| During times of economic struggle, most small | | | | Telecommuting - many small businesses also find that |
| businesses end up making cuts and changes to keep | | | | there isn't a need for all employees to work in the |
| their businesses in the green. From laying off staff to | | | | same office building in order to get their work done. |
| decreasing business travel, reducing marketing efforts | | | | Having employees who telecommute requires the |
| and ending bonuses and raises temporarily - there are | | | | technology to make that happen (a secure network |
| a variety of ways small businesses look to cut their | | | | for employees to access data they require to do |
| expenses. At the same time, they look for ways to | | | | their job; improved communication systems to |
| increase profitability - especially when operating with | | | | receive incoming phone calls at their homes or on |
| reduced staff. Technology becomes even more | | | | their cell phones and the ability to keep in touch with |
| useful as small businesses strive to increase | | | | co-workers in different locations). Having employees |
| productivity and efficiency. | | | | telecommute can save you from needing a larger |
| There are so many gadgets and technology solutions | | | | office space, which keeps your overhead costs |
| out there that it can be easy to buy more than you | | | | lower, too. |
| need, or to buy the wrong types of products that | | | | Customer Relationship Management - having some |
| just don't deliver the solutions your business needs. | | | | sort of CRM software to help you manage your |
| When deciding what types of technologies can help | | | | database of clients and prospects is well worth the |
| your business reach its goals, here are a few things | | | | investment. Many businesses will tell you the "money |
| to look for: | | | | is in the list"; meaning the amount of money a |
| Communications - technology is well known for its | | | | company earns is directly proportional to the number |
| capability to improve the ability for people to | | | | of people on their mailing list. Some companies use |
| communicate with one another. Whether you've got | | | | software like ACT, Goldmine or SalesForce to track |
| employees on the road or down the hall, virtual | | | | their clients and leads. Others have custom-built |
| phone systems can route calls to cell phones and | | | | software developed to handle unique needs that |
| keep everyone in touch regardless of location. | | | | can't be addressed with existing software. |
| Instant messaging and email provide quick ways to | | | | Technology makes it possible for small business to |
| communicate with the written word and keep | | | | increase productivity and compete with larger |
| documentation of these conversations for future | | | | businesses on a smaller budget, thereby increasing |
| reference. Social media and networking sites provide | | | | profitability. Efficiency and organization is improved |
| a way to keep in touch with co-workers, customers, | | | | through the use of appropriate data storage, search |
| and the competition at a glance. | | | | and mining, customers are better managed through |
| Data Storage, Warehousing and Search - If you find | | | | customer relationship management systems, and it is |
| employees are spending a lot of time looking for | | | | possible for money to be saved when employees |
| certain reports, forms or other data that they need | | | | telecommute from home. Before investing in any |
| to perform their job responsibilities, investing in | | | | new technology, identify the unique needs of your |
| network hardware and software to keep track of | | | | business and determine which technology will best |
| the whereabouts of your data can be useful. | | | | meet your needs. |