Larger organisations will have teams dedicated to assessing the challenge that needs to be solved, selecting the right tech, the right vendor and then managing the roll-out across the business.

But for SMBs, these are often unattainable luxuries. Getting the decision right is no less important though.

According to IDC, SMB spending on IT globally will continue to rise, with the market expected to grow by an average of 4.5% annually, until 2021. With outlay increasing, the ability to make the right tech choices is ever more critical. This goes beyond just finding the right solution however - here’s what SMBs need to consider, according to the DocuSign team.

Land and expand

Keith Redmond - SMB Account Executive

When rolling out a new SaaS solution, SMBs shouldn’t try to run before they can walk. The best way to bring new tech into the workplace is to start small, with a proof of concept in one or two functions of the business.

That way you can prove the value before rolling it out more widely. It’s also important to consider which department is the best place to showcase what the technology can do. Often sales or recruitment can be a good testing ground.

Commonly these teams will be more open to new digital approaches and can quickly prove the ROI to the rest of the business, when sales start to increase for example. Having strong use cases and advocates for the technology will make a big difference when broadening this scope to the rest of the business.

Don’t underestimate change management

Vicky Bonny, Senior Rapid Adoption Consultant

At the same time as considering which department is best placed to act as the testing ground, think about the wider business and the different attitudes employees will have towards the introduction of new technology.

As well as those who will embrace it, there will be those who view it negatively, something that business management has to be ready to handle. A comprehensive change management process is essential to make sure that employees remain engaged and involved, receiving necessary training and support to make them feel empowered.

Try new ideas quickly and often

Gary Ryan, SMB Adoption Manager

Running several small pilots that will show results in weeks can provide much more insight than one perfectly designed pilot run over several months. The best businesses will get up and running with a project and fix and improve it along the way.

Equally, when considering investing in a new piece of technology, don’t be penny-wise, pound-foolish. Price should not be the only factor you consider when purchasing a new system. Examine the features and extended benefits to any purchase and forecast costings for a minimum of 3 years, considering any future savings or upkeep.

Stay flexible

Andrea Wilson, SMB Sales Manager UK

The golden rules for any SMB when it comes to introducing new tech are to stay flexible and open minded. Don’t let processes get in the way of doing business but also take a large enterprise mindset to the project from day one.

When it comes to setting up your CRM and how you manage your client contacts and contract data, the long-term benefit will be huge.

Live the dream

Giulia Di Capua, Onboarding Success Consultant

Above all else, before embarking on any digital transformation project, map out your dream process to start with. Do your homework on the systems that are available and those that will best meet your needs.

Once you’ve put in the groundwork, aim for the dream and begin integrating the new tech with existing systems to create that flawless system that every business longs for.

Clearly, there is a lot to consider for SMBs taking the digital path. Yet, above all it should be remembered that technology is there to make life simpler for businesses and their management. If it is making life more complicated it is not doing its job.

Opportunities abound for the SMBs that take a smart approach - success is theirs for the taking.