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The following column I wrote was printed in the July 14, 2010 edition of “Sioux Falls Business Journal”:

Try to think of the last day you spent without your cell phone. That’s right: No calls, e-mails or texting.

If you are a typical American professional, chances are you will have a tough time remembering. Most professionals today are hooked mercilessly to their smartphones, and claim that without the device they would be out of touch almost immediately.

I would like to think my Blackberry exists to help me get more done. But is this really true?

To be clear, there is no doubt that mobile technology can drastically improve communication and real-time decision-making. But do business professionals become more productive by heavily using technology or do they just communicate more often?
In my career I have noticed that mobile technology does improve communication, but it also increases multitasking – sometimes severely.

A recent story by NPR’s Science Friday examined the effects of multitasking. The conclusion is that multitasking does just the opposite: It causes gross productivity losses due to the “switching costs” of moving between tasks. In other words, each time your phone beeps, blinks or plays your latest ring tone, you lose time by switching to a new thought process. I have noticed an identical effect – the more I pay attention to everything that is blinking on my phone, the less I get done.

Because of this, some professionals have sworn off the devices and chosen to operate “off the grid.” This decision has some real downsides. Mobile technology, if used properly, can help professionals get critical information when it matters most.
In addition, a smartphone is a lifesaver when you are working out of the office.

Professionals can gain tremendous productivity by taking advantage of the improvements devices can bring to your workday.

I propose that mobile technology should be used as a tool with a specific purpose. Multitasking all day is not the answer to getting more done. Becoming a slave to your phone could derail your productivity.

Instead, silence your device during times you need to focus on a project, meetings, times with your family and other critical time. Then, when you are available for communication and taking care of details, set your phone to let you know it has messages for you.

I also try to group the reading of e-mail into three to four blocks each day. Then I am free during my focus blocks to get things done. I set the expectation that I will respond when I read e-mails, which may not be for a few hours.

Remember, your device exists to help you, not dominate your thinking. Responsible use of mobile devices will result in fewer accidents, less distracted meetings and more productivity.

Last week our district SBA held the awards banquet for National Small Business Week, and I was given the South Dakota Young Entrepreneur of the Year award – what an honor! Obviously this has been a really thrilling experience, and one I really didn’t expect. I’ve received so many encouraging notes in the past few weeks, thanks for your kind words!

Mom & Dad, me, and the award...

For those of you who know me well, in my short career I have had serious ups and downs. Learning to run a business young in life is very difficult, and the experience has humbled and challenged me deeply. At times it has rattled me to my breaking point, and at other times I have felt the sweetness of conquering a challenging endeavor. Today is one of the screaming fun days!

I’m also aware of the source of any talent and wisdom I have been given. Deuteronomy 8:18 sums up how I feel:

But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

I’m not wealthy (we’re still in startup mode!), but I’m well aware of all that I have been given, and for that I’m thankful.

There have also been people in my life who have invested in me and shared of themselves. I want to acknowledge and thank some of the people who have helped me along the way.

First, my parents and family have been there through thick and thin. Dad allowed me to start my first company, Vetter Solutions (which later turned into DataSync), in our basement. He later helped fund DataSync before any investors would look at the company. Mom has always been supportive of me, and was there to encourage me when times were tough. The rest of the family encouraged me no matter what happened.

The team at DataSync has been relentless in working through the good times and bad. Startups are not easy, and there have been plenty of chances for them to find an easier job that pays more. I especially want to thank Michael Moser. That guy has put up with me for 5 years or more through countless strategy evolutions.

I’ve been fortunate to gain the wisdom of advisers and directors who are far more advanced than I am in business. They have helped guide me and have taken time to help me grow. Some of those people are Craig Anderson, John Hemmingstad, Rich Naser, Mari Beth Baumberger, Byron Schafersman, Colin White, John Sutton, Eugene McCord, Cris Friewald, Joe Galinanes, Todd Gagne, Will Bushee, John Brown, Paul Ten Haken, Tom Halverson and so many others (I know I’ve missed a lot of you!).

