As we embark on a new year, I am honoured by the opportunity to offer advice to small business owners and from my perspective that advice comes in the form of leveraging technology to thrive in a digital world.
I’ve been in the telecom and technology sector for over two decades, having spent time in various product development, marketing, and sales roles focused on the small business sector. During that time, I have witnessed the impact of several technological innovations, ones that have taken the world by storm to smaller-scale innovations making meaningful impacts. The commonality between the two is the desire to find a better way of doing the things they care about and stand out from the competition.
The key to applying technology to your business is embracing it as a growth tool. Technology should be viewed as an investment to be made rather than a cost to be minimalized. Start by evaluating your current technology infrastructure and identifying areas where you can streamline operations, improve efficiencies, and save costs. Consider if there are ways to enhance the customer experience by optimizing your website to be mobile device friendly and accessible. Embrace e-commerce and explore opportunities in the digital marketplace to expand your customer reach and increase revenue. If you’re spending more time fixing IT issues instead of focusing on growing your business, partner with managed IT service experts who can handle your day-to-day IT needs. Most importantly, it is critical to invest in cybersecurity enhancements to protect your business and employees from digital attacks.
In the ever-changing business landscape, adaptability and innovation are essential, and technology is a valuable tool that can help ambitious business owners grow and stay competitive. While making changes can take time, with dedication, perseverance, and a forward-thinking mindset, you can reach your maximum potential within 2024. I wish you a prosperous and empowering year ahead.
Jamie McNicol
Vice-president of Small and Medium Business Growth, TELUS
Jamie McNicol is an accomplished executive with 20+ years of experience in sales performance, business transformation, and operational excellence. As the Vice-president of Small and Medium Business Growth at TELUS, Jamie leads a national sales team focused on customer acquisition and cross-sell programs, driving optimal outcomes and customer satisfaction.
