We’ve all heard it: “Can we get it done quickly and for less?” In small businesses, where budgets are tight and every decision matters, it’s an understandable question. But the truth is, choosing the cheapest and fastest route isn’t always the best move.
In fact, it often costs you more in the long run.
Here’s what I’ve seen time and again:
- The “quick fix” turns into a recurring problem that eats up time, energy, and morale
- The low-cost vendor disappears when support is needed most
- The shortcut in security leaves the business vulnerable, not just technically, but legally and reputationally
- The lowest bid doesn’t account for the details that actually matter once you’re up and running
Small business leaders are some of the most resourceful people I know. But resourceful doesn’t mean cutting corners. It means making smart, long-term decisions that support the business as it grows.
An MVP is a starting point, not a finish line
I’m a big believer in the power of an MVP—a Minimum Viable Product—to prove out an idea or test a concept. It’s a great way to validate direction without over-investing up front. But here’s the key: it’s meant to be a proof of concept, not a permanent foundation.
I’ve seen businesses launch with an MVP, get traction, and then try to scale without ever investing in the real infrastructure, design, or process needed for sustainability. That shortcut eventually slows them down.
An MVP shows what’s possible. But if you try to run your business on top of it for too long, you’ll run into problems with performance, security, stability, and support. A smart business leader knows when to evolve from “just enough” to “built to last.”
Ask the right questions
When evaluating a fast or low-cost option, I always encourage people to ask:
- What’s the total cost, not just today, but over the next year?
- What happens if this doesn’t scale with us?
- Will this choice simplify our operations or add to the clutter?
- Are we buying speed, or are we investing in stability?
You can move fast.
You can be efficient.
But don’t sacrifice quality and reliability just to save a few bucks or get it done by Friday.
In small businesses, every dollar matters, and every hour of lost productivity matters even more. Choose solutions that grow with you, not ones you’ll have to replace a few months down the line.
About the Author
Michael Cronin is an experienced IT and product leader who helps small businesses make practical, forward-looking technology decisions. As VP of IT and Software Development at Claimatic, he guides teams in building stable, scalable solutions that don’t just work today. They work tomorrow, too.
