Creative Reaction

(Full disclosure - I am an IT Pro. I wrote this essay some time back because time after time I am brought in to a business to untangle IT messes which could have been avoided. The point is that the importance of networks and servers, especially in a creative setting, is often underestimated and managers tend to think of infrastructure as an expense, and not as a tool for success. On numerous occasions, I myself have chosen the “cheap” option, only to have it come back to bite me in the, uh, hinter regions, as they say.)

The Delta family wanted more space in their home. All the toys they bought their children could no longer fit in the bedrooms and there was little room to play. They decided they couldn’t afford to spend too much money, and they wanted a solution before Christmas, because they knew they would be buying more toys. They hired a carpenter who converted their garage into a family room just in time for the holiday. It wasn’t much, but the kids seemed to like it - for a few months, after which, it became another storage space. The family’s vehicles remained outdoors.

The Alpha family was also looking for more space. A relative strongly suggested hiring an architect, an idea which they initially fought because it seemed expensive. After making little headway with their own ideas, they relented and hired an architect.

The architect observed how they lived, and after asking scores of questions, made some wonderful suggestions. With some creative thinking, the Alpha family found that the proposed renovation qualified them for a loan. Once the project was complete, the renovation enhanced their lives so much, they could not imagine how they lived without it. Adding to their enjoyment was the fact that the increased value of their home exceeded the cost of the renovation by thousands of dollars.

Five years later, both homes, which initially were identical designs in similar neighborhoods, went up for sale. The Alpha family’s home, enhanced by the renovation, quickly sold. The Delta family’s home was on the market for some time, and eventually sold - once they re-converted the family room back into a garage - at their expense. Although the real estate values had increased 50% in both neighborhoods over the years, the Alpha family had a net gain of 80%, while the Delta family had a net gain of 30% - technically a loss.

Information Technology works the same way. Fast, cheap, or DIY solutions usually come at a cost in terms of lost time and unexpected problems, which make IT an expense. If on the other hand, you hire a consultant who will start with your business goals, form a strategy, guide your purchases, and provide expert installation, you are making choices that will allow IT to be an investment in your business.

So instead of thinking, “I cannot afford a consultant”, ask, “how can I afford a consultant?”

“I cannot afford” is an excuse; it’s a dead end. “How can I afford?” makes you think creatively. “How can I afford?” forces you to weed the wants from the needs. You will have to determine your business’ priorities. You will have to think how you might reallocate existing resources. You will have to think how investing money in one area could provide big returns in another area. Yes, creative business manager, now you are thinking creatively. If you spend wisely, not only will IT save you money, it will also bring in more money in the form of happier clients, new revenue streams, and competitive advantage.