and technology while implementing sustainable scaling.

People

The success of your business is dependent on the training and onboarding materials you provide for your employees and customers. Supporting them with easy-to-find, on-demand training relating to a problem they’ve encountered is a proven way to help your company grow. Also, ensure that those affected by significant changes are adequately informed. This will help reduce dissatisfaction, absenteeism, and attrition. When people are effectively managed and supported, your business benefits in ways that often go overlooked. A people-first culture can be fostered.

Processes

Your organization must have someone designated as the Chief Documentation Officer (CDO). The CDO keeps crucial process documentation updated — from IT processes to HR, marketing, and beyond — so that anybody can quickly step in and assist whenever necessary. Similarly, every other process must be carefully planned, monitored, and managed so your daily operations run like a well-oiled machine. This is your definitive and ultimate “go-to” manual.

Technology

Technology can significantly support your people and processes. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when prioritizing sustainable scaling:

Build around one platform. In other words, on the road to scalability, choosing products built to integrate or work together saves a lot of time and effort.
After a few years, technology, like milk in your fridge, “expires” or becomes unsupported. To preserve security requirements, make sure certain technologies are replaced before they become unsupported.
Commit to integration. While you can find a cheaper alternative, you typically only get value equivalent to the price paid. Instead of choosing the most inexpensive option, commit to selecting solutions that work with the business platforms you already have.
Scan for vulnerabilities regularly. While having a good backup and recovery plan is ideal, it’s even better if you can combine it with a proactive approach that addresses gaps before hackers exploit them.

Automate routine workflows. Ensure you have solutions in place to reduce the chances of error in the most critical areas of your business, regardless of whether it’s invoicing or anything with a small margin of error.

Partner For Success

It’s easier said than done to strike the perfect balance between people, processes, and technology in order to scale your business sustainably. More often than not, it requires far more time, effort, and skillsets than you have available. This is where a managed service provider (MSP) can be your strongest ally.

An MSP with in-depth subject knowledge and years of experience can make sustainable scaling a hassle-free journey. Aptica’s staff of expert technicians is ready to help you start your journey to sustainable scalability. Reach out to us today for a no-obligation consultation. We offer free assessments of what you have and where you are. It all starts with a conversation. 260.243.5100. It’s an easy phone call to make.

Jason Newburg, 260.243.5100, ext 2101, is the founder and owner of Aptica LLC. This IT management and support company has been serving small to medium-sized businesses for 20+ years in the region that includes Angola, South Bend, and Fort Wayne, IN, Battle Creek, MI, and Toledo OH.