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The great thing about technology is that you can start at the level you're comfortable with. Here are some ideas for optimising the electronic processes used by your business In doing so, you could save costs and reach more customers.
Software on Tap
Business software can be as simple or as complicated as you want, and these days, you can even rent it rather than having to buy it.
Technology firms like Microsoft, Salesforce and Rightnow offer software programs for tasks like accounting, customer management, and sales, which you can use over the Internet, and pay as you go.
Basically, you pay a monthly fee and operate it via the web, and they take care of all the data storage and backing up.
If you choose this route, it's worth having a broadband connection to the Internet to speed up access to the software.
A broadband link can give you other benefits as well. For example, you can make free calls over the web, rather than over traditional phone lines, and you can access information much faster and send larger files.
Software Options
If you prefer to own and run your own software, PCs are cheap and you can get great multimedia notebooks and desktop PCs for around £350 to £400.
Software can allow you with basic, essential business requirements such as keeping accurate accounts, creating professional documents and setting up email capability for your staff.
But it can also help you to put together multimedia presentations, carry out sophisticated analysis of business, market and customer trends, and manage your databases.
One caveat is that software licences can sometimes be expensive, particularly if you need the more tailored packages.
So, as well as looking at packages like Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office, you might also like to consider free and 'open source' software alternatives such as Sun Star Office, or even free operating systems like Linux. These days, they can slash your computing costs whilst offering similar functions.
Fancy website
Having a good website isn't optional these days, it's essential. Even people who work alone are using the web to advertise their wares.
A good website can be an essential tool in helping customers to find you, and it may be cheaper than you think to pay a good web design firm to create a four or five page website for you.
A basic website can be used to show people examples of your work, or your products, and put customers in touch with you. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can add an e-commerce facility to the site so your customers can order or buy directly from you.
You will need to have a merchant account with a banking organisation, as you would with a physical shop, and a website host who will look after the day to day running of the site. But the costs are a fraction of running a retail premises.
Communications
Hi-tech today is all about communication, and many vendors can now combine your email and broadband web requirements with your mobile and landline telephony and business software - all in one package.
The benefits of this can come from having one technology supplier, and a tried and tested standard computing platform that is fully supported. For the small business, this can be a valuable proposition.
Eight business software packages to consider
- Office and productivity
- Email and communication
- Accounting and finance
- Salesforce automation
- Database management
- Business intelligence
- Drawing and presentation
- Antivirus and security
Once you've installed all this new technology, be it at home, in your shop, or in an office, you'll need to make sure it's covered by adequate insurance to cover for damage or theft.
Related information:
Business from home insurance - if you're running your business from home, be aware that your business contents or stock may not be covered under your standard home insurance policy.
Office and surgery insurance - more detail on this type of cover and to get an online quote.
Keeping accounts - your business accounts should be kept clearly and up to date - if you're not sure where to start, read our guide.
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