Last (but not least!), my friends have kept me grounded and stable through the jungle that is entrepreneurship. In the hard times they have encouraged me, in the good times they have helped keep my ego in check, and they have always been there to listen and offer insight. I won’t mention them by name here (for privacy reasons), but you know who you are!

In all the hubris of life, I’ve realized that “this too shall pass”. DataSync still has a steep hill to climb, and awards don’t make that easier. Another deserving person win this award next year, and I will be all but forgotten. But that is ok, I’m not doing this to win awards, but to do something worthwhile. But this is real and I’ll never forget this recognition. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way!

“April 19, 2010 – Mike Vetter of DataSync in Sioux Falls has been named the South Dakota Young Entrepreneur of the Year for 2010 by the South Dakota Small Business Administration District Office. DataSync delivers hosted and integrated business applications through its DataSync Suite and has been a client of the South Dakota Technology Business Center since 2007.

“We are very excited that Mike has received this honor,” said Rich Naser, the SDTBC’s executive director. “Mike has always demonstrated the tenancity and passion required to grow a successful busienss.”

Read more!

“In his 25 years, Mike Vetter has been a busy man.

He’s already founded a local technology company, DataSync, and serves as its chief executive.

Now, Vetter has been named the Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the South Dakota Small Business Administration District Office.”
Read more at ArgusLeader.com!

“Leading up to the SugarCon event, I will be highlighting some of our partners speaking at the event. SugarCRM has created an amazing ecosystem of technology, ISV and VARs in only a few short years. These companies are doing a lot of cool things that either tie-in to SugarCRM, or simply better enable your CRM deployment.

DataSync is one of those companies that helps you bring your CRM system to a new level – all in the cloud. The company provides an integrated platform…”

Read more at CRM Outsiders!

Businesses everywhere are feeling the budget crunch as our economy continues to struggle for recovery. Many organizations are moving to across the board cuts, requiring IT spending reduction. This reality is causing IT managers to ask the tough questions on how to deliver the same or better services at a lower cost.

The good news is that as technology has evolved, it has become less expensive. There are new business IT alternatives that can your organization substantially without reducing service or feature quality. I’ve outlined some specific options you can consider to add value to your business IT system while reducing your budget.

Spend less on equipment

• Instead of purchasing expensive business laptop or desktop computers, get your employees ‘netbooks’. Netbooks are small portable laptops that will run most standard office software and cost less than $300.
• If you have to buy classic computer equipment, focus on matching the need for performance with the computer you buy. Most users don’t need a fast processor and lots of RAM, and won’t need this for the foreseeable future.
• Don’t buy servers, use online software instead. Some specific examples are included below.

Consider replacing desktop/server software with online (web based) software.

• Replace your file server with a online storage product like box.net, which is a fraction of the cost of an onsite server.Instead of running an onsite Microsoft Exchange server, consider a hosted email service such as Gmail, Zimbra or HyperOffice. The average firm saves 70%.
• Use Quickbooks Online instead of the desktop edition. Pricing starts at free, and doesn’t require any servers, backups or complicated remote access tools.
• Replace Microsoft Office (which retails for $270 per PC) with OpenOffice, Google Docs, or Zoho. Most options are free or cost little.
• Replace expensive Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (such as Seibel or SalesForce.com) with less expensive solutions such as SugarCRM.

Upgrades are an option, not a requirement

Most businesses have a 3 year replacement requirement on all hardware and software. The reality is that this often isn’t necessary or prudent for many businesses:

• Windows XP has worked fine for many businesses, and requires less resources than the newer versions.
• Hardware is now built better and lasts longer (a 5 year replacement cycle is now standard for many businesses).
• Applications that serve basic business needs can be used for a long time on a current version, or they can be moved to an online alternative.

Smart IT managers consider each service, the requirement of that service, then determine the required upgrade cycle. Across the board upgrades on a rigid timeframe cost more.

The bottom line is that by evaluating your requirements against new technology, you can save significant amounts. The traditional client/server computer setup of many businesses is being replaced by flexible online systems that cost less, are much more reliable, and can be scaled up and down as your business changes. Before spending, ask the tough questions and do some research, and you’ll fine that a better alternative awaits you.