---
title: Business Technology Strategy | Ryan Stickel
description: Learn how technology can maximize your business with a comprehensive IT strategy and support plan.
---
[](https://www.innovativeinc.net/)
- About
- [The Innovative Way](https://www.innovativeinc.net/the-innovative-way)
- [Our Team](https://www.innovativeinc.net/our-team)
- [Service Area](https://www.innovativeinc.net/service-area)
- [Service Level Agreement (SLA)](https://www.innovativeinc.net/service-level-agreement)
- [Refer a Business](https://www.innovativeinc.net/referrals)
- [Careers](https://www.innovativeinc.net/careers)
- Partner With Us
- [innovateCORE](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovate-core)
- [innovateAHEAD](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovate-ahead)
- [innovateSMART](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovate-smart)
- [innovateSTRONG](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovate-strong)
- [innovateTRUST](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovate-trust)
- Areas of Expertise
- [Information Technology](https://www.innovativeinc.net/information-technology)
- [Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery (BCDR)](https://www.innovativeinc.net/bcdr)
- [Cybersecurity](https://www.innovativeinc.net/cybersecurity)
- [Phone & Voice](https://www.innovativeinc.net/phone-voice)
- [Printer & Copiers](https://www.innovativeinc.net/printer-copiers)
- Industries
- [Healthcare / HIPAA](https://www.innovativeinc.net/healthcare-hippaa)
- [Manufacturing](https://www.innovativeinc.net/manufacturing)
- [Nonprofit](https://www.innovativeinc.net/nonprofit)
- [Professional Services](https://www.innovativeinc.net/professional-services)
- [Property Management](https://www.innovativeinc.net/property-management)
- Learning
- [The Innovative Blog](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog)
- [Press Releases](https://www.innovativeinc.net/press-releases)
- [Podcast](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovative-leadership-podcast/)
- [Events](https://www.innovativeinc.net/events)
- [Free Cybersecurity Assessment](https://www.innovativeinc.net/cybersecurity-assessment)
- About
- [The Innovative Way](https://www.innovativeinc.net/the-innovative-way)
- [Our Team](https://www.innovativeinc.net/our-team)
- [Service Area](https://www.innovativeinc.net/service-area)
- [Service Level Agreement (SLA)](https://www.innovativeinc.net/service-level-agreement)
- [Refer a Business](https://www.innovativeinc.net/referrals)
- [Careers](https://www.innovativeinc.net/careers)
- Partner With Us
- [innovateCORE](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovate-core)
- [innovateAHEAD](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovate-ahead)
- [innovateSMART](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovate-smart)
- [innovateSTRONG](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovate-strong)
- [innovateTRUST](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovate-trust)
- Areas of Expertise
- [Information Technology](https://www.innovativeinc.net/information-technology)
- [Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery (BCDR)](https://www.innovativeinc.net/bcdr)
- [Cybersecurity](https://www.innovativeinc.net/cybersecurity)
- [Phone & Voice](https://www.innovativeinc.net/phone-voice)
- [Printer & Copiers](https://www.innovativeinc.net/printer-copiers)
- Industries
- [Healthcare / HIPAA](https://www.innovativeinc.net/healthcare-hippaa)
- [Manufacturing](https://www.innovativeinc.net/manufacturing)
- [Nonprofit](https://www.innovativeinc.net/nonprofit)
- [Professional Services](https://www.innovativeinc.net/professional-services)
- [Property Management](https://www.innovativeinc.net/property-management)
- Learning
- [The Innovative Blog](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog)
- [Press Releases](https://www.innovativeinc.net/press-releases)
- [Podcast](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovative-leadership-podcast/)
- [Events](https://www.innovativeinc.net/events)
- [Free Cybersecurity Assessment](https://www.innovativeinc.net/cybersecurity-assessment)
- Categories
- Follow Us
- [Business Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/business-strategy)
- [Cybersecurity](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/cybersecurity)
- [Devices](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/devices)
- [Disaster Recovery](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/disaster-recovery)
- [Employee Retention](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/employee-retention)
- [HIPAA](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/hipaa)
- [Life at Innovative](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/life-at-innovative)
- [Microsoft Windows](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/microsoft-windows)
- [Outsourced IT Support](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/outsourced-it-support)
- [Printers and Copiers](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/printers-copiers)
- [Purchasing](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/purchasing)
- [Technology Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/technology-strategy)
- [Threat Prevention](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/threat-prevention)
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# Business Technology
IT Starts with Strategy
Learn how technology can maximize your business with a comprehensive IT strategy and support plan.
