We all laugh when saying it but often that pearl of wisdom “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” actually works.
But what happens when it doesn’t? It’s an important question.
After all, technology is at the heart of business, from banking to stocktaking, to communication with clients, to sales and promotion through social media.
It is also constantly evolving so staying ahead of the curve to future-proof a business when its hardware can’t be switched off and on again, requires a specialist.
That’s the part of the job that excites Steve Ross, MD of Dundee-based Shackleton Technologies, an IT support company.
Proof positive that skills can be transferred to the IT sector, Steve hasn’t always worked in IT. In fact, his background is in finance.
But his experience as a management accountant, acting as financial controller for small businesses and global firms such as Glaxo SmithKline was invaluable.
“We’ve been in existence for about 12 years now. A couple of friends and I put our heads together to see what kind of business we could start that would make the most of our combined experience.
“I was able to keep a firm hand on the finances through the difficult early stages,” says Steve.
He had to learn quickly about the IT side and still has the enthusiasm of a man discovering something new every day.
“I’ve seen what a difference good IT can make to a business,” he says.
“Everyone is learning all the time, particularly when it comes to today’s biggest concern – security.
“Over the past few years, security and making companies aware of how they can work in the Cloud have been the main priorities.”
The job of an IT specialist is more than infrastructure and hardware however.
“The use of IT is just as important. For example, we can reinforce the needs for employee training – not to open e-mails that look dodgy.
“Also, we can advise how it can work more efficiently – how many working days are lost deleting spam e-mail.”
Steve has also made sure his company practices what it preaches.
That’s particularly important in terms of its own shop window, the website, and how it uses social media to engage new clients and communicate with existing ones.
So what are his top three tips for creating a successful IT business – and for those wishing to join one?
- You need to be immersed in what is an ever-changing landscape. As an IT specialist you need to let clients know what is needed to future-proof.
- Get this right and companies will be convinced IT is not an add-on cost. It’s as much part of any business as the people, the furniture, and the premises.
- At the beginning of any business don’t be too greedy with salaries and perks. Start small and be careful. The rewards are more likely to come.
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