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Part of running a business in today’s day and age is being able to use technology to market yourself, run back-end operations and systemize as much of the process as possible. It’s how we, as business owners, can keep things running in an ever changing climate.
In fact, I wouldn’t even have a business if it wasn’t for technology. My team and I run everything from our laptops. We use online tools and services to automate as much as possible. We use technology to reach as many people as we possibly can.
Technology is so important to running my business that my team and I have a meeting once a month just to make sure things are running smoothly. We also talk about possible updates, the tech situation if I’m traveling, and we discuss tech we may need in the future as we grow.
While we all know the importance of technology in our businesses there’s just one big problem: According to a recent survey by Comcast Business, about two-thirds of business owners feel overwhelmed when it comes to technology.
I know this from a first-hand perspective. Often times I have to walk coaching clients through the fears of technology. I’ve even written on the topic on this blog in the past.
The good news is there are clear steps you can take to start technology planning for your business.
1. Review your business plan.
What are your business goals? Who do you want reach? How much do you want to make? What’s your marketing plan?
The reason we’re starting here is because technology can’t replace a business plan, but it can help you bring your business plan to life. It will also help you determine what kind of technology to invest in.
2. Understand where you can use technology.
Technology can help us automate and systematize parts of our businesses. For example, blog posts and podcasts go out automatically to my subscribers thanks to technology. I can get money deposited directly into my account thanks to technology. I can keep an active social media presence thanks to technology.
By taking a look at how your business currently runs and where you want it to go, you can begin to figure out where technology can fill in the gaps.
3. Find a trusted provider and get some help.
I outsource most of the tech things in my business. Technology helps my business run, but it’s not my bread and butter. That means that all the time I spend trying to figure something out on the tech side is time wasted.
I’m guessing the same probably applies to you and your business. That’s why it’s imperative to find a trusted provider that not only gives you the service you need, but that can also take care of the technical side when necessary.
One such company is Comcast Business. Not only do they provide services, their representatives are also available when you need them. Additionally, let’s say your internet goes down for whatever reason, Comcast Business will work tirelessly to make sure it goes back up so you can get back to business.
You can learn more about Comcast Business and how they can help with technology planning by checking out the resources below: