Starting your Business with the right Technology

Starting a business in is an exciting venture, but it comes with its fair share of challenges, especially in the tech department. In today's digital age, technology can make or break your business. Here are some of our suggestions to help you achieve smooth and efficient technology within your budding enterprise:

1. Plan Ahead for Tech Needs: Before you even register your business, outline your technology requirements. Consider the hardware, software, and networking tools you'll need. Having a clear plan will save you time and resources in the long run.

   1. Some common software items that are often overlooked at first: Google Business Profile, Facebook Business Page, Business Directory Listings, Domain for a Website, Website Hosting.
      
      

2. Invest in Reliable Hardware: Your computer systems are the backbone of your business. Invest in reliable hardware to avoid constant breakdowns and productivity losses. Don't cut corners here; quality pays off. It's good to also think about how reliant on each technology you are - if your business isn't able to run without a certain piece of tech, it would be wise to invest in good quality components.

3. Scalable Software Solutions: Choose software that can grow with your business. Scalable solutions accommodate your evolving needs without requiring frequent software changes. Look into cloud-based software for flexibility and accessibility.

   1. Our preferred automation platform is Zapier, but there are many automation platforms which will sync many of your common business applications together - saving you time and money. An example of this would be linking your CRM Platform and your Accounting platforms together to automate your Invoicing.
      
      

4. Cybersecurity Is Non-Negotiable: Cyber threats are on the rise, and your business is not immune. Invest in cybersecurity measures to protect your data and customer information. Regularly update your system software and educate your team about cybersecurity best practices.

   1. A way of implementing stronger security quickly and for free is by applying Two Factor Authentication to all of your accounts where possible. All platforms such as Microsoft Office, Facebook, YouTube, Google and most business applications will have the option for Two Factor Authentication or 2FA. Turning this on will mean that any time a person logs onto their account they need to provide their authentication code. It acts as a safety barrier for any unauthorized login attempts.
      
      

5. Backup and Disaster Recovery: Accidents happen, and data loss can be catastrophic. Implement a robust backup and disaster recovery plan to ensure that your critical data is safe and recoverable in case of emergencies. There are plenty of different cost effective cloud-based backup solutions such as OneDrive, iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox. Any critical files can be securely uploaded. Having 2FA enabled from step 4 will ensure your files security.

   1. Some Business applications will have internal/built-in backup and recovery features which can save businesses money in the long run while ensuring data reliability. Where there isn't an available backup, there are still many applications that will handle this type of back-up for a fee.
      
      

6. IT Support: Consider outsourcing your IT support to experts. They can provide proactive monitoring, troubleshooting, and guidance, saving you time and resources. They'll keep your systems running smoothly, minimizing downtime.

7. Employee Training: Ensure that your team is also tech-savvy where it counts. Invest in training sessions to maximize their efficiency and to help them adapt to new technologies. A well-trained team can also be your first line of defense against tech-related issues internally.

8. Budget Wisely: Technology expenses can add up quickly. Create a realistic budget that accounts for hardware, software licenses, IT support, and ongoing maintenance costs. Planning ahead will prevent financial surprises down the road.

   1. A simple way to start budgeting is either with Google Sheets (which is also completely free), or Microsoft Excel. Both of these programs have several spreadsheet Templates specifically designed for budgeting and financing. The example below are Google Sheets templates.
      
      
      
      

9. Stay Updated: Technology evolves rapidly. Stay informed about the latest trends and innovations in your industry. Regularly update your technology strategy to remain competitive and efficient. It's not necessary to constantly update your technology, but it is beneficial to stay informed about when your technology becomes outdated.

10. Network with Local Tech Resources: Melbourne is home to a thriving tech community. Network with other businesses, attend tech meetups, and build relationships with local IT experts. You never know when a valuable connection or resource might come in handy.

With the right technology measures in place, you can ensure a smoother and more efficient path to success. Embrace technology as an enabler of growth, invest wisely, and never underestimate the value of expert IT support in your corner. Your tech-savvy approach will set you on the path to thriving in the competitive business landscape.