Expert to Know: John Turns (Q&A Interview)

John Turns is the Vice President of Strategy at Seisan (based in Pennsylvania), listed on 50Pros as a top 50 firm in Mobile App Development, Augmented Reality, Emerging Tech, & GIS Development.

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In this Q&A, John shares his in-depth perspective, unique background, robust experiences, and insightful tips.

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How did you get into your industry?

A passion for learning 'what's next', nerding out over the latest technology can offer as a consumer, and genuinely wanting to help people overcome stagnation in their business. While the term, 'technical debt', hadn't been coined yet, watching businesses that have been around for generations losing out because they hadn't invested in technology was what brought me to where I am today.

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What inspired you to start your agency?

How do you manage work-life balance as an agency owner or executive?: I think the hardest part about work-life balance is that people assumes that it has to look a certain way. There are times that your family will come first and times where you work needs to come first. Being able to take the time when either one needs it and giving yourself maximum flexibility will help to keep a level head. Blocking time and putting boundaries around both will also help immensely.

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What is the best piece of advice you've received in your career that pertains to your work, and how has it influenced your decisions?

Some of the best advice I have ever received came from a former general in the Army, "Bloom where you're planted." You never know what life is going to throw your way, but you have the tools to make the best of any situation, show your value, and to thrive. Don't get hung up on job descriptions and 'roles'; being uncomfortable is where the growth happens and take advantage of the exposure and opportunities. This advice was also followed up with, "it's your responsibility to manage your career, not your boss's and not the company's." It influences how I manage employees as well as how I have had to manage my own career.

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What do you like most about your industry?

I love that every customer and the solutions they need are different. It allows for maximum creativity and for me to use my experience across my career to bring them best of breed solutions for their companies to thrive.

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What do you wish people knew about your industry?

The phrase 'in for a penny, in for a pound' comes to mind, especially when it comes to software. If you are looking for budget solutions but your problems (or your customer's problems) that you're solving are detrimental to your (or their) business, consider them investments and not expenses. No different than a pet, software needs care and feeding in order to add constant and continual value. We have had past customers wait 3 - 5 years plus without spending anything on their software and then wonder why they need to pay more for upgrades and maintenance.

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How do you stay updated on the latest technologies and tools relevant to your industry?

Through LinkedIn, Podcasts, YouTube videos and talking with our clients and leaders. Attending industry events / trade shows also helps.

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What is the biggest issue that your firm, or firms like yours, face?

Awareness. There are plenty of prospects that could use our services, but sometimes they don't know what they need or even how to start looking. Having potential customers be aware of who we are, what we do, and how we can help would go a long way not only to create demand (revenue) but also allow us to grow our areas of practice.

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If a company was looking to hire your firm, or a firm like yours, what questions should they ask themselves as a team before approaching you?

"Are we ready?" or "Do we know what we really need?" or even at a basic level, "Why are we considering making this investment / what are we hoping the outcomes will be?" We are willing to help guide those conversations, but coming to the table with your why and where you're hoping to end up helps immensely. Not knowing how to get to your destination is completely ok, it's our job to guide you, but you have to know where you want to go and have the will to get there.

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How do you maintain strong relationships with clients to ensure long-term partnerships?

Authenticity in my opinion is key. We genuinely want to help our clients achieve optimal outcomes and thrive. I do not pull any punches and try to be open and honest so that there are more win/win situations and less I win, you lose perceptions.

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What else would you like to publicly share about your firm or agency?

I think you will find that we try to be as flexible as possible with our work and aim to create a truly frictionless partnership. We bring expertise, industry knowledge, and years of delivery and overcoming mistakes so you don't have to.

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