Expanding Your Horizon: A Podcast on Business and Technology · Horizon Managed Services

Why Technology Is Important To Keep A Business Growing

·44 min·4 clips

Rob reveals why business owners should stop asking for specific tools and start defining their end goals first.

This episode of the Horizon Managed Services podcast explores why technology is essential for business growth and relevance. Hosts Rob and Mitchell discuss the risks of outdated tech and how to strategically implement new tools. Rob, a business owner of a technology company, provides practical advice for business leaders. The conversation begins by framing technology as a necessary force multiplier, comparing a manual mill to a CNC machine. They examine common issues like application sprawl, where businesses pay for many SaaS tools but use them minimally. A key recommendation is for owners to first define their desired outcomes and pain points before selecting any technology. The hosts suggest businesses should reevaluate their technology and processes at least annually, if not quarterly. They argue that SaaS platforms and the MSP model now give small businesses access to enterprise-level tools and specialized IT teams without large upfront costs. A significant risk for companies that ignore technology is a poor customer experience, especially if they don't meet consumers on preferred platforms like social media. The discussion highlights the "bus factor," which is the risk posed by knowledge concentrated in a single employee. They emphasize that time, not money, is a business owner's most finite resource. The episode contrasts B2C and B2B customer experience, noting B2B is often five to ten years behind in convenience. To improve sales, businesses should remove friction, like offering pricing ballparks before lengthy demos. The hosts describe using client portals to automate tasks like software license requests. They predict automation and AI will be the most significant technological drivers for businesses in the next five to ten years. A surprising claim is that small businesses can now be more nimble and effective than large enterprises because they lack legacy process debt. An interesting insight is that investing in technology is fundamentally about buying back time, which is an irreplaceable resource. The conversation warns against MSPs that market primarily on fear of security breaches, suggesting this is a commoditized baseline. They note that even tools like Shopify, which may cost more, provide superior customer experience and reduce internal "technical debt." A memorable analogy compares finding the right technology partner to hiring a knowledgeable personal trainer versus buying a generic workout plan. The hosts caution that focusing only on the P&L and ignoring intangible costs like process friction is a common owner mistake. The tone is conversational and advisory, blending direct experience with educational examples. The style is practical and geared toward actionable takeaways rather than theoretical discussion. Small and medium business owners, especially those feeling technologically stagnant, would find immediate value in this episode. Listeners interested in high-level tech strategy or industry-specific deep dives might want to skip it.

As heard by us

A practical case for treating technology as a growth tool, not a checkbox.

The episode argues plainly that technology can help businesses grow, stay relevant, and move faster, especially for smaller operators that need to stay nimble.

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Why you'd press play

Why keeping up with technology can keep your business growing and relevant.

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