Time certainly does fly when you are busy! May 1, 2019 is the 28th anniversary of the inception of Oasis Solutions. I was thinking about some of the questions that people ask me when they hear we have been in business for 28 years, especially in the technology industry:
Has it been hard to be a woman-owned business in an industry that has been dominated by men, particularly when starting out 28 years ago?
I never really thought about being a woman in a man’s industry. There has been a need and demand for our products and services and we have just gone forward with that in mind. At one point, in the early days of Oasis, the majority of the employees at Oasis were female. Throughout time, I have never felt that men in our industry thought any differently of us - maybe they did and I was just unaware of it. I was definitely unconcerned!
What are the biggest changes you have seen in the industry?
Technology moves so much faster today than it did 28 to 30 years ago. That makes what we do a little challenging, but also very exciting. I would rather focus on what has NOT changed. Customers still want to know that you are there to support them and hold their hand through various business challenges they face. We work regionally so that we can be face to face with our customers as much as possible. We believe relationships are forged when you can see someone and understand their lives and job.
What do you wish you had done differently?
I wish I had realized the importance of having regular check-ins with employees. In the beginning, we were so heads down making the business work that some of the leadership things went by the wayside. In today’s business environment, this seems more important than ever. Also, I really wish I had documented some of the things we have seen and heard over the years!
What’s the biggest thing you feel you have done right?
Hiring great people. I was told very early on to hire people smarter than you. That has been a key differentiator for Oasis. Doing this can take me a little outside of my comfort zone, but I have learned so much and the business has grown due to the expertise brought to the table.
What will be different in the future?
Technology will always move forward - and rapidly - but through all the changes, Oasis will stay true to our core by maintaining relationships with our customers. People want to connect with people, no matter how much technology is introduced.
We are looking forward to saying we have been in business for 30 years in a couple of years and would like you to come along on the rest for the journey. Join us for the ride!