You want to start a business but lack IT Operations Management skills. How can you overcome this hurdle?

In my experience, always refer to the basics: 1) Stabilize and provide service availability and 2) find out what makes your customers happy and satisfy them and 3) Make sure you know how the business uses technology to do their job.

If you don't have the IT Operations Management skill, you can always hire one. Otherwise look at the business case and plan how you can provide the solution to your customer. Look at what technology or solution can be used for this case.

My experience over the years has made me understand that IT operations management is mostly experiential and is a vital ingredient while assessing your IT needs especially when you are thinking of starting a business. I believe the assessment can be in two folds. Answering these questions will help with a more directed assessment: 1. Are you starting a business in IT Operations Management? 2. Are you starting a business that requires IT Operations Management?

If your scenario is one of starting a business in IT Operations Management, then it is important to invest in current and relevant IT Training and professional Certifications (Microsoft, Linux, Project management, ITIL, Cyber Security, etc.) If you are starting a business that requires IT Operations Management, then you may be looking to outsource your IT Operations Management to a 3rd party.

As a new business owner it may seem daunting the amount of information and factors to consider when it comes to IT operations. There is no single solution that fits any organization, and there will always need to be a need to tailor the solution to your businesses needs. In fact, if you get too simplistic, then you open yourself up to potential cybersecurity risks, as threat actors can quickly defeat most simple/out of the box solutions. But taking the time to learn about the basics, and becoming familiar with terminology and concepts, even if you do not become an expert yourself, puts you on a better footing when dealing with whomever manages your IT operations. This could be somebody you hire, a consultant or service provider.

Starting a new business is always difficult, and takes a lot of skills that new business owners didn’t know would be needed. Luckily there are many resources that can help you plan and execute your IT operations. These include short term consultants, including gig-workers that you can hire online, that can get you started. For bigger needs there are managed service providers, who can help build and manage your entire infrastructure. Just make sure you that keep a close eye on your budget to make sure you are getting value for your money. Another thing to consider is the long-term prospects, if do you want a partner that will be there down the road, or just something short term to get you started and train your own staff for the long run.

In my experience, I have come to identify the importance of staying current and relevant. Given the unprecedented pace of technological advancement, it is vital to remain updated with the latest developments, best practices, etc. Investing in continuous learning and acquiring relevant certifications are essential steps to deepen your expertise.

My experience over the years has made me understand that IT operations management is mostly experiential and is a vital ingredient while assessing your IT needs especially when you are thinking of starting a business. So the three key ways to get into it is 1. Networking: Network with professionals and establish professional relationships and obtain reliable contacts that will provide you with the platform to showcase your skills 2. Invest in Training and professional Certifications (Microsoft, project management, ITIL, Cyber security) 3. Invest in a home lab/sandbox environment that you can utilize to demonstrate hands on experience 4. Volunteer pro bono work to showcase your abilities, your contacts is vital for this

IT is a constantly moving target, with evolving technology, and threats. Never think that you have done enough, and that IT is ‘done’. Somebody has to be responsible for constantly monitoring and evaluating the IT operations. Ideally this would be somebody well versed in IT operations, or a periodic check-in by an outside consultant or firm to make sure you are keeping up to date. Regardless of where it comes from, make sure that you are keeping current with security and that your hardware is in good shape and can meet you and your staffs needs.