5 Reasons Why Small Businesses Need a Technology Partner

Recently we talked about a shift we believe is necessary from hired shop to valued partner in the software development industry, especially with small to medium development firms.  The way our business models work can make this tough, as getting clients and jobs can be very competitive.  

Today, we want to come at this question from the other side.  If you are running a small business, what are the reasons to develop a long term partnership with a development firm? We’re going to break down the benefits of the long term for you and your business, so that you can understand where we are coming from. 

So, here are 5 major reasons to think about your development firm as a long term business partner. 

1. Your systems can and should evolve.

There is a reason you went to your software development firm in the first place.  You needed to solve a problem, and thought technology could provide the solution.  Chances are, it did. Now you have a product, system, website, or application that is operating within your business, providing real value to you, your customers, and your employees. 

But that’s not the end of the road. 

In technology, as in business, there is no destination. So much of running a successful company is learning to iterate and change with your customers and the market.  Your technology should iterate and evolve with you. 

Holding on your development firm as a trusted partner allows you to bring these shifting patterns to them and find solutions that fit into your current systems without all the hassle of onboarding them.  They know your technology and can provide quick, helpful solutions on an ongoing basis.  Meanwhile you always stay ahead of the curve, providing your customers, employees, and your business with the edge it needs to keep going. 

2. Technology is constantly changing. 

Just as your systems are constantly updating with the market, so is technology. As a small business owner, you have a lot going on. You can’t stay up to date on your business and study trends within technology that could give you an advantage. 

There may come a time when you need to hire a technology expert in house, but in the meantime, having a trusted partner whose job is to keep up with the changing times and be able to suggest new technologies that may benefit you can pay huge dividends. Your development firm can and should be that partner. 

3. You never know when a pandemic is coming.

You never know when a once in a lifetime event is going to completely change the way you do business.  When the pandemic hit, so many businesses were forced to find new business models, new means of distribution, and new ways to engage with customers.  Having a good development firm in your corner gives you an advantage when that happens. 

Developers can jump into action solving brand new sweeping problems with expertise and experience.  A great firm will be able to understand your situation and make recommendations based on other industries or platforms.  

While we never hope that an act of nature wreaks havoc on your business, we’ve all learned this year that it can happen.  Having good people on your team can make all the difference. 

4. Making connections in and out of the tech world.

As the world becomes more reliant on technology and the internet, having a solid connection to the technology industry may be valuable.  

One of the things we are always on the lookout for is ways to provide our clients with more value.  That may mean introducing business owners whose businesses compliment each other, or bringing our industry partners and vendors to the table to help you go to the next level. 

The ability to expand your network into the technology industry can open up new markets, provide opportunities for new investment, or simply provide comarketing or joint venture opportunities you hadn’t thought of previously. 

5. A leg up to what’s next. 

Whether expanding the current business into new areas or starting a brand new one, having a good development firm that you trust and work well with can give you an extra leg up.  The ability to get projects rolling quickly, get products out the door to awaiting users and customers, or to optimize processes can all make starting up that much smoother and more successful. 

A good development partner can provide all these benefits, plus the added benefit of knowing you, your aesthetics, your goals and motivations, and how to produce the best possible technology to help you reach those goals.  

That’s our ultimate goal at Steadfast, to be there for whatever you need in order to make you as successful as possible.