{"id":9628,"date":"2019-02-27T09:26:58","date_gmt":"2019-02-27T14:26:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.retailsystem.com\/cz\/?p=9628"},"modified":"2019-07-03T14:52:12","modified_gmt":"2019-07-03T19:52:12","slug":"understand-technology-p-a-r-k","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.retailsystem.com\/cz\/blog\/understand-technology-p-a-r-k\/","title":{"rendered":"Understand technology P.A.R.K."},"content":{"rendered":"

How many people do you know that are one Google search short of a PhD? They seem to everything about everything on a given topic. After all it\u2019s on the internet so it is correct, right? There is nothing wrong with a bit of knowledge. Honestly, I don\u2019t know how I existed without YouTube to fix things. I remember having to go to a library! What \u2013 that\u2019s crazy talk.<\/p>\n

Which leads me to today\u2019s topic. I had a couple questions over the last few weeks that fall into the \u201cHow do I know what is right for my business?\u201d as it pertains to the right technology choice. My answer – there is no simple answer, but a little knowledge and alignment can go a LONG way in making sure you are on the right course. I often talk about a simple acronym \u2013 P.A.R.K.<\/p>\n

Before we dive into P.A.R.K. \u2013 technology, no matter what it is; is an aid to your business. It is not a magic pill. For example, I cringe when I see a retailer with a website that has a \u201ccart\u201d. Many retailers consider that to be \u201cdoing eCommerce\u201d. Maybe they even throw a couple bucks at some frivolous digital marketing teaser. Be prepared to go all in. Maximize your ROI. It is an investment in the future viability\/growth\/success of your business treat it as such. Would you hire a new sales associate and give them an hour and then ignore them but once a month when they expect to be paid? I mean how dare they.. You get my point.<\/p>\n

Now to our regularly scheduled program! P.A.R.K.<\/p>\n

(P)lan! Know thy needs. I talk about this topic A LOT as I watch retailers stray off this path towards the shiny object too many times; only to get burned or become quickly dissatisfied with their ultimate choice. What are your 3 top needs? (Maybe it’s not 3, but it’s definitely not 30. Less is more). List the needs. Know them inside and out. Now plan to research based on these needs. These are not dreamworld aspirational wants but real world \u201cMan if I had this\u201d type needs. Use these as the driving compass on your decision. Yes, other things also must be considered – but do not compromise on the core needs to save a few bucks. Gather input on these needs (above) from your rock stars \u2013 but don\u2019t ignore the opinions of the up-and-comers. I think it tremendously effective to gain insight from your team. If you have done it right, you are surrounded by people that you have entrusted with responsibilities. Let them help you formulate your must haves. However, this is where I catch heat \u2013 you make the decision and own it. Too many times I see the \u201ccommittee\u201d approach used do to the final meetings with vendor choices. The minute a selection is made \u2013 there are hurt feelings; malicious compliance is already brewing. There is never a 100% unanimous decision. Honestly. Gain input. Involve others, but at some point, have a few conversations solo with the vendors and you make the call. Then communicate the \u201cwhy\u201d to the team once you do. Thank them all and then work as a team to strategize the maximization your new investment (notice I said investment)! Now (A).<\/p>\n

(A)ssimilate your new investment! Remember my comment about the \u201cmagic pill\u201d. Now that you have decided on a new tech, make sure you have an unwavering commitment to make it part of your business; taking no shortcuts along the way. Your provider can provide you a development or implementation or training road-map. Most people don\u2019t ask. Make that a must-have as part of the negotiation. \u201cI am looking to select you, however before I do I need a (1) page road-map of how you see an implementation happening within my business\u201d. You don\u2019t need a 36-page narrative \u2013 you need a list of milestone events (tasks\/steps) that will ensure expectations are visible and agreed to (alignment).<\/p>\n

(R)esource for success! If you are going down any technology path, be prepared to go „all in“. This might mean making a strategic hire, allocating an ongoing budget, carving out \u201ctime\u201d for your team to pull extra duty on your new thing, incentive’s for success, mixing in pizza and words of gratitude along the way. Don\u2019t buy the car and chince out on the gas. You made the decision because it was right for your business. Now invest to make it a success. (note \u2013 I didn\u2019t say be wasteful, careless, frivolous, impractical, etc. Be smart \u2013 do it right).<\/p>\n

(K)eep the course. Tenacity,perseverance, steadfastness. There is no instant tech. You made an investment in something that was for the betterment of your business. It\u2019s not a sprint, it\u2019s a marathon! Make sure you are keeping yourself involved in its continued efforts. This includes ongoing training, huddles with your team to discuss practice and usage, refreshers on the system, new team member training and mentoring. Using a fitness analogy \u2013 don\u2019t go to the \u201ctech\u201d gym for a few weeks and expect dramatic business results. Keep the course and maximize the ROI.<\/p>\n

To Recap:<\/p>\n