2012: Technology Pulse In Connecticut
Over the holidays, colleagues, friends and even relatives all approached me and one of the first things they asked was, "How is your business doing?". Gripped by the ongoing fears of a double-dip recession, fledgling real estate, soaring gold prices and a continued lagging employment market, its a seriously good question.
It led me to think about our business and where we were in January 2011 and all the obstacles we had to face to make it a successful year. Training, innovation, dilligence, timing, response and delivery are a few of the main aspects CST had to focus on while remaining somewhat balanced where we didnt get too far ahead of ourselves. The short answer to the question of the year was "good", but when we step back and look at our accomplishments by growing in a banner-crappy economic year, I'd like to alter my answer to "Great".
Was it great because we broke sales records for the year? No. Was it great because we expanded operations 100%? No. Was it great because we can now afford to vacation for a month? No. [although this would be a "No" during ANY economy]. Actually, it was a great year @CST because we stuck to the gameplan by growing organically in servicing our clients; both old and new with exceptional professionalism and resolve while keeping focus on evolving technology solutions that we make daily for our clients. It was a great year because there was no downsizing at CST; a fact I'm most proud of because our staff is an extended family, who go to the mat for us every day; good or bad. Both technical and administrative staff is essential to stay in business for over 23 years and we're so luck and fortunate to have the team we have. You could have the best business certifications & partners, latest technology and all the sales glitter to get you through the door, but our staff is the staff you need to keep you inside those doors...for 10, 15 and even 20 years now.
It was also a great year because we do see light at the end of the tunnel..not just in IT network and services spending, but new and existing clients planning 2012 operations with a new optimistic approach that had been absent the last 3 years. I think one of the caviats in working with CST is that we stick with our clients through lean as well as good times. Personally, I believe you retain some of your best clients when they are down, need help and come to you. We worked with them every step of the way to not sacrifice service or quality or response and more importantly, we worked with them financially to help cut costs, ease budgets constraints and make concessions for months on cash-strapped clients. Every business goes through cycles and recessions and the ones with character and compassion are the one's that persevere.
This year, we look forward to new great things not just internally with new solutions from IBM, Cisco, Microsoft, Lenovo and Hewlett Packard, but here at CST as well. From a new website and social media to new IT managed services products designed for Connecticut's SMB clients, CST is poised to embrace this year unlike any other. Although Wallingford, CT isnt exactly Silicon Valley in New England, I can confidently state our business, culture and character are well in tact and ready to deliver throughout 2012.
