It’s impossible to argue the profound effect technology has on businesses today. Unfortunately, not all organizations leverage the power of technology to enable and grow their business. According to a recent Oasis survey of U.S. businesses with 10-99 employees, nearly half say they do not use technology to its full capacity.
Despite their best efforts, many businesses fall short when it comes to IT. Gaps in technology leadership can lead to increased stress among employees, missed expectations, greater security risks, and costly delays in projects. When these gaps materialize, businesses must make the decision to hire or outsource a Chief Information Officer(CIO) to fill this important role.
Many organizations can benefit from partnering with an outsourced CIO, especially businesses experiencing accelerated growth, entering new markets or feeling increased pressure from competitors. CIOs combine vast experience, strategic thinking and a strong business sense to bridge the gap between business and IT. Learn more about CIOs, what they offer and how an organization can benefit from working with an outsourced CIO.
The Role Of An Outsourced CIO
A Chief Information Officer is the most senior technology executive within an organization. The primary goal of a CIO is to develop and lead a tailored IT strategy that drives and supports the strategic goals of the business. CIOs help manage and implement information technology systems, hire and manage outside vendors, and work to continually improve an organization’s internal technology processes.
Benefits Of An Outsourced CIO
Partnering with an outsourced CIO can give organizations a competitive edge and help them reach their business goals faster than anticipated. There are several advantages to working with an outsourced CIO, including the following:
1. Develop A Strategic IT Roadmap That Addresses Key Goals
CIOs excel in IT and business planning to help organizations forge the best path forward. An outsourced CIO can build a strategic IT roadmap that considers both short-term and long-term business goals and prioritizes the core mission. CIOs prioritize learning about how the business works and identifying possible opportunities and risks.
2. Update Business Systems To Minimize Security Risks
Business leaders have countless responsibilities and sometimes overlook important IT issues that could put the business at risk. These issues include the use of legacy systems that could result in costly maintenance, data stuck in silos, weak security measures, difficulty with integration and issues with compliance. An outsourced CIO can help keep business systems updated to mitigate these risks.
3. Create a Strong Partnership Between the Business and IT
The CIO’s role is to foster communication and collaboration across the business, creating a partnership between the business and IT teams. Outsourced CIOs partner with senior leaders to align IT with the overall business strategy and work with different department executives to help them leverage existing and new technology to achieve their goals.
4. Leverage The Experience Of An Accomplished, Strategic IT Leader
Many small- and mid-sized businesses do not have the budget to hire a full-time CIO; however, they know that they cannot be without a strategic IT leader. Outsourcing a CIO is an affordable alternative that allows businesses to gain the experience of a CIO without the cost of a full-time employee.
5. Coach And Collaborate With IT Staff To Support Future Leaders
Outsourced CIOs are often tasked with managing internal IT staff and identifying future leaders. With mentoring and coaching from a CIO, IT staff can grow in their roles and eventually be promoted to higher positions as they gain experience. CIOs can offer knowledge and training to help improve collaboration between IT and business departments.
Request A Consultation With Hartman About An Outsourced CIO
Employers in all industries recognize the value of having an experienced CIO on their team. To learn more about the role of an outsourced CIO, contact Hartman Executive Advisors.
