Have you ever found yourself wondering over the term "Tech Stack"? Don't worry; you're not alone. It's one of those buzzwords that can leave many online business owners feeling a bit perplexed. But no need to worry, because today, we're going to unravel the mystery and dive headfirst into the world of Tech Stacks!
What is a Tech Stack? 🛠️
Let's break down the jargon! At its core, your tech stack is essentially the comprehensive collection of software, tools, and technologies you use to keep your business running smoothly and efficiently. It's the digital backbone that powers your operations, everything from managing emails and automating workflows to executing marketing strategies and handling client care, and more. Your tech stack is the engine that drives your business forward.
Give Your Business A Tech Stack Audit 🧰
When was the last time you took a good, hard look at your tech setup? It's easy to accumulate tools over time, but are they all serving their purpose effectively? Conducting a tech stack audit is like giving your business a thorough spring clean. It’s about taking stock of what you're using, evaluating how well it's working for you, and decluttering where necessary to ensure peak performance.
To give your business a Tech Stack Audit, work through these steps:
Identifying Duplicates: Look for any duplicate tools or software that serve similar purposes. Consolidating these duplicates not only saves on subscription costs but also simplifies your workflow by reducing confusion and potential conflicts between tools.
Integration Opportunities: Explore options for integrating different tools within your tech stack. Many modern software solutions offer integration capabilities, allowing them to work seamlessly together and share data - for example Zoom and Google Calendar, Trello and Gmail, Slack and Loom. Integrating your tools can streamline processes, eliminate manual data entry, and improve overall efficiency.
Assessing Effectiveness: Evaluate each tool's performance and its contribution to your business goals. Are there any tools that are underutilised or not meeting your expectations? Consider replacing or discontinuing them to make room for more effective alternatives. Ask your peers what they use to get inspiration.
User Training and Support: Ensure that you and your team are proficient in using the tools in your tech stack. Investing in training sessions or providing access to support resources can help maximise the value you get from your software investments and prevent wasted time due to confusion or misuse. Ensure you have SOPs* written and shared so that no mistakes are made.
Scalability: Consider the scalability of your tech stack. As your business grows, will your current tools be able to accommodate the increased workload and complexity? Choose tools that can easily scale with your business to avoid disruptions and the need for frequent migrations.
Regular Reviews: Tech needs and business requirements evolve over time. Schedule annual reviews of your tech stack to ensure it continues to meet your changing needs and objectives. This proactive approach helps you stay agile and responsive to market trends and technological advancements. Having a simple spreadsheet with a list of your tech stack and what you use it for is a great place to start. You’ll be able to review the list annually and easily update any changes.
Know Your Tech Stack For The Processes In Your Business ⚙️
Here’s where the magic happens! Each process in your business has its own set of needs and challenges. Whether it's managing client inquiries, scheduling social media posts, or tracking finances, having the right tools for the job is crucial. Take the time to map out your processes and match them with the most suitable tech solutions. It's like assembling the perfect toolkit for each task at hand. This is part of your SOP* (Standard Operating Procedure).
For example my tech stack for onboarding a client includes:
Gmail (for comms)
Dubsado (for contracts and automated appointment booking)
Trello (for lead tracking and client care)
Digital Calendar (for time blocking client work)
Google Drive (for asset sharing)
Zoom (for video calls)
Google Sheets (for revenue tracking)
Google Forms (for client prep and feedback)
Xero (for invoicing)
Slack (for client comms)
Don’t Be Fooled By Tech Stack Envy! 🤯
It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing your tech stack to others'. You see someone raving about the latest shiny software, and suddenly, FOMO kicks in. But remember, what works for one business might not work for yours. Focus on what's essential for your unique needs and goals. Don't let tech stack envy distract you from building a setup that truly works for your business.
Ready to optimise your tech stack? 🌟
So, there you have it! A quick crash course in tech stacks for the savvy business owner. If you're eager to receive a thorough audit and tailored recommendations for optimising your tools, tech, and processes to boost efficiency and effectiveness in your business, let's connect and schedule a power-packed hour.
This service is ideal for anyone keen on fully leveraging their tech and automated workflows to their fullest potential.
Email me at sarah@sarahforde.co.uk
* A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a set of documented instructions that outline how to perform tasks consistently and efficiently. They serve as a reference tool for ensuring that processes are carried out efficiently, promoting quality, compliance, and effectiveness.