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It's no secret that the business world is more competitive than ever. From startups to established enterprises, companies are constantly vying for market share, customers, and talent. In such a competitive environment, IT plays a critical role in helping organizations gain and maintain a competitive edge.

To stay ahead of the curve, you need to have a solid IT strategy. Today, we will discuss some of the key attributes of a sound IT strategy in a competitive world and what to avoid.

Good Characteristics of a Solid IT Strategy

Many organizations put together an IT strategy that looks good on paper but does not hold up in practice. There are many reasons for this, but it often boils down to unrealistic expectations, inadequate planning, and a lack of buy-in from key stakeholders.

When putting together your IT strategy, there are a few key characteristics you should keep in mind to ensure it is solid:

It should be realistic and achievable

Avoid setting unrealistic goals or objectives that cannot be met with your resources. Set your sights high but make sure you can hit the targets you set.

An example of a realistic and achievable goal for an online store would be to increase website traffic by 20 percent in six months. Most websites see a natural increase in traffic over time, so this is a goal that is achievable with the right amount of planning and execution.

It should be tailored to your specific needs

Your IT strategy should be designed specifically for your organization and not copied from another company. What works for one company might not work for you, so it's important to tailor your strategy to fit your needs.

For example, if you are a small company, you might not need the same level of security as a large enterprise. However, if you deal with sensitive data, you will need robust security measures.

It should be aligned with business goals

Your IT strategy should not exist in a vacuum. It needs to be closely aligned with the overall business strategy. When aligned, your IT strategy can help drive and support business goals.

For example, suppose your company's goal is to enter a new market. In that case, your IT strategy should support that goal by helping you research the market, set up a website or e-commerce store, and create compelling marketing materials.

It should have buy-in from key stakeholders

If you want your IT strategy to succeed, you need to get buy-in from the people who matter. This includes senior management, the board of directors, IT staff, and other key stakeholders.

Without buy-in, you will likely encounter resistance to change and implementation. To get buy-in, make sure you involve key stakeholders in the planning process and communicate the benefits of the IT strategy.

It should focus on the customer experience

To compete in today's market, it is important to give customers the best possible experience. It takes more effort to retain a customer than to attract a new one, so your IT strategy should include ways to ensure customers have no reason to go to your competition.

One way to do this is by offering a superior customer service experience. This can be done by having a robust help desk to answer customer questions, provide live chat support, and offer 24/seven phone support. Loyalty programs are also a great way to keep customers coming back.

It Should Address Unforeseen Challenges

Even the best-laid plans can go awry. Some common challenges include changes in the market, new regulations, technology failures, and staffing issues. When these challenges occur, it's important to have a plan in place so you can quickly adapt and continue moving

That's why it's important to have a contingency plan to address unforeseen challenges.

For example, if you rely on a third-party vendor for an important component of your business, what would you do if they went out of business or raised their prices? Your strategy should provide a way to address these challenges to keep your business running smoothly.

What to Avoid When Creating an IT Strategy

In addition to understanding what makes a sound IT strategy, it is also important to know what to avoid. Here are three common mistakes organizations make when putting together their IT strategy:

Failing to define goals and objectives

One of the most common mistakes organizations make is failing to define clear goals and objectives. Without goals, you will not be able to measure success or track progress. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Using a complicated process

Another mistake is using a complicated process to develop the IT strategy. This can lead to confusion and frustration, ultimately impacting the quality of the strategy. Instead, use a straightforward process that everyone can understand and follow.

Not involving key stakeholders

As we mentioned earlier, it is important to get buy-in from key stakeholders. Without their input, you are more likely to encounter resistance to change. Make sure you involve them in the planning process and keep them updated on progress.

Failing to plan for change

Change is inevitable, so you need to plan for it. Make sure your IT strategy is flexible and can adapt to changing needs. For example, if you plan to launch a new product, make sure your website can handle the increased traffic.

By keeping these characteristics and avoiding these mistakes, you can set your organization up for success.

Leveraging IT Consulting for Your Business

If you are looking for help developing or implementing your IT strategy, consider working with an IT consulting firm. A good firm can provide expert guidance and support to help you achieve your goals.

When selecting a firm, look for one with experience in your industry and focus on finding a partner that can offer long-term value. It's also important to make sure the firm you select understands your business objectives.

At Advanced Network Professionals, we specialize in helping businesses create and implement sound IT strategies. We will work with you to understand your business goals and objectives, and we will develop a tailored plan to help you achieve them. To learn more about our services, including managed IT services, contact us today.