Subscribe
- Categories
- [Business Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/business-strategy)
- [Cybersecurity](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/cybersecurity)
- [Devices](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/devices)
- [Disaster Recovery](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/disaster-recovery)
- [Employee Retention](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/employee-retention)
- [HIPAA](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/hipaa)
- [Life at Innovative](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/life-at-innovative)
- [Microsoft Windows](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/microsoft-windows)
- [Outsourced IT Support](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/outsourced-it-support)
- [Printers and Copiers](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/printers-copiers)
- [Purchasing](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/purchasing)
- [Technology Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/technology-strategy)
- [Threat Prevention](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/threat-prevention)
- Social
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### Ryan Stickel
[](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/innovative-at-25-what-was-cutting-edge-25-years-ago)
[Life at Innovative](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/life-at-innovative)
## [Innovative at 25: What Was Cutting Edge 25 Years Ago?](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/innovative-at-25-what-was-cutting-edge-25-years-ago)
By: [Ryan Stickel](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/author/ryan-stickel)
September 21st, 2026
When Innovative opened its doors in 2001, the world looked a little different. At least that’s what my research showed me. I was still watching Blue’s Clues and drinking juice boxes. It’s been a long time! Let’s hop in the time machine.
[Read More](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/innovative-at-25-what-was-cutting-edge-25-years-ago)
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[](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/ai-is-moving-faster-than-the-planning-cycle)
[Technology Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/technology-strategy) | [Business Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/business-strategy) | [Artificial Intelligence](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/artificial-intelligence)
## [AI Is Moving Faster Than the Planning Cycle](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/ai-is-moving-faster-than-the-planning-cycle)
By: [Ryan Stickel](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/author/ryan-stickel)
August 5th, 2026
There isn't much debate anymore about whether AI will impact business. For most organizations, that question has already been answered. The harder question is what comes next.
[Read More](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/ai-is-moving-faster-than-the-planning-cycle)
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[](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/when-a-trusted-contact-becomes-the-threat-a-real-life-cybersecurity-incident)
[Business Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/business-strategy) | [Cybersecurity](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/cybersecurity) | [Threat Prevention](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/threat-prevention)
## [When a Trusted Contact Becomes the Threat: A Real-Life Cybersecurity Incident](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/when-a-trusted-contact-becomes-the-threat-a-real-life-cybersecurity-incident)
By: [Ryan Stickel](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/author/ryan-stickel)
June 5th, 2026
One of the most dangerous cybersecurity misconceptions is the belief that attacks are obvious. Many organizations assume that employees simply need to avoid clicking suspicious links or opening unexpected attachments. In reality, modern attacks are often far more deceiving.
[Read More](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/when-a-trusted-contact-becomes-the-threat-a-real-life-cybersecurity-incident)
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[](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/why-healthy-conflict-is-a-leadership-advantage)
[Business Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/business-strategy)
## [Why Healthy Conflict Is a Leadership Advantage](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/why-healthy-conflict-is-a-leadership-advantage)
By: [Ryan Stickel](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/author/ryan-stickel)
February 24th, 2026
In a recent conversation on the Innovative Leadership podcast, Jarad Bowens touched on something most leaders run into at some point, even if they don’t always name it directly. How do you stand firm in a difficult conversation without turning it into a fight, and without backing off just to keep the room comfortable?
[Read More](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/why-healthy-conflict-is-a-leadership-advantage)
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[](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/why-big-it-projects-require-more-than-an-off-the-shelf-approach)
[Business Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/business-strategy) | [Outsourced IT Support](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/outsourced-it-support)
## [Why Big IT Projects Require More Than an Off-the-Shelf Approach](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/why-big-it-projects-require-more-than-an-off-the-shelf-approach)
By: [Ryan Stickel](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/author/ryan-stickel)
February 11th, 2026
When organizations take on large technology initiatives like cloud migrations, infrastructure updates, and security programs, the pressure to make the right decision is real, especially when changes are urgently needed. Leaders want progress, teams want clarity, and vendors are ready with recommendations that promise simplicity and speed.
[Read More](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/why-big-it-projects-require-more-than-an-off-the-shelf-approach)
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[](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/when-ai-research-meets-real-world-it-delivery)
[Business Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/business-strategy) | [Purchasing](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/purchasing) | [Artificial Intelligence](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/artificial-intelligence)
## [When AI Research Meets Real-World IT Delivery](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/when-ai-research-meets-real-world-it-delivery)
By: [Ryan Stickel](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/author/ryan-stickel)
February 10th, 2026
AI has quickly become part of how people research technology decisions. Tools like Copilot make it easier to look up pricing models, compare products, and understand how IT services are commonly delivered before ever speaking with a provider.
