As Manager of Client Success at Reis Informatica, I want to take a moment to talk about something critical: If your IT provider only focuses on the technology and ignores your business goals, you’ve got a major problem on your hands.
In today’s fast-paced business world, technology isn’t just a tool; it’s the backbone that keeps businesses running efficiently, growing steadily, and thriving in competitive markets. But too often, I see businesses stuck because of a lack of focus on what truly matters: the alignment between business objectives and technology strategy.
At Reis Informatica, Client Success means ensuring your business and technology work together seamlessly to meet your company’s goals. In my experience, companies that don’t prioritize this alignment either skimp on the tech they need or spend money on unnecessary gadgets, wasting valuable resources.
– The result?
– Missed growth opportunities, inefficient operations, and, in some cases, critical vulnerabilities.
Common IT Missteps—Are You Falling into These Traps?
Let’s talk about the two biggest traps businesses fall into regarding IT.
First, some companies cut corners on technology, trying to save money by using outdated or underpowered solutions. While the initial savings might look appealing, the long-term costs are staggering. Poor technology can slow your business down, lead to operational inefficiencies, and even open the door to cybersecurity risks. And when these issues catch up with you, fixing them is often more expensive than if you had invested in the right tech from the start.
On the other hand, some businesses swing too far in the opposite direction, overspending on shiny new gadgets they don’t need. A flashy tool may seem like it will solve all your problems, but without a strategy behind it, it’s just wasted spending. I’ve seen companies invest in the latest technology only to find out it doesn’t align with their needs. What’s worse? That money could have been used to invest in tech that fuels growth and drives business forward.
Both approaches are costly—and not just in terms of money. They cost businesses their agility, ability to grow, and sometimes, their peace of mind.
The Role of Client Success in IT Strategy
This is where the role of a Client Success Manager (CSM) becomes essential. You’re not just getting tech support when you work with an IT provider like Reis Informatica. You’re getting a partner with a team that understands your business, cares about your goals, and is committed to ensuring your IT strategy is working for you, not against you.
As the Manager of Client Success, I ensure that our client’s business objectives are always front and center when discussing technology. Along with our vCIO (Virtual Chief Information Officer) and TAM (Technical Alignment Manager), I work directly with businesses to create a tailored IT roadmap that supports their unique needs.
It’s not about selling you the newest tech—it’s about ensuring the technology you invest in drives your business forward. This proactive approach to IT is what sets us apart. We don’t just respond to problems; we help you avoid them by aligning your technology strategy with your business objectives.
Why Alignment is Critical—What Happens When IT and Business Goals Diverge
When your IT strategy doesn’t match your business vision, you’re not just wasting money—you’re also limiting your ability to grow, compete, and adapt. A misaligned IT strategy can result in unnecessary downtime, slower response times to market changes, and, worst of all, it can leave your business vulnerable to security threats.
We’ve all seen it happen—whether it’s a cyberattack that could have been prevented with the right safeguards in place or a company that loses valuable time and resources trying to integrate a technology that doesn’t support their growth strategy. The costs are high, but they are also avoidable.
This is why our Client Success approach focuses on aligning technology with business strategy at every step. When technology and business goals are working together, your business runs more efficiently, grows more sustainably, and stays more secure.
Real-World Examples—How Client Success Drives Growth
Let me give you some examples of how businesses have transformed their operations by aligning IT with business strategy. We recently worked with a manufacturing company struggling with outdated equipment and slow systems. Their IT provider had recommended upgrading their servers but didn’t take the time to understand their unique operational challenges. After sitting down with their management team, we identified that the real issue wasn’t the servers—it was their data management process. By implementing cloud-based solutions that streamlined their workflows, we were able to reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and help them scale their operations for future growth.
Another example is a financial services company that was overspending on IT. They had invested in expensive software that they didn’t need and weren’t fully utilizing. After a detailed analysis, we helped them switch to more cost-effective tools that better aligned with their day-to-day operations. The result? Lower costs, better performance, and the flexibility to pivot when new opportunities arose.
These businesses could have continued with the wrong tech and been held back. Instead, we evaluated their IT strategy and aligned it with their business goals, unlocking growth and success.
Proactive vs. Reactive IT Strategy—Why Proactive Wins Every Time
Another critical aspect of Client Success is the difference between being proactive and reactive with IT. Too often, businesses take a reactive approach, waiting for something to break before fixing it. This is a dangerous game to play, especially in a world where cybersecurity threats and operational inefficiencies can quickly escalate into serious problems.
A proactive approach also focuses on preparations for the future. Technology is constantly evolving, and businesses need to evolve with it. From AI and automation to cloud computing and cybersecurity advancements, staying on top of tech trends is critical to staying competitive.
At Reis Informatica, we partner with you in developing and managing a proactive process. This means monitoring your systems 24/7, performing regular IT health checks, and continually assessing your infrastructure to identify potential risks before they become issues. This also means working with you on a Strategic IT roadmap to ensure that your company continues to meet its goals going forward. This proactive mindset not only prevents downtime but also allows us to stay ahead of industry trends and ensure your business is ready for whatever comes next.
The difference between proactive and reactive IT management can be the difference between business success and failure. With proactive IT, you’re not just waiting for the next crisis—you’re prepared for it, and more importantly, you’re equipped to avoid it altogether.
Is It Time to Reevaluate Your IT Strategy?
Is your IT strategy aligned with your business goals? Is your current technology helping you grow, or is it holding you back? If the answer is the latter, you’re not alone. Over the past few years, I’ve seen more and more businesses weighed down by technology that doesn’t fit their needs.
This is why Client Success matters so deeply to me. At the end of the day, being a good steward of your budget and resources isn’t just the foundation of good business—it’s also a reflection of our core values here at Reis Informatica. We don’t just want to be your IT provider. We want to be your partner in success, helping you navigate the complexities of technology while keeping your business goals at the forefront.
About the Author:
Hannah Feeney is the Client Success Manager at Reis Informatica, leading a proactive team dedicated to aligning business goals with the right technology solutions. With a focus on building long-term relationships and ensuring that clients’ IT investments support their growth, Hannah’s approach is centred on understanding each client’s unique needs. Her dedication to client success has made her a key figure in driving strategic IT roadmaps for companies across various industries. Let me know if you’d like any adjustments!
