How to make your business plan when those around you are still figuring theirs out

[Xani]

“Failing to plan is planning to fail”

This old adage often attributed to Benjamin Franklin remains great advice in today’s time of rapid change.  Effective planning will always be a key component of business success.  But what do you do when your plans are waylaid by factors out of your control?  What happens if, for instance, one of your vendors changes their business strategy without consulting you? 

Small and midsize business are particularly vulnerable to vendor transitions.  Acquisitions and major shifts in strategy can profoundly alter your business: channel delivery, product roadmaps, and strategic partnerships can all be negatively impacted. 

Most of us are not comfortable with this level of risk on our business. In situations like these, taking control back is the key to making sure your company continues to thrive.  Now is the time to seek out the kind of change that is right for you

First off, consider vendor changes as an opportunity to improve.  Take a good hard look at where you are, where you want to be, and who you can trust to help you get there.  If it’s time for a vendor change, look for partners who have the interests of small and midsize businesses at heart.  Avoid those who are trying to adapt complex technology meant for large enterprises for smaller businesses that lack the same level of resources.

Seek out vendors that offer:

• A proven track record of market leadership
• Stable product roadmaps that are designed for small and midsize businesses
• Simple, low-risk products that increase your ability to meet customer needs
• Long histories of strategic alliance partnerships with ISVs such as Microsoft

Old Ben had it right…planning is critical for success.Take the guesswork and risk out of your IT planning with the HPE Just Right IT portfolio, designed specifically for small and midsize businesses.  Reject vendor changes out of your control, and free yourself up to do what you do best: innovate and pursue business opportunities.