The size of your small business does not matter when it comes to serving customers needs. For your business to survive, you need to use technology so that you accomplish certain goals and also serve your customers on time. Many small businesses have used technology to compete with well established businesses. So don’t fear the competition, simply study the type of technology they use and how they use it to stay on top.
Understand the weakness of your competitors and find ways of using technology to out compete with them. In today’s business world, it is not about who owns the most expensive technology, it is about who knows how to use technology to serve and produce what consumers want.
To help you cut costs in your small business, i have managed to compile some top 7 technologies for small businesses, most of these technologies on this list are affordable, so do not worry about costs. Remember that every business has its own demand for technology, so the type of technology used in each business will differ basing on the niche of that business, so the technologies I have listed below are must have technologies for every small business, it does not matter what your niche is, these 7 top technologies will help you as your small business grows. On this list, I have only two technologies (Smartphone & laptop , but I manage to operate my small blogging business effectively. )
- 1. Smart Phones:
Using advanced communication tools like Smartphones will help you improve the way you communicate with your business partners and employees. This iPhone 4, has 8GB and it comes with 1000s of communication applications which you can download from iTunes website. You can perform lots of business tasks while using this Smartphone. For example, you can use it to perform video conference calls, use it to send and receive big business files, use it to track business by installing big data mobile applications for small businesses, use it to monitor your small business social presence through social network monitoring applications, create business notes and schedules and so much more. If your budget is fixed, you can buy a used Apple iPhone 4 from AMAZON.COM at only $222.22
- 2. Laptop:
If you’re a solopreneur, you need to have a simple laptop which you can use to operate your small business. In this case, you have to opt for a standard laptop with all basic functions. The main goal is to save money but also you have to work effectively. In this case i suggest you go for this Toshiba Satellite C855D-S5320 15.6-Inch Laptop. It comes with 4 GB DIMM memory and 500 GB 5400 rpm Hard Drive which you can use to store all your business files.
When it comes to pricing, you will spend only $348.00 on this Toshiba Satellite C855D-S5320 15.6-Inch Laptop. Buy it from AMAZON.COM
- 3. PRINTER:
A printer is very essential in every business stage, as a small business, you can start with a simple affordable printer. In my opinion, you need to use a printer which performs more than one task, get one which can work as a scanner, printer, and fax. For example; this Epson WorkForce WF-2540 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Copier, Scanner ADF, Fax. Prints from Tablet/Smartphone. AirPrint Compatible (C11CC36201) , it is a very cheap printer yet it performs more than one task. It is small in size, so it can fit well on your office desk. This Epson printer costs only $99.99 , Buy it from AMAZON.COM
- 4. Desktop Computer:
If your small business starts growing, you will need to buy desktop computers for your staff. Laptops can be more expensive and easy to lose, but a desktop can perform more tasks and it remains in the office so the risks of losing a desktop are 20% compared to a laptop. Now days, desktop computers have been advanced, so you can spice up your workplace with this new HP Pavilion 20-b010 All-in-One Desktop. It comes with AMD E-Series Dual-Core E1-1200 1.4 GHz (1 MB Cache) , 4 GB DDR3 , 20 INCH screen and 500 GB 7200 rpm Hard Drive. It is an all in one desktop computer, which means it can has less wires and it can fit in a small space.
When it comes to pricing, you will spend only $449.50. BUY IT FROM AMAZON.COM
- 5. Tablet:
If you can not afford an iPad mini, then opt for an affordable tablet. Tablet computers are good for communication purposes, you can easily hold a video conference meeting using this tablet, you can also use it as a presentation device in a small business meeting. Try out this Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, it costs only $199.00 which is a fair price tag for any small business. This Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 has a 7-inch Multitouch Screen, 8GB Internal memory, Wireless N Wifi , Bluetooth and 1GB RAM. You can buy this Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 from AMAZON.COM
- 6. ZAGGkeys PROfolio+ Keyboard Case Cover for iPad
This keyboard is embedded with an iPad, so it will allow you to type effectively on your iPad while traveling, it connects and hold the iPad firmly, so you will do all your normal business work like sending emails, doing social marketing, edit and read business documents and so much more. So you don’t have to pose working simply because you’re travelling. It will cost you 139.99€ , buy it from www.zagg.com.
- 7. Cordless Phone System by Panasonic
You can take your business communication technology to the next level by using this SIP IP Expandable Cordless Phone System by Panasonic. The costs of maintaining this system of communication are fair, a simple monthly plan from Panasonic starts from $40. Enjoy high quality phone calls and serve your customers on time. Some of its features include:
- Calling party name and number presentation
- Handset and Number select for making call
- Multiple Handset ( supports 6 headsets )
- Direct handset call buttons
- 3-Party Conferencing
- Call Rejection
This SIP IP Expandable Cordless Phone System will cost you only $299.95. BUY IT FROM: PANASONIC
