Technology is a business accelerator, not an initiator of success

Once upon a time in the city of Kampala, Uganda, there were two competing companies - Company A and B - both vying for supremacy in their industry. As they embarked on their journey toward success, their approaches to technology would set them on very different paths.

Company A was the embodiment of everything tech-savvy. It was a cutting-edge startup in the heart of the city, led by visionary leaders who believed in the power of technology to transform business.

They were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about technology and its applications in their industry. The team at Company A  believed that with the right IT solutions, they could take the world by storm.

And so, they invested heavily in state-of-the-art software, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. The company was swift to adopt every new tech trend that came its way.

On the other side of the city was Company B, a well-established, traditional business that had been around for decades. Company B was rooted in its principles and core values and had a loyal customer base.

They had seen competitors rise and fall, and they were determined not to let technology dictate their future. They believed in time-tested methods, building relationships, and delivering quality.

As time went by, Company A became the talk of the town. Their tech-forward approach resulted in rapid growth, and they attracted a diverse customer base, eager to experience the latest tech innovations. It was evident that they were becoming a dominant force in their industry.

Meanwhile, Company B chose a different path. They recognised the importance of technology but approached it as an enabler, not a game-changer. They took their time to understand their customer needs and how technology could enhance their offerings. 

They gradually integrated technology into their operations, streamlining processes and improving customer service while staying committed to their company core values.

But the turning point came when a massive data breach hit Company A, compromising sensitive customer information. Their IT-heavy approach had made them vulnerable, and the fallout was catastrophic. Customers lost trust, and the once-thriving company faced a steep decline.

The company had focused so much on adopting the latest technologies that they overlooked the importance of data security and customer privacy.

Company B  having taken a slower and more considered approach, was prepared for such challenges. They had invested in robust cybersecurity measures and ensured the safety of customer data. When Company A  faltered, Company B’s loyal customers began to migrate to them, seeking a more secure and dependable alternative.

Wounded and hurt, Company A  learned a valuable lesson about the role of technology in business. They realised that technology was not a magic wand but a tool, an accelerator, and an enhancer of existing processes and strategies.

They started prioritising security, customer relationships, and quality of services, rather than blindly chasing the latest tech trends. Company B continued to thrive. Their technology adoption, while slower, was strategic and aligned with their core values.

They embraced innovation when it made sense for their business, not just for the sake of innovation itself.

The tale of these two fictitious companies reminds us that technology, while powerful, should always serve the greater purpose of a business. It should enhance, not dictate, the way an entity operates.

In the end, it’s not about being the most tech-savvy, but the most customer-centric, secure, and reliable business that wins the race. Technology should be the accelerator of your business success, not the initiator.

Mr Brian Mukalazi is the CEO, Talis Consults Ltd. [email protected]