3 Best Practices for Bringing on Technology

While you may understand the importance of adding technology to your operation to become more efficient and profitable, knowing where to start implementing new technologies can be intimidating. Eric Hassett, owner of Hassett Hardware, which has five stores in the Bay Area of California that each use different levels of technology, shares tips to guide retailers on the path to tech.

Stay in Your Comfort Zone

Hassett says it’s important for a business owner or manager to stretch themselves and expect their employees to grow, but when it comes to technology, it’s often better to stick to what’s comfortable.

“If a retailer isn’t comfortable with technology, they are not going to put in the effort and energy needed to make it succeed,” he says.

Hassett recommends only bringing in the technology that makes sense for your operation. Consider your employees’ comfort levels for using the technology and whether it will actually improve your business and better serve customers.

Explain the Why

Anytime Hassett introduces a new technology, he explains to his employees how it will allow them to do their jobs more efficiently and effectively and how it solves a problem they face.

Implement in Phases

“If a retailer isn’t comfortable with technology, they are not going to put in the effort and energy needed to make it succeed,” he says.

It’s also important to get buy-in from leadership.

“If the leader of the organization hasn’t bought in and isn’t excited about the technology, it’s not going to trickle down to be the best thing ever. It’s not going to go anywhere,” Hassett says.