This post is sponsored by Comcast Small Business, but all the opinions are my own.
Many small business owners feel totally overwhelmed by technology. However, it is virtually impossible for any small business to run without leveraging technologies for their company.
Here are the must haves and where to find the best solution:
Internet. At the bottom the business version of the hierarchy of Maslow’s needs this year is the Internet. Reliable communication is critical to every operation. Furthermore, when technology invariably fails sometime, the selected provider needs to be responsive to address the problem immediately. Where to find the right solution: Pick a partner like Comcast who promises customers they can reach one of their 1900 business service representatives in less than 30 seconds. I have personally used Comcast for over 15 years. They offer installation and troubleshooting on site problems at convenient times to minimize disruption to your business. Most importantly, they show up when they say they will!
Mobile. Customers do a lot of business on mobile. As a result, small business need to have a responsive web site so customers can check their business on a smart phone without the hassles of pinching and scrolling. Over 50% of all searches are done on mobile and if a business site is difficult to navigate, customers will leave it. Where to find the right solution. Put your web address in the browser on your smart phone. Is a mobile responsive website displayed? If not, talk to your preferred web developer.
Security. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly more sophisticated and frequently view small businesses as easy targets since they are least likely to protect themselves. In fact, 50% of them have been a target of such an attack. Remember that any cybersecurity breach not only has the potential to damage your sales, but losing customers’ data can risk lawsuits. Where to find the right solution. Customers that select Comcast Business can get security powered by Norton 360 technology which will provide some of the most comprehensive security tools available to protect a small business from spam, hackers, fraud and theft. Customers get the option to attach a separate router or hardware firewall, or utilize the built-in firewall functionality provided by their advanced IP Gateway.
Sales CRM. Every business needs to use a tool that “remembers” each customer personally to be able to address their needs. Technology makes this so easy to each each customer when they are ready to buy. It also acts as the central database of all knowledge on customers when employees leave with what they know about those relationships. Where to find the right solution. Test a product like Infusionsoft that can do all the CRM, email and ecommerce for any small business. Having all these functions in one place is a competitive advantage.
Social media marketing automation. It is very difficult for any small business owner to have the time to post on social media daily. However, customers’ comments move so fast that this is necessary to get involved in these conversation. Where to find the right solution. Use content manage to tools like Meet Edgar to automatically post your company’s thought leadership and find out what resonates with social media followers.
Accounting and payroll. Surprisingly, many small business owners keep financial records manually or in Microsoft Excel. Some even do payroll themselves and risk penalties if they do not send taxes to various government agencies on time. Where to find the right solution. Check out Sure Payroll, Quickbooks, and Sage 50 that make managing the business a lot easier.
Collaboration tools. Many small businesses work with remote employees and freelancers. There needs to be electronic places for collaboration of all these people. Where to find the right solution. Use OneDrive which is integrated into Office 365 for the best results.
What are your must have technology tools for your business?
