Using computer and Internet-based technology for business can bring major benefits. However, making the right technology choices can be a bit like a minefield when you're navigating all of the options that are out there. The following tips can help small business start-ups get their tech right, so that they can press on with getting their business right.
After employee costs, information and communications technology expenditure is typically the second largest financial outlay for small businesses at start up. For many small business owners, choosing, and implementing technology solutions can often be a stressful and onerous process. However, it does not have to be complicated, or frustrating. Here are five essential tips for investing in technology for your business.
1. Plan before you spend
Before you embark on a technology spending spree, first ask yourself some basic questions about your objectives and your goals. What do you need to be personally productive? What do you need for communicating with clients and suppliers? What information will you be capturing and how best can it be secured? What will you need to automate key business processes? You need to make software decisions before you know what hardware you should buy.
Only after you have a clear idea of what you really what to accomplish, can be you sensibly make decisions about what's the best technology to get the job done.
Once you know what business tasks you will be using your IT for, you can calculate how much you need to spend. There is a wide range of tech products and services for business of all sizes, so you should never have to spend more than you need to...if you know what you're looking for. You may be able to take advantage of some free apps and services at the start of your business or you may need the added functionality and support of paid-for offerings?