In the ever-evolving world of business, especially in law and accounting, we often hear the phrase, “Build the people, and the people will build the business.” Recently, I attended an IT and Cybersecurity conference where Dan Martell spoke passionately about this idea. It got me thinking about how it directly relates to what we do in helping firms not only grow but thrive securely.
While Dan’s message is about empowering your people, there’s another crucial piece of the puzzle—building the right technology foundation to support your team. After all, even the most talented and motivated team needs the right tools and secure systems to drive business success.
In this article, we’ll explore how building both your people and your technology can help law firms, CPAs, and other industries scale efficiently and securely.
Why “Build the People, and the People Will Build the Business” Matters
Dan Martell’s philosophy centers around the idea that investing in your team’s growth, giving them the tools and resources to succeed, and creating an environment that fosters innovation and accountability will naturally lead to business success. It’s simple, but powerful.
However, today’s businesses operate in a landscape where technology and cybersecurity are no longer just supporting players—they’re critical elements. This means that alongside building your team, you need to ensure that the technology they rely on is secure, scalable, and reliable.
The Role of IT in Empowering Your Team
Think about your own team for a moment. Imagine a scenario where they’re doing excellent work, but then their systems crash, or worse, your firm is hit by a cyberattack that compromises sensitive client data. What happens next? Productivity stops, clients are impacted, and your reputation is at risk.
To ensure your people can build your business, they need to be supported by an IT infrastructure that empowers them to do their best work. Here’s how the right technology can support your team:
1. Productivity Through Reliable Systems
When your technology is running smoothly, your team can focus on their core work. In law firms and accounting firms, time is critical, and your team shouldn’t be wasting it dealing with system crashes or slow networks. Efficient and well-maintained systems ensure that everything from managing client files to collaborating with colleagues runs without hiccups.
2. Reducing Stress with Security and Stability
Your team’s stress levels shouldn’t spike every time there’s a potential security breach or system vulnerability. With strong IT security in place—like multi-factor authentication (MFA), regular backups, and encryption—your people can work with peace of mind, knowing that their tools are stable and secure.
3. Collaboration and Flexibility
In today’s world, remote work and collaboration tools are more important than ever. A well-designed IT infrastructure supports seamless collaboration between team members, whether they’re in the office, working from home, or on the go. Secure file sharing, video conferencing, and document management systems make it easier for your team to stay connected and productive, wherever they are.
The Importance of Cybersecurity as You Scale
As your firm grows, so do your risks. This is particularly true in industries like law and accounting, where you handle sensitive client data every day. Growth without a strong cybersecurity strategy is like building a house on a shaky foundation—eventually, it will crumble.
Here are the top reasons why scaling your business must go hand-in-hand with scaling your cybersecurity:
1. Safeguarding Sensitive Data
Law firms and CPAs deal with highly confidential information. Client data, financial records, and legal documents are prime targets for cybercriminals. Failing to protect this data can result in devastating consequences, including legal action, financial loss, and irreparable damage to your firm’s reputation. Implementing strong cybersecurity measures like firewalls, endpoint detection, and regular audits helps protect this sensitive information.
2. Supporting Remote Work Securely
As remote work becomes more common, your technology needs to support it securely. A solid cybersecurity foundation ensures that your team can access data safely from anywhere, without exposing your network to vulnerabilities. Tools like virtual private networks (VPNs) and secure cloud solutions are essential in this regard.
3. Compliance and Regulation
Industries like law and accounting are subject to strict compliance regulations. From the FTC Safeguards Rule for CPAs to the ABA cybersecurity guidelines for law firms, your firm is required to maintain certain standards when it comes to data security. Failing to comply not only puts you at risk of penalties but can also harm your reputation. A proactive cybersecurity strategy ensures you stay compliant as you scale.
4. Peace of Mind for Your Team
Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting data—it’s about creating a safe working environment for your team. When your employees know that their tools and systems are secure, they can focus on what they do best: serving clients and driving the business forward. Without the constant worry of potential breaches or system failures, your team can operate with confidence.
Building a Secure IT Foundation as You Scale
So how can you build both your people and your technology at the same time? Here are some actionable steps to ensure your IT infrastructure grows alongside your team:
1. Strong Access Controls
Implement access control measures to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive information. This can be achieved through centralized account management, which helps monitor and control who is accessing what data and when.
2. Regular Security Audits
Your business is constantly evolving, and so are cybersecurity threats. Regular security audits and assessments ensure that your IT infrastructure is up-to-date and protected against the latest threats. By staying proactive, you can address potential vulnerabilities before they become major issues.
3. Security Awareness Training
No matter how strong your cybersecurity systems are, they won’t be effective if your team isn’t trained to recognize threats. Regular security awareness training helps your employees understand common cyber risks like phishing attacks and ransomware, empowering them to avoid risky behavior.
4. Outsourcing IT and Cybersecurity
Managing IT and cybersecurity internally can be challenging, especially as your firm grows. Outsourcing these services to experts ensures that your systems are secure, scalable, and optimized without putting additional strain on your internal resources. By partnering with an IT and cybersecurity provider, you can focus on growing your business while the experts handle the technical side.
The Long-Term Benefits of Investing in Your People and Technology
At the end of the day, building your people and your technology should go hand-in-hand. By investing in your team, you create a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability. By building a strong IT and cybersecurity foundation, you protect that growth and ensure that your team has the tools they need to succeed.
It’s not just about immediate results—this is a long-term strategy. As your firm grows, the investment you make today in both your people and your technology will pay off in the years to come. You’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges of scaling, while minimizing risks and ensuring business continuity.
Final Thoughts: Build the People, Build the Technology, Build the Business
Dan Martell’s message about building your people is a critical leadership principle, but in today’s digital world, we must also build the technology that supports them. Empower your team with the right tools and secure their efforts with strong cybersecurity, and you’ll have a business that not only grows but thrives.
If you’re ready to strengthen both your team and your IT infrastructure, let’s talk. We’d love to discuss how we can help you build the systems that drive growth while keeping your data safe.
