It’s no secret that small business owners face a never-ending list of priorities and responsibilities. You don’t just have to keep up with the latest trends in your industry; you also have to keep your business running smoothly, regardless of external factors like market conditions and industry regulations.
If anything goes wrong, it could lead to lasting damage for your company, and that’s why it’s essential to futureproof your small business’ technology bottom line, according to Michael Fillios, Founder of IT Ally. IT Ally helps small businesses stay on top of the latest tech trends.
In this post, we’ll show you how easy it is to futureproof your small business’ tech bottom line by thinking outside the box (or traditional storage methods), investing in cloud-based data storage centers, and taking advantage of innovative technology while keeping security and privacy in check. Even if you’re not an expert on small business tech, you can still benefit from these tips and tricks. So let’s get started.
Think Outside the Box
Look around and consider how your business could use technology to its advantage. You might want to consider using a digital solution for a manual process, like CRM software that replaces phone trees or using artificial intelligence (AI) to help make decisions when you’re unavailable. Don’t be afraid of technology; it’s here to stay.
Another way small businesses can futureproof themselves is by thinking outside the box regarding what they offer their clients. For example, if you run an accounting firm, consider offering tax filing services and preparing company balance sheets and profit forecasts, so customers don’t have to go elsewhere for these services. It could also help grow your customer base because now people won’t need separate accountants for different things; they can just come straight to you.
Invest in a Spacious, Cloud-Based Data Storage Center
Suppose you were considering ways to futureproof your business, consider investing in a spacious, cloud-based data storage center. The benefits of cloud storage are numerous: it’s safe, secure, cost-effective, and easy to use. Cloud storage allows you to access all your documents from anywhere at any time (your phone, desktop, or laptop). This way, you can work on projects anywhere; no need to lug around a thumb drive when you’re on the go.
Take Advantage of Smart Technology While Keeping Security and Privacy in Check
Security and privacy are critical for any small business. You need to protect your data from cybercriminals, but you also want to keep your customers’ information private. Here are some ways to do that:
- Use a VPN (virtual private network) service to encrypt all the data that travels between your computer and the internet. That way, if someone hijacks the connection while in transit, they’ll only get an encrypted version of what’s happening, not sensitive information like credit card or social security numbers.
- Use a password manager like LastPass or 1Password to create unique passwords for every website you sign up for and store them securely in one place, so you don’t have to remember them all yourself.
- Don’t open emails from people who aren’t familiar with you; if something looks fishy about their email address (like it has an unusual spelling), it probably is. Be wary even if they have a recognizable name; hackers are getting better at creating fake email addresses these days too.
Keep an Eye Out for Hot New Trends in Small Business Tech
Keeping an eye out for hot new trends in small business tech is one of the best ways to avoid using outdated tools. It can be challenging to decide which trends to follow and which ones you should ignore, so here’s a quick way to tell the difference.
If a new idea seems like it’s just now gaining momentum, that’s probably a good thing; if it’s been around for years but hasn’t caught on yet, that may not be such a great sign. Try following up with other businesses who have implemented this type of technology before you commit resources towards implementing it yourself. If they’re still using it today—and making money from doing so—then maybe this formula will work well for your company.
In Conclusion
If you’re part of a small business, it can be tempting to think that technology is only for big companies. But the truth is that technology can be a big part of your business. Think about how you can better use it today to grow your business tomorrow. You don’t need an IT department or an app developer on staff to make your company more efficient.
As you can see, there is much more to small business technology than just using the latest and greatest technology. Small businesses must consider how they can use their tech tools to grow the bottom line, not just keep up with the Joneses. The best way for any business owner to do this is by thinking outside the box when it comes time for upgrades or additions. You never know when something new will come along that could help your business, like blockchain.
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