To Do List For Summer
Simon Davey, preponderate.net
view printable version"Luck is the crossroads where preparation meets opportunity" - Aristotle
If you've just read our feature Does ICT Matter, you'll already have a to do list. We're about to expand on it... Fear not, it won't hurt and reading on might be one of the better things you do this year.
I've been working with six different clients on database projects this year and another couple on ICT strategy. It costs money to employ consultants and we usually come up with a lot of reasons for spending more. (We might not always be popular but we're here to make a difference.)
We haven't the budget I hear you say? But what is happening to your existing budget. If you're even 10% less effective because of poor ICT, you could well be pouring tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of pounds down the drain. It frightened the life out of me when I realised how much money my clients will be losing in lost productivity whilst I'm lying on a beach this Summer. That's a real incentive to make these deadlines work.
(Incidentally, my new hobby is frightening finance directors about how badly planned and managed ICT literally pours money down the drain.)
Good, well managed ICT saves time and money (you knew that, we've said it often enough). Have you got enough time and money this Summer to afford not to make your ICT better and better managed?
So what are YOU, yes you there, going to do about it...
Your task list for Summer
- Find a quiet moment and sketch out a few ideas. How much time can you find over Summer to think, to plan, to look at things differently. Before you say none, just consider how much money you and your organisation are pouring down the drain. If you can save cash (and time) think about how much more time (and cash) you'll have in the future.
- Review your ICT support arrangements - could you do better elsewhere? Do you need to formalise that support. It isn't cheap but would external support give you more time to do what you're best at?
- Think about what a volunteer could do for you. Last month's feature might help. Failing that, get a consultant/circuit rider to come round for a cup of tea and a chat. Most of them don't charge for a brief visit (as long as there's the possibility of a project at the end of it) and if they do, you could always serve the world's most expensive cup of tea...
- Read the How to Cost and Fund ICT guide... and Go cost and fund. It won't take as long as you think and there's a handy Sources of Funders guide to go with it. You can use the ideas you nicked off the volunteer and consultant above.
- Read Briefing for Funders. Actually we changed it's name - that wasn't very exciting - it's called Making More Impact With Your Funds. Know your enemy/friend (delete as applicable). If the funding environment is all about relationship funding, how much better if you know what we're briefing them, as well as you. It's also a useful summary guide and you can test them on it later.
- Check out the New Media Case Studies booklet - there are some great ideas of what works (and some advice to follow on what doesn't). Maybe it's time.
- Browse the articles on the ICT Hub website
- Have a lazy wander through the ICT Hub knowledgebase - who knows what new ideas might come up
- Keep an eye out for the ICT Good Management Guide - it should be available in August.
- And finally, sit down and think. Talk to your colleagues. Make ICT something aspirational and supportive rather than annoying and expensive. Make ICT work for you. It really can do things better and do better things but it needs your time and attention in order to succeed.
That won't take you all Summer. It might take you three or four afternoons at most. You can do some of it in the local park (or coffee shop if it's raining). You can give yourself space to think. The rewards will be well worth it.
Enjoy your Summer.
Dr Simon Davey, Preponderate.network
www.preponderate.net - simon@preponderate.net