You have a plan to set up an online business and you have a million technology questions to help get things started.
However, you need to ask only 10 technology questions for your brand and business to thrive online, because let’s face it, no one has all the answers!
We spoke to our businesses to understand what were the most common doubts and questions they had with regard to tech when setting up shop.
Here are the questions, and the answers.
Contents
- 1 Does the current tech solution support what my business does best?
- 2 Am I spending too much on technology?
- 3 What are the costs involved?
- 4 Where can I store my data?
- 5 How will technology generate profits for my company?
- 6 How long has the technology been around?
- 7 Am I comfortable with the level of risk?
- 8 Will my business get affected if the ‘X’ piece goes offline?
- 9 Should I outsource IT operations?
- 10 Do I have what it takes to surpass customer expectations in a digital world?
Does the current tech solution support what my business does best?
Small businesses change and grow with every passing day; operations change, competencies shift, and best practices morph with time – and so should your technology!
The key is to stay current, adapt to new industry practices, and replace outdated hardware and processes. Always choose a technology that supports everyday tasks but also helps you scale up as your business grows.
Related read: 6 Instamojo Tools and Plugins Your Business Needs
Am I spending too much on technology?
Do not invest in multiple solutions that ultimately accomplish similar tasks.
Instead of opting for different solutions for each function, pick technology solutions that perform multiple functions. This reduces the cost factor and makes it easier to learn one solution thoroughly.
What are the costs involved?
Look beyond the capital expenditure and think about recurring costs. Maintenance, support, and other expenses like training, installation, customization etc. need to be factored in too.
Although these costs appear to be insignificant, they can add up very quickly. Hence, find out about these costs upfront and choose a solution that best suits your budget.
Where can I store my data?
Of late, small businesses have started using Cloud to store their data. This might initially seem like a lofty concept, but with time you will realize it’s worth it.
Cloud is faster and allows you immediate access. What’s more, with Cloud you can be mobile – and run things from anywhere at any time! So it’s definitely worth considering for its advantages.
Not just cloud, there are different tools for storing one’s data for your business. Some are paid while some have free service for a limited period.
How will technology generate profits for my company?
There is no point in using technology that doesn’t help lower your business costs or increase revenue.
If the current system in place is working fine, let it run until it becomes obsolete. Unless, of course, the new piece of technology can assist your business significantly and help generate sufficient ROI.
How long has the technology been around?
Your small business needs something on the leading edge and not something that’s on the verge of bleeding out. Use tried-and-tested products that have good ratings and reviews.
The first release of anything is likely to be buggy, so step back, let your rivals give it a shot first, and wait for them to discover any shortcomings to be addressed in the next iteration.
Am I comfortable with the level of risk?
As more people go digital, cybercrime has been growing too. But this is just a portion of the risk. Software failure can cost a company a fortune, apart from losing customers. A comprehensive system needs to be in place to assess the full spectrum of risks (such as vendor failure, hacking attacks, technical failure, etc.)
Will my business get affected if the ‘X’ piece goes offline?
Every company has important data. In the event of a problem, you will want your operations to continue smoothly. Unfortunately, a mediocre backup system won’t suffice – it’s likely to be slow, and local, and recovery might take time.
You need a solution that effectively backs up your content on an everyday basis to two machines. If one crashes and burns, the other will still be alive and kicking! This concept is called Business Continuity Planning; the secondary server is for disaster recovery.
Should I outsource IT operations?
Yes! You make decisions about IT and business decisions, but do you need to manage IT too? Don’t you think a specialist will be better suited for the job?
IT is a specialized field and it makes sense for small businesses to outsource the task to people with the necessary expertise, while you focus on the core of your business.
This way both operations will run smoothly and in tandem. Outsourcing helps in cutting costs and maximizing results. For small businesses, retaining an in-house specialist is expensive.
Do I have what it takes to surpass customer expectations in a digital world?
Small businesses need to match up to pioneers such as Apple and Amazon. Customers today seek the best. To ensure your business is unique, offer a combination of convenience and service. If you weren’t born digital, meeting the high expectations of clients will be difficult.
Take time, understand what they want, and then do what is needed. Whether it’s automation, improving sales and services, or offering variety, set the bar high and your customers will be delighted!
More than 2,000,000 small businesses have chosen Instamojo to set up an online business. Instamojo helps small businesses go digital in just a few clicks! You can automate your payment links, sales reports, and more. Get started in under two minutes!
4 comments
There are ample of tips which to follow to keep the business top level as there are many creative ideas which need to implement to fast grow small business as growing the small business is not big tasks to ensure the business stability you need a plan to achieve it.
wonderful questions for a startup or small business. who can question them self before starting it?
I can assure you if you carry on your business with the full protection, and security, there is a less chance of risk in high level, as technology is becoming very advanced.
If the small business owner will use the technology then they can increase their business and become a bigger businessman if they want to know how to increase the business by using the technology.