Managing IT is like flying a plane

I heard an analogy recently that really describes the situation for small business owners. Many small business owners struggle with the software and technology that they use to run their business.

If they are not comfortable with technology, they tend to shy away from it. They look for someone who is comfortable with it and turn over ownership to them. Many of these people are indeed comfortable with technology, but have no idea how to run a business. The owner is not interested in learning more or working with technology, and is often frustrated with what happens.

I don't feel that business owners should have to be comfortable or understand how to fix computers or handle the many issues that are required. But they are business owners and must be responsible for the results. The results are what drives their business. They can't leave this with junior technical people.

Most of us have to travel long distances from time to time. When we do, we have to fly. When you get on the plane, do you turn to the left and go into the cockpit, or do you turn to the right and find a comfortable seat? Although there are a few people who would feel comfortable flying the plane, or who would like to learn to fly the plane, most of us would rather find a seat and enjoy the ride.

Let's take this a step further and we find a young person who is learning to fly, is excited with it and would love the chance to try and fly a jet. He may have had some limited experience and feels that he is ready for the big time. Are we willing to get on that plane with him?

Just because we don't know how to fly the plane and don't want to, doesn't mean that we can't take responsibility for the results! We know where we want to go. We know when we want to get there. We know the class of service that we are willing to accept. These are the business decisions and ones we must make. If we take the wrong plane and end up missing an important appointment, who is responsible? What would be even worse would be to turn it over to and inexperienced person who crashed the plane.

Managing Information Technology is the same. As owners, we are responsible. We must understand the value that can be delivered to our business. We must ensure that when we buy software to help us improve our business, we must be responsible for the results. With that responsibility, we must look for qualified people who can ensure that we get the business results that we need. We don't have to be technical. We don't need to pass off this responsibility to someone who likes to do it. Our business is at stake. Find a specialist who can help you to understand what you need to do as a business owner to get what you need.