I've been involved in IT for over 30 years now, and I've learned a lot about what works, what doesn't, and what companies need to know about IT in order to use it and manage it properly.  Let's face it - IT today - computers and networks - have changed the way almost every facet of our business and daily lives work in the Unites States and around the world. 

Oh yes, you can argue that they have done terrible things to people and companies, and that's correct, but you can also argue what miraculous things have changed us in a positive direction as well.  And that's also correct.  But I digress...  I'm going to start my IT blog out by saying first and foremost,

Trust Your IT Staff

Now I'm not saying to just blindly trust them no matter what.  What I am saying is that you took time to find and hire the best people to complete your IT Dept.  They have the "keys to the kingdom" in many cases, since they manage the systems that contain the core data that drives any business.  They have to be trustworthy - they have access to your financial data and payroll info.  They also should have a high level of integrity, if you've done your interviewing and hiring process correctly. 

And know that if you have chosen the right people, they are constantly educating themselves in order to keep up with advancements and updates that change faster in technology than just about any other sector of the economy.

And I'm certain you also have taken time to make sure they are "at the table" in your business - that is, they are involved in decision-making at the executive or upper levels of the company, because after all, they can offer technology solutions that drive strategic and wide-reaching initiatives and solve many perplexing problems before the project planning even hits paper.

So when it comes time to put together a project for your next great marketing plan, you don't need to hire an expensive consultant.  Call in your employees who know your busines sbetter than anyone, and include your IT staff, listen to their opinions and have them find solutions to your needs.  Then, if you want confirmation, hire the consultant and see what they come up with.  Chances are your employees will have a better solution!

Now, why do I believe this?  Because I've lived it.  I've been involved in large, consultant-driven implementations of core systems (we call them ERP - Enterprise Resource Planning systems) that failed miserably.  I've been involved in grassroots internally designed solutions that leveraged the company's strengths while recognizing the weaknesses, which then went on to revolutionize the sharing of company data streams across all departments.

(more to follow)