Editor’s Note: Here at Dispatches, we are always looking for ways to help our readers do things. For some of our readers, that means helping navigate the working world, for others, it means assisting in the ever challenging question, “what’s for dinner?” For still others, it means figuring out how to balance family life with everything else. In an effort to aid in all of these endeavors, we have collaborated on this article written specifically for our readers.
Running a business is stressful enough as it is and by refusing to use different types of technology you may be making things harder on yourself than necessary. Technology can save you time and if used correctly can be efficient and versatile, so trying to run a business without computers is foolish. In addition to basic computer functions, consider the following as opportunities to save you time and stress.
Cloud Storage
If you rely on hard drives to store all of your important business data such as software, customer information and marketing materials, then the last thing you want to happen is for your hard drives to fail and for all of your data to be lost. Many companies have some kind of redundancy storage solutions or off-site storage, but some businesses use cost-effective cloud storage instead. This allows you to work in the cloud (mostly) and your files will easily be accessible even if your office was to lose all of its computers overnight.
IT Consultant
Business owners should focus their efforts and resources on growing their business and developing new products and services. Leave the tech work to managed IT services and focus your efforts on areas of your business that help it grow. Hiring a consultant is less expensive and much more cost-effective than you might think, and they’re typically worth the investment.
Business Website
Business websites are extremely important. They act as your business’s front page, they are there for the sake of showing your customers and potential customers what your business is about, and it gives people a way to contact you. There are a few must-haves on your business website, such as an SSL certificate to ensure that customer information is safe, a good SEO strategy so that your website shows up on Google and a reliable web host so that your company website is always up and ready.
Online Storefront
In addition to your website, if you’re selling products and you want to reach a global audience, then an online storefront may help you achieve that goal. By combining product pictures and descriptions with an e-commerce platform, you can easily ship your products worldwide.