Few things in life can be more exciting, inspiring, nerve-wracking and frightening than starting up your own business. If you’ve made the decision to break the shackles of the 9 to 5 and seek the fulfilment that comes with building something of your own, then you will know these feelings well.
In some respects, it has never been easier to start your own enterprise. Many businesses in this digital age can operate just fine with a laptop and a phone. Others might be a little bit more complex. Whatever your bright idea looks like, here are a few suggestions as to how you can use useful technologies to help you survive and thrive in a cutthroat economy:
IT support
Downtime is the enemy of the small business owner. Start-up businesses thrive on speed and flexibility, and problems with technology can cost you valuable time and money.
Outsourcing IT support services will usually cost you far less than fixing problems after they have occurred, or employing someone to handle your IT requirements, according to Greenlight ITC, an IT support company located in Melbourne.
Virtual/serviced offices
The costs of renting, setting up and maintaining a permanent office can be a huge drain on a startup’s finances. Many choose to work from home. However, a home office does not necessarily present the right image to prospective clients.
A virtual or serviced office solution can strike just the right balance. Most providers will furnish you with a prime, central address that will instil confidence, access to a virtual secretary, meeting room and other essential facilities. It’s a great way to put your best foot forward and create a strong impression without the expense and commitment.
Cloud computing
Arguably one of the most influential developments in recent years has been the ability for us to access virtually every business service over the Cloud.
Whether it’s creating or sharing files, utilising a CRM or countless other necessary services that keep a business running smoothly, the cloud allows us to access all our information anywhere, at any time. For a small business fighting to make an impact on the go, this is a real game changer.
Mobile technology
The integration of cloud computing with mobile connectivity is another critical factor that allows startups to operate with the speed and flexibility that they need to get ahead. The vast majority of cloud applications are available for mobile, meaning that you can access and interact with your information through your mobile device. For many, their phone has literally become their portable home office. Mobiles have opened up a whole new world of work.
Online marketing
Traditional forms of broad-based marketing were way beyond the financial scope of most SMEs. Only the select few could afford TV, radio or print advertising in major publications. The internet, particularly the meteoric rise of search engines as the primary means of obtaining product information, has levelled the playing field to a great extent.
With smart digital marketing in areas such as organic SEO, PPC, Retargeting and others, smaller organisations can punch far above their weights without necessarily having to commit obscene sums.
Getting social
Social media is an inescapable fact of life for virtually everyone in today’s world. While many people are concerned about how intrusive it can be into our lives, there is no question that platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others provide incredible opportunities to grow your brand and interact meaningfully with your target audience.
At the speed that technology is advancing, there is no question that we will continue to see new developments that will play a pivotal role in helping the new startup economy grow.