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Technology is a small-business owner’s best friend.
Whether it’s business plan software or an accounting app, technology has a way of leveling the playing field. In other words, the right technology will make it possible for your small business to be in direct competition with its larger competitors.
Today, businesses of all sizes have access to a variety of types of technology to assist them with increasing both productivity and sales. Here’s a quick look at some of the software and other technological tools you’ll need for starting your small business.
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Web Hosting Technology
A business simply can’t thrive these days without an online presence. Therefore, you’ll need the technology provided by a web hosting service to get your site up and running.
Be sure, though, that you also have an app that lets you save web pages offline. You might be surprised at how often you’ll need to do that.
Web hosting services will store on a server all of the files you need to make your website. Then this server will upload the files directly to the Web. This provides a connection to the Internet while also allowing customers to access your site using your domain name.
Shopping Cart Software
If your business idea includes a site where customers can make purchases, you’ll need some sort of shopping cart software. Having your website is only a part of the equation if you have something to sell.
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In order for you to accept payments through your site, you’ll need the technology to do that. A shopping cart app will process credit cards. Also, some of them accept PayPal or other methods of payment.
A good shopping cart app will also give your customers tools for calculating taxes and shipping costs. For business owners, it provides options for generating reports and tracking inventory.
Business Plan Technology
However, before you can put those two technological tools to work, you’ll first need a business plan. The key to a successful business lies in having a solid plan to follow.
Many entrepreneurs are now turning to online tools to help them develop their business plans. This technology provides users with a variety of templates and other tools that help them turn their good ideas into profitable ventures.
Depending on the app you choose, business plan technology can include chart generators and financial calculators. These tools will help you to illustrate your business and crunch the numbers. Some apps also have goal achievement monitors and performance graphs that allow you to track your progress.
Moreover, you might discover in the course of planning your business that you need custom firmware to make everything run properly. In that case, you’ll need to call on some experts for custom firmware development.
Anti-Virus Software
Because most businesses need to have an Internet connection, it’s crucial for owners to keep their businesses protected with anti-virus, or virus filter, technology.
This is your first line of defense. It will keep networks and computers safe from worms, Trojan horses, spyware, viruses, and other malware. Without this technology, your computers could become infected. This can lead to stolen information, crashed networks, and lost productivity.
Some Additional Pieces of Technology You Might Need
A few of the other technological tools small business owners might need are things like a point-of-sale (POS) system, time management and tracking software, online data storage, and webinar services. Online project management services are also a good idea.
Of course, all of these technology tools just give you a jump start. There are all sorts of technological tools you can find on the market that will help you with every single aspect of your business.
For example, once your business is up and running, be sure to tap into technologies to help you with social media and other forms of marketing as well as with customer service.
And if you should need an infusion of cash to get set up with any of these technologies, be sure to check with online lending services. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need a hand with your initial finances.
Finally, make sure to have all of your technological tools in place and working properly. Everything else is just icing on the cake.
For more tips about the technologies you’ll need to start your own small business, please come back and visit our blog often.
