Peter Magner
Exploring Tech Innovation – Building Scalable Businesses Through Technology

In the latest episode of the SAICA Biz Impact Podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Peter Magner, the Sales and Marketing Director at Iridium Business Solutions, a firm that has become a cloud technology leader in South Africa. Peter's expertise spans across cloud applications and automation, having worked with over 30 different cloud tools to streamline business processes. He is passionate about empowering small businesses through technology, and his firm’s success speaks volumes – Iridium has been recognized as the Xero Partner of the Year and has won numerous accolades.

Peter Magner’s Approach to Tech in Business

Peter believes that technology is an enabler, helping businesses do things “better, faster, smarter, with a better experience.” His firm has fully embraced cloud technology, working exclusively in the cloud to deliver streamlined solutions for clients. Iridium's tech stack includes tools like Xero, Dext, SimplePay, and Ignition – all focused on enhancing operational efficiency and providing an exceptional customer experience.

“It's not just about streamlining a process,” Peter shared, “It’s about wowing your customers with a great experience.” From automating onboarding processes to integrating multiple tech solutions, Iridium has demonstrated how the right combination of tools can help businesses scale effectively.

The Tech Adoption Journey in South Africa

When asked about the adoption of technology in South Africa, Peter noted that South African entrepreneurs are quick to embrace tech, often at a faster pace than their counterparts in countries like the U.S. He credited this to the resilience and adaptability of South Africans, who face constant change. “We are actually adopting technology really fast. I think we’re much faster than countries like America and on par with Europe.”

Iridium’s strategy focuses not only on streamlining business operations but also on helping clients adopt cloud-based solutions that enhance customer experiences. This forward-thinking approach has led to numerous success stories, including one where the firm helped clients win the Xero Beautiful Business Fund and attend the Xero conference in London.

Lessons in Building a Tech-Driven Business

Peter emphasized that for businesses looking to build their own tech stack, it's essential to start by identifying pain points. "Ask yourself what’s taking a lot of time, and then research a tool to fix that," Peter advised. He also stressed the importance of having a tech champion within the business, someone who understands the technology deeply and can lead the charge in implementing and training others.

Another key takeaway was the need for ongoing support and training. “Don’t skip the three to six months of support retainer because you need it,” Peter advised. He shared how essential it is to ensure that your team fully understands the tools they are using to avoid common pitfalls in tech adoption, such as a lack of proper training.

Embracing the Future of AI and Automation

Looking ahead, Peter sees AI playing an increasingly prominent role in business. While many fear that AI could eliminate jobs, Peter takes a more optimistic view, seeing AI as an enabler that will make businesses more efficient. “It’s not that tech will take your job away; it’s that people who use tech will take your job away,” he stated.

For those concerned about the time investment needed to adopt new technologies, Peter’s advice is to find someone who can help. Whether by hiring a tech-savvy employee or partnering with a third party, businesses can ensure they stay ahead by continuously learning and adapting to new innovations.

Peter Magner’s journey with Iridium Business Solutions offers valuable lessons for SMEs, especially those looking to scale through the use of cloud technology and automation. From streamlining operations to creating delightful customer experiences, Peter’s insights show that embracing tech is crucial to staying competitive in today’s fast-paced world.

Whether you’re a small business owner just starting out or an established entrepreneur looking to scale, the advice shared by Peter will help you navigate the challenges of tech adoption and build a thriving, tech-driven business.

You can listen to the full conversation on episode five of season two of the SAICA Biz Impact Podcast.