How a CIO Can Help a Small Business Thrive

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In today’s technology-dominated marketplace, small business owners need every advantage they can get. To gain a competitive edge, founders should consider adding a chief information officer (CIO) to their company. Here are four benefits burgeoning enterprises can gain from having a CIO on the payroll.

 

Stay current

The U.S. Department of Commerce reported that as of 2018, online shopping represents 10 percent of all U.S. retail sales. A study conducted by Forrester Research Inc. indicates that number will rise to 17 percent by 2022. Companies will have to keep up with current trends in the digital space in order to attune themselves to consumer preferences. Because innovations, disruptions and paradigm shifts are a constant in information technology, it is difficult for owners to effectively take care of on their own. However, a good CIO can not only keep track of online consumer behavior, but also use the data they gather to help a company optimize their operations.

 

Improve efficiency

A CIO’s ability to positively impact a business’s bottom line goes beyond optimizing customer-facing technologies. It also involves constantly striving to find ways to help a company reduce inefficiencies and lower costs. Whether it’s getting the workforce new tools that will optimize productivity or establishing automated processes with cost-effective digital solutions for reception and payroll services, CIOs can be invaluable in increasing a company’s profitability.

 

Bolster recruitment and retention efforts

Regardless of industry or size, a company’s success is largely dependent upon the quality of its employees. However, as one-third of new hires leave a position six months after being hired, building a quality team can be a real challenge. Surprisingly, CIOs can also be very helpful with aiding a company in its recruitment and retention efforts. They can do this by creating a robust digital onboarding process that helps new employees feel comfortable with their roles and establish streamlining human resources functions. They can also implement off-site workflow solutions that will appeal to the 86 percent of the U.S. workforce that prefers working remotely.

 

Be more resilient

In the event of a natural disaster or fire, a company may find itself in the unfortunate position of having to relocate quickly to maintain continuity of service. To do that, a company will need a dedicated employee working with a quality team of telecommunications providers to keep everything on track. A CIO can be that employee, especially if he or she does as this San Francisco Business Times piece notes and fortifies the digital infrastructure with a best-in-class provider.

 

 

Comcast Business has the largest IP network in the nation, serving the needs of small business through large enterprise customers. Technology solutions range from fast, reliable Ethernet and Internet connectivity to voice, video, and Managed Solutions. Comcast Business is powered by an advanced Gig-ready network and 24/7 technical support. Learn more at business.comcast.com/san-francisco.

For more tips, inspiration and San Francisco small business stories, visit smallbusinesspulse.com.​