Every camera is not equal. Neither is every computer, cell phone, printer, email marketing software or administrative assistant. And it would be easy to assume that a higher price tag means better quality (I had a sales person feed me that line recently). But experience teaches you to dig a little deeper.
It’s not that you’re trying to be cheap. It’s just that the small business reality, especially in this economy, boils down to a few questions:
- Can you afford it?
- Can you afford to live without it?
- And if you cannot afford to live without, is this particular product or service your best way to get the benefit you want?
It’s not about having the latest and coolest BlackBerry, Android or iPhone, it’s about effectively and quickly communicating with your team in and out of the office. Bottom line behavior means labels come second to outcome.
In the small business setting, there is no room for fluff. Every purchase must deliver on core needs or it’s a waste and a shame.
About That Price Tag
What if you decide to add video marketing to your communication strategy? As you prepare to launch or update your YouTube page, you may discover a need (or desire) for a better camera and sound equipment.
Before the wallet hits the counter, you have to ask yourself, “What do we really need?” Is the bargain basement version of the product or service enough, or is it too simplistic? Is the high-end, high-dollar option too much or just right?
Chances are:
- you aren’t filming for prime time television,
- you aren’t creating images for a full feature spread in National Geographic, and
- you aren’t recording for a nationally syndicated radio station.
Meaning you don’t need a two thousand dollar camera and four digit sound equipment. You probably need a product somewhere in the middle.
The same is true for most small business purchases. Do the research, because you can’t afford to pay for features that you’ll never use.
Imagine The Shot Photo via Shutterstock
Martin Lindeskog
Jamillah: Do you have tips on good sites that are comparing prices and giving user reviews for small business owners?
Chris
I haven’t heard of a lot of small businesses that spend extraordinary amounts on equipment, due to the levels of capital constraints they already face.
Dave
The first three questions should be the basic questions of every small business owner. I know a lot of business people who thanks to such approach saved thousand of dollars over years.