Technology is changing the face of small business. Using technology and the latest strategies can help your business grow and become more self-sustaining quickly. Here are some technology aided techniques and other new strategies that can put your small business at a distinct advantage in the future.
Tech Basics
How to win the outsourcing game. Due to layoffs during the economic downturn and the financial losses resulting, many small businesses have not fully replaced their IT employee base. Many are outsourcing much of this work. There are points to consider when deciding whether or not to outsource and how to choose the right people. IT Tech
Five reasons why Websites still matter. More consumers still check a company’s website than check on the other newer media sources. This is why small businesses should periodically update their websites. Listed are five reasons to refresh your website. You lead with your website and then follow that with other appropriate social media. Entrepreneur. com
Management
How to improve your workers’ productivity from home. A growing number of workers would like to work from their homes at least part of the time if they were allowed. There are advantages to this type of flexibility both to the employer and to the employee as well as societal benefits. Probably the biggest reason is that the employers are concerned that the employees are working on their work. This type of work arrangement has to be set up and managed properly, but with all the technological advances in communication, it can be done successfully. Bloomberg BusinessWeek
Redefining insanity? Albert Einstein suggested that the definition of insanity was doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. It is suggested here that that is what small businesses do all too often. There is no such thing as business as usual any more. Why do we continue to do the same thing over and over again. Probably because we are comfortable doing things a certain way. Maybe it’s time to work smarter, not harder. Be willing to change those things that are not yielding good results. You’re The Boss
Tactics & Technology
Why PR is two way conversation. In today’s world of technology, especially in the area of communications, you must remember that public relations is a two-way conversation. As such effective communications require a plan that fulfils the overall goals and objectives of your company. You have very little time to successfully communicate your perspective client that you can solve their problem and/or fulfill their requirements. It’s Your Biz
Great time for small businesses to use FB. If you’ve ever wondered whether Facebook marketing was right for your small business, wonder no more. The social networking giant is expected to announce some further incentives to get small businesses more involved with the site including some incredible deals on advertising. If you haven’t already established a fan page for your business on FB, there’s also no time like the present. WSJ
Business Model & Innovation
Ten things to think about: picking a business form. Now that you have decided to start your own small business, what type of business structure are you going to use? Among all the things to consider, evaluate these ten points to help you determine which organizational structure will best work for you. Reuters
How I structure innovation. You can’t sit people down in a room, start a conversation, and then sit back and expect new ideas and innovation to flow out of their mouths. Structure and organization must be present. You must control and direct the conversation. Also, it is good to focus on the future if you’re looking for new ideas and innovation. Inc.com
Growing Pains
Why founders get fired. Why are founders of small businesses fired? Don’t they make good CEOs? It appears to be a no win situation. If the company is failing, you’re let go because you are incompetent. On the other hand, if your company is highly successful, the board may feel you lack the knowledge to take the company to the next level. How do you protect yourself? Inc.com
Delivering SaAS to small business. Software as a service provides a whole new opportunity for small businesses and a technological leasp that, for many would be almost impossible otherwise. Still there are challenges in bringing this great tech leap to small businesses out there. Are you using software as a service in your business? smallbiz technology
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The “why founders get fired” article is a good article illustrating an all-too-common paradox.
Innovation is the sister of technology. Our business, small or big should always think of adapting to the ever fast changing technology. TO succeed in our business, we need to also be revolutionary.
Thanks for the share. Another tip for small business owners when it comes to business technology is to make sure you have IT consultants. While many of us think that we know enough about business technology to get by, the simple truth is we don’t. A IT consultant can help pair you up with the appropriate technology for your business and business goals while also helping improve on some of the technology you already have in place. Not only can this save you money in the long run but it can give you a sizable advantage in a competitive market place.