Small Business Technology Advice from Steve Strauss "Mr. All Biz"
Steve Strauss is a small business expert who writes for USA Today and TheStreet.com. He is also the author of The Small Business Bible and runs the website MrAllBiz.com. He's been studying, writing and speaking about how to grow a successful small business all his life.
He offers smart tips in this article Tech Everywhere and No Idea What To Buy.
Don't Go Luddite
The first and biggest mistake would be to conclude you don't need any of it.
Because the choices can seem bewildering, I've seen a backlash among some small business owners: They ignore it all.
This attitude is the big boy version of taking your ball and going home -- a huge mistake.
Those incredible tools designed to make you a more successful, more productive entrepreneur are out there. It'll just take time and effort to find good matches for your business.
Get What You Need
The second huge mistake is to let these companies convince you that your business won't be whole without all the latest gadgetry.
Train yourself to consider only the technology that will give you a competitive advantage. You don't have to spend a fortune or always get the best.
For instance, while a small business server can be had for under a grand, it can greatly assist your team's ability to work together and communicate more effectively.
If you're on the road a lot, consider buying a better cell phone, PDA, or laptop. But do you need that $3,000 iBook? Probably not, unless graphics are your game.
Often your business simply needs a computer upgrade. If your system is three to four years old, you definitely need a new one. And whether you like Vista or not, it's here to stay.
Next, look at where your technology may be outdated. Most small businesses use outdated technology because they don't want to spend the time to learn -- or pay for -- something new. But that's short-sighted.
Remember, you don't always need the best and brightest, but don't go for the dull and most boring either.
Technology is supposed to make your business life more productive, and yes, more fun. If your tech isn't doing that, then loosen up my friend!
Bottom line: New equipment doesn't cost, it pays.
Steve Strauss
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