Data from the most recent American City Business Journal’s (ACBJ) report1 on IT and SMBs shows that 96 percent of key personnel in respondent SMBs don’t just make part of the IT procurement decisions — rather, these leaders have hands in purchasing both hardware and software solutions that best meet the needs of their respective companies.
While their plates are clearly full when it comes to tech considerations, they aren’t alone at the table. About six out of 10 of these decision makers often ask for advice before deciding how to proceed. The data shows that those who don’t — in other words, those who proceed with IT procurement autonomously — are generally younger and have fewer employees.
For most companies, the technology buying cycle takes anywhere from six months to just over a year, and growth and process optimization are usually the goals of the IT procurement. That makes sense, as budgetary constraints can leave little room for error in your SMBs playbook. Overall, SMB owners report being excited by — and very willing to invest in — technologies that help make them a 21st-century business.
Does this sound like you? If so, you know that getting IT procurement right is extremely important. Who are the right people to make these decisions, though? What should they consider, and where should they start? Let’s explore.
