Do’s & Don’ts when implementing a CI Function on SME’s

[Miguel Duarte Ferreira]

Taking the chance that the CI Network holds a lot of knowledge and experience, I would like to ask for your inputs and recommendations on a real case I am currently facing.

I am helping an IT SME (under 500 persons company), with a very strong internationalization process (over 80% of turn over comes from international businesses), to implement a CI function.

The company and its top management are new comers to the CI concept and, likewise it happens in so many other companies, wants to see the benefits of its investment in CI before assigning major resources.

Currently, they have a marketing manager (mostly dedicated to communications and PR issues) assigned, part time (about 20%) to the CI function. The company champion is one of the board members and he was the one to kick off the entire process.

Question: from your experience what are the key ‘Do’s & Don’t’s’ one most take in consideration when moving forward with the implementation process, both on the short and long term.

All of your inputs are most welcomed! Thank you in advance.

All the best,

Miguel DF