Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge: A Comprehensive Guide to Tech Consulting

Welcome to "Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge," a podcast that delves into the latest trends, strategies, and insights in technology leadership. In this episode, we have John Horner, a seasoned tech consultant with over 20 years of experience in the software and technology consulting industry. John is the founder of Miles It, a full-service business technology consulting firm that specializes in managed services, software development, and digital marketing. He also developed a software-as-a-service product called Striven, which provides accounting, project management, task management, service management, HR, and recruiting solutions.

Understanding the Root of Business Challenges

When it comes to tech consulting, John emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and root of the business challenges faced by clients. He believes that solving hard problems requires a deep understanding of the underlying issues and constraints. John explains, "If the problems were easy, they wouldn't call us. They would be self-solved. So in order to come in and solve hard problems, you really need to be able to understand what's driving the root of those problems."

John's approach involves going beyond the surface-level requests of clients and digging deeper to uncover the true motivations and goals behind their technology needs. He explains, "Nobody wants software, nobody wants a system. They want their business to run better. I will pay for my business to run better. That's why employees pay for company for employees, they pay for equipment because they understand directly how that is contributing to the business."

The Pitfalls of Shiny Object Syndrome

One common challenge John faces is clients who are drawn to the latest buzzwords and trends in technology without fully understanding their applicability to their specific business needs. He refers to this as "going around a business with a hammer looking for nails." John explains, "People come and they hear that their competitors are using NetSuite or they hear that NetSuite is on the news. Well, that's what AI is right now. It's the hammer and everything is a nail."

To address this issue, John focuses on educating clients about the true value and potential impact of different technologies. He emphasizes the importance of aligning technology solutions with the specific business goals and challenges of each client. John says, "You need to solve the right problem in the best way you can. You really need to connect the business and the technology together."

The Power of Automation and AI

Automation and AI have become increasingly important in the business world, offering opportunities for increased efficiency and productivity. John highlights the role of automation in addressing workforce challenges and improving overall business operations. He explains, "Automation is trending up because of the lack of a great workforce that's out there. People are trying to find ways to be more efficient, gain more productivity within their organizations because it's hard to hire outside help."

John provides examples of how automation and AI can be leveraged to streamline processes and improve decision-making. He mentions a project where AI was used to automatically detect inappropriate content in user-submitted photos, allowing human reviewers to focus on flagged content. He also discusses the combination of AI tools that can transform a simple wireframe mockup into a full-fidelity prototype, saving time and effort in the design process.

The Importance of Demonstrating Value

When it comes to implementing technology solutions, John emphasizes the importance of demonstrating value to clients. He believes in starting small and showing tangible results before scaling up. John says, "You need to start somewhere. You need to crawl, then walk, then run. By going in there and coming up with a solution that demonstrates value quickly, you can build on that success and continue to add value."

He also acknowledges the skepticism and caution that clients may have due to past negative experiences with technology projects. John advises tech consultants to focus on building trust and providing transparent communication throughout the engagement. He says, "Exceptional management is key. Any kind of distributed team, especially overseas, especially people that are not part of your organization, just layers on difficulty. If that's hidden to your customers and now you're not managing it well, that's where some of those problems can occur."

Conclusion and Future Outlook

In conclusion, tech consulting requires a deep understanding of the root of business challenges and the ability to align technology solutions with specific goals and needs. John Horner's approach emphasizes the importance of demonstrating value, managing client expectations, and leveraging automation and AI to drive efficiency and productivity.

As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for tech consultants to stay updated on the latest trends and tools. However, it is equally important to approach technology solutions with a critical mindset and ensure that they truly address the underlying business challenges. By combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of the business context, tech consultants can help organizations gain the technology leadership edge they need to thrive in today's competitive landscape.

The future of tech consulting lies in the ability to effectively integrate technology into business processes, empower employees with the right tools, and drive innovation and growth. As businesses continue to navigate the ever-changing technological landscape, tech consultants will play a vital role in guiding them towards success.

So, stay curious, stay updated on the latest trends, and show them who's the boss in the world of technology leadership.