As a small business owner (especially if you’re just starting out), you may be more concerned about ensuring that your business functions than worrying about being tech savvy. However, there are some technology services that can greatly increase the efficiency of your small business from the get-go.
Here are three:
1. Cloud Services
Think about it: the ability to have your documents saved without setting aside physical hard drive space. Cloud computing services make this possible. Saving documents to the cloud also allows you to access your documents from virtually anywhere in the world, even without your own computer with you. This eliminates the frustration and embarrassment of finding mistakes hours before a big presentation. All you need is access to a computer with internet connection.
Cloud services also make it possible to place security on your documents, allowing you to designate access and protecting them from malware.
2. Help Desk Support
If your small business operates in a field where your customers might need assistance using your products, chances are you’ve been playing the role of tech support in addition to being the business owner. Consider outsourcing tech service to a help desk supported by a managed service provider (MSP).
Not only can outsourcing be cheaper than hiring an in-house IT professional, but it also affords you the time to place your focus where needs to be: running your business. If you decide to outsource your tech support, make sure you hold your tech support and/or customer service to a high standard.
3. VOIP
Most people are familiar with voice-over Internet Protocol (VOIP) for phone service. However, VOIP also comes with additional perks. These include the ability to hold virtual meetings with video conferencing and receiving voicemails via email. Additionally, VOIP allows you to have phone calls sent to your cell phone and to return phone calls from your cell using your business number. This means that small business owners no longer have to provide their personal phone numbers when away from the office.
New technology has its perks, and the benefits for small business owners are certainly worth noting.