Flexible mobile tech solutions can allow small business owners and their employees to work where they want, when they want. But, of course, security is always an issue.
On Wednesday, members of our small business community joined in a lively Twitter chat sponsored by HP. They also invited me and Ramon Ray of SmallBizTechnology.com to participate.
How Flexible Mobile IT Refreshes Small Business
At one point, Ramon shared a photo of how one mobile warrior replenishes himself while on the go.
want to see what a mobile warrior in NYC drinks ? #NewStyleIT pic.twitter.com/QM14OG9qgZ
— Ramon Ray (@ramonray) October 16, 2013
Meanwhile. . .
The community joined in for a question and answer session. The topics included how more mobile IT solutions can replenish all small businesses, making them more flexible and productive than ever before.
Here are some quick stats from HP:
37% of the workforce will be mobile in 2015, & adopting mobile IT allows #SMBs to be more productive. #NewStyleIT http://t.co/x9HT5LZAT0
— HP for SmallBiz (@HP_SmallBiz) October 16, 2013
Ramon Ray also shared another way to look at those same numbers from a 2011 IDC study.
And this infographic shows us mobility doesn’t stop with your phone.
Small businesses are moving toward mobile solutions beyond the smartphone. http://t.co/aCVMmprQw8 #SMB #NewStyleIT
— HP for SmallBiz (@HP_SmallBiz) October 16, 2013
Mobile Technology and Your Business
The community also discussed some big picture issues when it comes to small businesses and the mobile workplace.
@HP_SmallBiz Q1. There’s a lot of concern regarding security, privacy and having the right backup. Also, updates are constant! #NewStyleIT — Jen (@iDreamofJenn) October 16, 2013
A1: If I were doing a SWOT analysis, “mobility” is an opportunity. You can reach customers in new ways. #NewStyleIT — Anita Campbell (@smallbiztrends) October 16, 2013
A1 – @MommyBlogExpert NO in house tech support ? Rely on tech vendors to help, hire local help, seek online support svcs – #NewStyleIT — Ramon Ray (@ramonray) October 16, 2013
Another challenge with greater mobility is the security of your company’s data.
Here was the discussion in our community.
@HP_SmallBiz for one, always use HTTPS/SSL for their websites. This ensures the data is transmitted securely #NewStyleIT — Marc Uydess (@muydess) October 16, 2013
A2. I put out a Monthly Company Newsletter, addressing issues within the company and IT landscape for my employees @HP_SmallBiz #NewStyleIT — Melanie (@LuckyMel8) October 16, 2013
Q2 iCloud #NewStyleIT — erica yingling (@runitbymom) October 16, 2013
A2 Integrate content access and communication abt content – affordable united communications platforms like Yammer exist #NewStyleIT
— Pierre DeBois (@ZimanaAnalytics) October 16, 2013
Our community also had some thoughts on the kinds of technology small businesses should look at investing in to allow them to flex their mobile IT muscle.
@HP_SmallBiz A3 Smartphones, tablets and the ability to print wirelessly from said devices #NewStyleIT
— Karate with a Z (@KaratewithaZ) October 16, 2013
@HP_SmallBiz Tablets, social networking, secure connections like VPN gateways, web proxies, etc to stay secure #NewStyleIT — Marc Uydess (@muydess) October 16, 2013
Q3 Bluetooth enabled accessories & wireless printers #NewStyleIT — Janis Brett Elspas (@MommyBlogExpert) October 16, 2013
Other Thoughts
Here are some other thoughts from our community on the world of mobile tech and how it can transform your business.
@HP_SmallBiz Q6 immediate access! We could instantly have paperwork for clients and pictures, etc from restoration jobs #NewStyleIT
— CammiH (@Cammi72) October 16, 2013
A6: it increases productivity, and in the long run it will increase profits. @HP_SmallBiz #NewStyleIT
— Anita Utami (@AnitaUtami) October 16, 2013
What challenges/opportunities does mobile technology offer your business?
Martin Lindeskog
Anita: I enjoyed the chat very much! I look forward to the next one! 🙂
I had a great time on the chat and it was great information as well. SMBs need all the tools they can get.
Aira Bongco
While there may be issues on security, going mobile is inevitable. With most businesses selling their products and services online, you can expect your buyers to use gadgets like tablets and mobile phones to buy. HP is probably right that a time will come where most of the customers are mobile. So you must definitely adjust accordingly.
Anita,
I sifted through the hashtag and found some great insights. Indeed, mobile technology changes the business “game” we played.
For me, mobile technology is a life hacker: It also transforms the way I do business and also an enabler, especially for an online business owner like me.
I can now run my business from any devices: Not only laptop, but also smartphone. Sweet.