Technology can offer a tremendous boost to your company, helping your team work more efficiently, attract and retain top talents, and achieve sustainable growth. But of course, all of that depends on careful, strategic implementation. In other words, it’s not enough to have technology; you also need to leverage it properly, in a way that empowers rather than overburdens your team.

One way for small and mid-sized companies to create and implement a meaningful tech strategy is to enlist the service of a virtual CIO, or vCIO. Essentially, this is a tech executive who you can engage on a limited, part-time, and/or remote basis. The vCIO’s role is to provide big-picture technology leadership to your team, which can include:

  • Reducing inefficiencies that arise due to antiquated or poorly integrated technologies.
  • Enhancing competitiveness via streamlined sales processes, more robust margins, and improved communications.
  • Setting a course toward sustainable sales growth, all supported by the company’s tech ecosystem.
  • Improving recruitment of top talents, especially younger employees who want to work with top-of-the-line systems.

But while a vCIO can undoubtedly yield many benefits to your small business, it’s crucial to remember that not all tech professionals are created equal. When seeking a vCIO, it’s important to do your due diligence and find someone with the right balance of skills and expertise.

What to Look for in Your Virtual CIO

Here are a few of the qualities to prioritize any time you enlist a virtual CIO.

1) Agility

The tech landscape is constantly changing, and in order to retain a competitive edge, your team will need to evolve and adapt in kind. When interviewing potential CIOs, always be sure to ask about their process for remaining on the cutting-edge, and for helping their client organizations make quick decisions about if and when to adopt new tech.

2) Customization

No two businesses are the same, and tech needs can vary quite a bit from one business environment to the next. It’s crucial to find a virtual CIO who recognizes this, and who avoids offering cookie-cutter solutions. As you interview a potential CIO, ask them how they will get to know your business, understand your IT objectives, and develop a plan that’s completely customized to your company and context.

3) Hard Skills

A good CIO doesn’t just dictate strategy; they’ll actually roll up their sleeves to help to implement that strategy. As such, it’s important to find someone who actually speaks the language of IT and can earn the trust of your team members by demonstrating real tech competence.

4) Business Experience

In addition to technology, your CIO should know a lot about running a business and leading a team. After all, one of the primary roles of the virtual CIO is to help you implement a tech strategy that optimizes efficiency and promotes real, bottom-line growth. When interviewing a potential CIO, be sure to inquire about their own business bona fides.

5) Customer Service

It’s imperative to find a virtual CIO who is skilled at patiently and diplomatically addressing tech questions from different members of your organization, and in some cases from your vendors or clients. Seek a virtual CIO who demonstrates real sensitivity and customer services skills. If you’re dissatisfied with the way a potential CIO communicates with you during the initial interview process, that’s reason enough to say thanks but no thanks, and to continue your search elsewhere.

Schedule a Virtual CIO Consultation with BlueArmor

At BlueArmor, we proudly offer bespoke virtual CIO services to businesses in Charlotte, NC, and the surrounding area. We’d love to learn more about your organization, to tell you more about the services we provide, and to answer any questions you may have. Contact BlueArmor whenever you’re ready to schedule a consultation.