Technology is changing the face of small business. Using technology and the latest tools, your business can gain recognition as well as increase your efficiency, profits, and leads. Here are 5 tips for using technology to help your business work more efficiently, cut costs, improve customer satisfaction, and stay ahead of the competition.
1. Close Your Doors to Criminals
You wouldn’t invite criminals into your home or business. But, by not securing your computers and technology, such as not having adequate passwords, firewalls, backups and malware and spyware protection, that could be exactly what you’re doing.
2. Backup Your Business
Of all the technology tips for small businesses this one may save yours. According to a recent study, companies who experience a data loss or computer outage lasting for more than 10 days will never fully recover financially, and 50 percent of those companies will be out of business within 5 years. All Individuals, Professionals & Businesses need to have a reliable data backup. What would your first step be if you arrived you your office and it had been broken into the night before or your computer is stolen out of your car? If you have a reliable, current backup data, you will have one less worry. Once you create the backup, be sure you are performing a data backup at least once a week and test this backup data to insure it is recoverable.
3. The Phone Book Replacement
Just as you use to pick up a phone book to find a plumber or restaurant, you now use a search engine. Without a website, those prospective customers won’t know you exist. A business website is a sure fire way to be on par with your competition, gain exposure and increase profit and growth. According to research, almost 50 percent of small businesses do not have a business website. If you do not currently have a website, make this your priority. As well, make sure your website is not only viewable through popular Internet browsers (IE, Firefox, and Safari) but also on mobile devices.
4. Let’s Get Social
Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest? Small businesses are faced with having to prioritize their resources toward the activities that deliver the most impact. But given the fact that 51 percent of Facebook fans are more likely to buy from a brand they like, not engaging with social media could curtail your business's growth. We recommend starting with one social media site such as Facebook or Twitter. Trying to do too much too fast can not only be overwhelming but it can also prevent you from learning to effectively use each site. One of the biggest challenges with social media is time management. A Social media dashboard, such as HootSuite, will help you manage your social media time more effectively.
5. Making Your Business Mobile
From data to photos and video, mobile devices are finding their ways into many aspects of business operations. Yes, there are the basic functions: email, messaging, and entertainment, but you can also leverage the iPad (and mobile technology in general) to access data in the field, close deals from anywhere, stay connected and collaborate, have client data at your fingertips and even accept payments.
Incorporating technology into your small business can feel like a daunting task. However, it’s necessary for each and every business, big or small. To learn more about how technology can revolutionize your business, contact Burton Jay Computer Consulting for a free 30 minute technology consultation at (914) 747-5354.
