There are five stages of the technology buying cycle. Below, we'll outline each and provide some tips for choosing an SMB tech purchaser who can successfully navigate the processes.
1) Stimulus: The stimulus stage involves identifying the reason for the potential IT procurement in the first place. Are there new
security concerns? Did your current solution stop working? Perhaps you just want your business to grow. Regardless of the reason, you must have a clear view of the problem you're trying to solve before you can start looking at solutions.
2) Consideration: This stage is incredibly important. Be sure to select decision makers who can see the big picture and who understand the implications of their IT choices on all players, including internal personnel, external customers and company infrastructure.
3) Search: Many purchasing decision makers turn to IT procurement services providers when it's time to start searching for solutions. Others look to in-house experts, and some conduct online research. However your IT buyers are getting information, the important thing is that they're getting it — after all, you can only expect them to make an educated decision if they get that education up front.
4) Choice: The point where your IT procurement point-person decides what to buy — and from what company. Clearly, the process isn't quick, so you'll need to make sure you appoint someone willing to commit to the entire process.
5) Experience: Honestly evaluating your solution of choice is a step not to be skipped. What went well? What could be done better next time? These are important questions your procurement specialist should ask so that each experience is one of growth — in more ways than one.