Customers expect your small business to stay up to date with the latest technology. Competitors can run circles around you if you don’t pay attention to emerging trends.
But how do you make the right technology choices without wasting a great deal of time or money?
1. Understand how the purchase will help your company grow.
Some companies really need the latest cloud-based CRM system to forward their sales. Others don’t. Some will need to launch text message marketing campaigns instead.
Think about your strategy before purchasing the technology. If you don’t understand exactly how the addition of the tech will increase your bottom line, take a pass.
2. Evaluate what you already have.
Sometimes small business owners race out to buy new software when something they already own will get the job done. “Big data” offers one example of this as many small business owners are racing to embrace the power of predictive analytics. Some try to purchase expensive, well-known software programs to do what they could have done with Microsoft Excel.
3. Explore open source tools.
If your own tools won’t help you then see what’s available on the open source marketplace. There are many excellent open source programs that offer nearly everything that the more expensive versions offer.
4. Don’t skimp.
If you can’t use your own software and open source tools are not available then make the purchase. You won’t help your business by skimping on technology that you need to succeed. Shop for the best bargain, but make sure you get all of the features that you need.
Still not sure what to buy? Our IT Consulting services might be able to help you identify your IT needs and bring your company up to date. Contact us today about taking advantage of our shared IT team! For a limited time, we are offering an IT assessment and strategy development package. Click here for details.