Wondering Where to Begin?

When evaluating new corporate communications technology and services, one might wonder where to begin.  There is an enormous amount of information available from many different sources; however, if you have not kept up with changes in the industry – on a weekly basis no less – you may find yourself years behind the technology curve.  Trying to understand the new terms surrounding communications and the benefits offered today can be a daunting task.  

To help you get started, it is critical to understand the available technology before considering new options for implementation.  For example, make sure you are comfortable answering each of the following questions, as well as the benefits for each initiative:

• What is wireless?
• What is mobility?
• What is IP telephony?
• What is unified communications?

Once you understand the different, independent pieces of the puzzle, it is imperative that you   begin to look into how they work together and what combinations make sense for your organization. 

Potential questions to explore for this phase include:

• As an organization, what are your unique set of corporate communications challenges and opportunities for improvement?
• What new communications technology and services could benefit your organization and how?  
• Can you use communication technology to enable applications that help to achieve your business strategy?
• How does your organization’s current infrastructure, equipment, hardware and software fit into the new technology and services mix?  What, if anything, can be leveraged?
• When transitioning to new technology and services, how will you position your company to make the switch?

Consider what is most important to your management team, stakeholders and your organization as a whole, in terms of:

• Risk Assessment
• Profitability
• Market Share
• Customer Service
• Productivity

After prioritizing your requirements, determine how technology can help.  Humans are the most expensive resource you have. The implementation of effective technology will help to drive your business strategy and maximize your human resources.

If you are left wondering where to begin – or how to move forward answering these and the other questions inherent to a switch – here is a do’s and don’ts list for quick reference:

• Put yourself and your company at ease by identifying a trusted advisor whose experience and reputation are validated by its certifications and service levels
• Partner with a provider that will invest time evaluating your business – from budget to infrastructure to goals, employees’ needs and customer requirements – prior to developing a tailored plan of action
• Co-develop a plan that encompasses all of the above and includes strategy and tactics aligned with the your company’s goals
• Define a timeline and budget

• Get in a hurry or look for a stop-gap measure
• Accept something you don't understand – from explanations to ROI calculations to initiatives that are not aligned with your corporate goals
• Accept a blanket push of new technology and/or services without leveraging existing investments

Taking a methodical, step-by-step approach to evaluating new corporate communications technology and services will ensure a thorough process from planning to implementation.