[Read More](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/when-ai-research-meets-real-world-it-delivery)
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[](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/letting-go-of-the-vine-how-eos-transforms-leadership-and-growth)
[Business Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/business-strategy) | [Life at Innovative](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/life-at-innovative)
## [Letting Go of the Vine: How EOS Transforms Leadership and Growth](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/letting-go-of-the-vine-how-eos-transforms-leadership-and-growth)
By: [Ryan Stickel](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/author/ryan-stickel)
January 30th, 2026
One of the things that stood out most in our recent podcast conversation with Warehouse Cinemas CEO Rich Daughtridge wasn’t a specific EOS tool or framework. It was how clearly he described the pull between who he is as a leader and what his business ultimately needed from him.
[Read More](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/letting-go-of-the-vine-how-eos-transforms-leadership-and-growth)
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[](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/inside-januarys-innovative-ai-user-group)
[Insider](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/insider) | [Artificial Intelligence](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/artificial-intelligence)
## [Inside January’s Innovative AI User Group](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/inside-januarys-innovative-ai-user-group)
By: [Ryan Stickel](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/author/ryan-stickel)
January 23rd, 2026
Artificial intelligence continues to dominate headlines, but for most business leaders, the real challenge isn’t understanding what AI can do, it’s figuring out what’s actually worth doing next. That’s the purpose of Innovative's AI User Group.
[Read More](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/inside-januarys-innovative-ai-user-group)
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[](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/introducing-the-innovative-support-app)
[Microsoft](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/microsoft) | [Outsourced IT Support](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/outsourced-it-support) | [Life at Innovative](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/life-at-innovative)
## [Introducing the Innovative Support App](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/introducing-the-innovative-support-app)
By: [Ryan Stickel](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/author/ryan-stickel)
January 12th, 2026
Effective IT support often operates seamlessly in the background, ensuring requests are addressed accurately and routine issues do not interfere with productivity. Achieving this level of consistency depends on well-crafted processes working behind the scenes.
[Read More](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/introducing-the-innovative-support-app)
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[](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/understanding-rising-technology-costs-without-sacrificing-the-business)
[Technology Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/technology-strategy) | [Business Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/business-strategy) | [Purchasing](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/purchasing)
## [Understanding Rising Technology Costs Without Sacrificing the Business](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/understanding-rising-technology-costs-without-sacrificing-the-business)
By: [Ryan Stickel](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/author/ryan-stickel)
December 18th, 2025
It’s no secret that costs are rising across the board. Labor, insurance, utilities, and professional services have all increased over the last few years, and technology is no exception. What continues to catch leadership teams off guard isn’t that prices are increasing, but that they don’t appear to be coming back down anytime soon.
[Read More](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/understanding-rising-technology-costs-without-sacrificing-the-business)
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[All posts](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/all) [Next](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/author/ryan-stickel/page/2)
#### Contact
**Headquarters**
13332 Pennsylvania Ave.
Hagerstown, MD 21742
[301-739-7414](tel:+13017397414)
**Washington, DC**
1717 K Street NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20006
[202-971-9991](tel:+12029719991)
#### Managed Services
- [Managed Services](https://www.innovativeinc.net/services)
- [Co-Managed Services](https://www.innovativeinc.net/co-managed-services)
- [Service Level Agreement](https://www.innovativeinc.net/service-level-agreement)
- [Pricing](https://www.innovativeinc.net/pricing)
- [Service Area](https://www.innovativeinc.net/service-area)
#### Areas of Expertise
- [Information Technology](https://www.innovativeinc.net/information-technology)
- [BCDR](https://www.innovativeinc.net/bcdr)
- [Cybersecurity](https://www.innovativeinc.net/cybersecurity)
- [Phone & Voice](https://www.innovativeinc.net/phone-voice)
- [Printer & Copiers](https://www.innovativeinc.net/printer-copiers)
#### About
- [About](https://www.innovativeinc.net/the-innovative-way)
- [Our Team](https://www.innovativeinc.net/our-team)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.innovativeinc.net/privacy-)
- [Contact](https://www.innovativeinc.net/contact)
- [Book an Appointment](https://meetings.hubspot.com/shurd?uuid=e72ba9dd-044e-4670-8593-c28ca53244eb)