A technology stack, also called a solutions stack or a data ecosystem – or simply ‘tech stack’, helps you deliver your value proposition to your clients.
If you’ve been running your business for some time, or are looking to head out on your own, you will most likely know how important your tech stack is to the sustainability of your business, but figuring out what it needs to look like is not easy! It can be tempting to go with a single software solution that promises to take care of everything… but that’s not what we’ve found to work best.
The advantage of going with a customized tech stack as opposed to an all-in-one solution means that you can take advantage of the best-of-breed solutions to deliver an exceptional experience to your clients, rather than a diluted, mediocre experience.
We believe you need the best software that will help you, and not a stack of technology tools and software that take time to set up and eventually, possibly, maybe, never get used…
Here are some tips on how to choose a tech stack that will benefit your business.
1. Go for easy-to-use software
Software should make things simpler by being super-easy to use. As a financial adviser, the products you use for your business or practice need to uncomplicate your life and make it easier to get more done.
With our solution, for example, we uncomplicate the tracking, reporting and management of your revenue. Having fast, easy and understandable revenue analytics will quickly become the heartbeat of your business and potentially the backbone of your tech stack. As you branch out from here your CRM, planning tools and online communication all need to be as easy-to-use to ensure comprehensive adoption and integration for yourself, your team and your clients.
2. Look for features you need
When choosing from the numerous software products out there you need to choose ones that focus on the features you need, which is a key benefit of going with a best-of-breed approach. Start with what you’d like to achieve for your clients, what your value proposition looks like and what you need to articulate and demonstrate in order to fulfill your promises to your team and your clients.
Cluttering this process with features that dilute or distract from your value proposition is not helpful.
Consider time-saving technology
Your time is important, you need a manageable technology stack that will save you time so that you finally get to do the important stuff. Software that takes time to use and needs your constant attention will add little value to your work.
3. Value for money
Ultimately, this boils down to a question of: does this technology help me create more wealth than it will cost me to implement, manage and add demonstrable value to my clients? This will be different for every practice as some may value and employ different aspects of their tech stack at various levels, meaning their bias and perception of value will vary. It’s not simply a question of seeing what everyone else is paying for their solutions and paying the same. Your practice might benefit from a premium subscription to a tech solution, whilst another may only require the freemium version.
Your time is important, you need a manageable technology stack that will save you time so that you finally get to do the important stuff. Software that takes time to use and needs your constant attention will add little value to your work.
4. Integration
Does it play well with the other solutions in your tech stack? The reason you look for digital products is because you want them to help make things easy for you. You need digital products with business intelligence that will not overwhelm your business and provide you with only the information you need.
Remember, integration won’t only apply to the tech stack configuration, but also to the devices that you’re using. For example, if you use big-screen displays for client meetings in your boardroom, or if you use a tablet in a coffee shop, your tech stack will most likely look a little different.
Go for best-of-breed and find the tech stack that works best for you!