Let me set the scene.
I’m on the phone, finding a time to meet with a super-successful business owner who wants to work with my team. You’d know his name. Anyway, I throw out Tuesday morning, and he says, “Ah—can’t do then, that’s when I do the computer stuff.”
Eyebrow up. 🤔
Now, my mind is turning: Maybe he’s just super organized and knocks out all his computer work on Tuesday mornings—so the rest of the week he can roam job sites and visit clients. Or maybe he’s the one in charge of tech at his business, using this time to tidy things up and plan the next steps.
Reality check: He’s talking about—wait for it—making folders, dragging files, and manually tidying digital odds and ends. Stuff I’m pretty sure your average toaster could automate by now. And this isn’t some rookie—this is a seriously accomplished business leader!
That moment stuck with me because it’s not rare at all. Most leaders aren’t embarrassed to admit tech is not their thing, but here’s the twist: they end up burning hours each week on basics a smart setup would handle, or they hand everything over blindly and hope for the best. But let’s be real—neither one is a great way to keep yourself and your business healthy.
📌 WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?
Because every part of your business depends on technology—whether you see it or not.
Your business is like your body (stick with me here):
You wouldn’t trust a doctor you just met with your life—at least not blindly. You’d ask questions, expect clear explanations, and want to understand their approach. You wouldn’t ignore your symptoms and want to make sure the doctor pays attention to you. You’d keep an eye on your progress, maybe get a second opinion, and—let’s be honest—you’d probably Google the medicine they prescribe just to check for side effects.
Your business’s “health” is the same deal.
Tech is the circulatory system. Ignore it, and small clots become cardiac events.
Micromanage it, and you burn out before lunch. The answer isn’t crossing your fingers or rolling up your sleeves on Tuesday mornings. It’s about leadership—being engaged, asking smart questions, setting the tone, and knowing when (and what) to delegate.
👀 The Hard Truth No One Likes To Say Aloud
“Good enough” tech? Not enough anymore.
Others in your industry? They are already using technology that works, reliable, and fast—tools they understand and trust.
Too many business owners just cross their fingers and hope their IT keeps working as expected, while problems of all sizes and lack of time preserving efficiencies quietly eat away at profits. That’s how you end up falling behind.
If you care about your business’s well-being, you don’t need a medical degree. You just need a little curiosity and the right checklist (which I’m happy to share).
🎯 Curious How the Best-in-class Firms Approach Their Tech?
(Hint: They don’t just cross their fingers and hand it off.)
High-performing teams reach above 80% of the potential technology can deliver to their business—while most others crawl along using 20% of what’s possible and are sadly unaware of the difference.
Being a tech-savvy leader doesn’t mean walking around with a checklist and asking your team members about their tech problems.
It’s about:
– Keeping your eyes on the key gauges
– Knowing the important questions to ask
– Delegating smartly (and knowing who and when to trust)
– Building healthier habits that protect your business’s vital signs
Think of your IT partner as having a great doctor on call—but you must still eat healthy and check-in with yourself.
Checklist: Is Your Tech as Healthy as You Think? 📝
Give yourself a mini checkup.
Are you…
– Handling “computer stuff” that could be automated?
– Working with an IT partner who understand your business, not just upsell you add-ons?
– Getting sensible and jargon free answers when something goes sideways along with quick fixes?
– Settling for “good enough” because switching feels scarier than staying put?
– Treated like a partner, or just another support request on the queue?
If you hesitated on any of those, don’t sweat it—this isn’t about shame. It’s about awareness.
Ready for an Actual Blueprint? 📋
If you want the same checklist I use to help architecture studios (and creative businesses) build a rock-solid foundation—from files to invoices, calls to security—come join my upcoming talk:
🎤 Technology Foundations for Architecture Studios
Part of the SFX Virtual Brown Bag Series hosted by AIA Chicago.
🗓️ Register Here
Everyone who joins live will get a copy of my signature:
4×10™ Blueprint: The Solid Technology Foundation Checklist for Your Business
Can’t make it? No problem—shoot me a message after the event and I’ll send the checklist your way.
Final Takeaway 🌟
You don’t need to become a tech expert yourself, but you do need to stay engaged if you care about your business’s health—and your sanity. Think of it like driving: keep your eyes on the road, glance at the gauges, and ask what those blinking lights actually mean. Build the habit of steering your business with confidence—so you’re not sweating through every mile, but cruising in comfort (heated seats and all).
👉 Next step: RSVP here for the live talk and snag the checklist—your business will be stronger for it.
