Starting a new business can be an exciting and enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, it can also be a far more complicated and daunting task than most people expect. After all, after you’ve given your business a name, set up shop, and decided on the face of your company, there are still many important things to consider, which can often have a far more significant impact on your business's overall success.
In this short post, we’ll dive into three factors—all IT-related—that can have a HUGE impact on how your business performs, and fill you in on some cost-effective and powerful technology solutions that can help you stay productive and secure.
Tech Support
Small businesses depend on information to succeed. Whether you're working with a list of customers, or using software or services, how you handle that information will be a key determinant in whether or not your business succeeds.
That’s why telecommunications technology is one thing you should never compromise on when starting a business—even if it seems like you can ‘make it work’ with what you already have. And it’s why making sure you have access to the support you need to properly install, upgrade, and troubleshoot your tech should be a top priority.
Managed IT services—the process of delegating IT operations to a third-party service for a monthly fee—can be an extraordinary help with this. By handling all of the IT operations of your organization—including computers, networks, servers, and mobile devices—a managed IT services provider in Austin can provide all the IT services you need for your businesses to operate seamlessly. What’s more, by outsourcing the work, you can acquire a full suite of expert IT services at a fraction of the cost of hiring and managing an in-house team.
Cybersecurity
If you handle confidential information in any way, you probably know that there are certain regulations you need to abide by that include provisions for safeguarding the data. After all, data breaches aren't taken lightly, as they can affect not only your business but your customers as well. If you run a service business, your clients may also want to know how your network is protected, whether they can trust your services, and what you’ll do in the event of a cyberattack.
Working with a third-party security provider, such as a managed IT provider, can be one of the best ways to ensure your data is secure—without you paying too much for security. A Managed Security Services Provider in Austin can set up anti-virus software, regularly monitor your servers, and perform virus cleanups and remote device wipes to keep your systems secure. And if they offer data recovery services, they can also safely recover all your lost data in the event of a breach.
Pro tip: If you have a physical storefront, you should also strongly consider investing in security cameras and closed-circuit televisions, as well. An affordable, full-service security camera system in Austin can provide 24/7 surveillance, which can deter crime and reduce employee-related incidences. It can also ensure you have the high-quality footage you need to handle disputes, track down criminals, and achieve a just ruling.
Overhead
According to Motley Fool, online retailers spend an average of $35,000 in their first year of business, while physical storefront business owners spend $100K in their first year. In either case, that’s quite a lot to spend in the first year alone, with all the challenges of getting your business off the ground and on solid footing.
That’s why finding ways to cut down on overhead can have such a huge payoff—particularly for small businesses in Austin. By finding ways to cut down on the working capital needed to run your business, you can put your money elsewhere, investing in other things to maximize your returns. One solution that many modern businesses are adopting to lower their overhead costs is to switch to a voice over IP (VoIP) phone system, as opposed to using business phones connected to traditional landlines.
By switching to a cloud-based telecommunications system, employees can now make secure, crystal-clear, and reliable business calls on a range of internet-connected devices. This can help you eliminate the need to phone lines and their associated costs, while equipping you and your employees to make unlimited calls (including video calls) to anyone, anywhere, free of charge.
Partner With TC Tech!
Small businesses are booming in Austin, and it's easy to tell why. As a small business owner, you can set your own hours, be your own boss, and make your own decisions. But being an entrepreneur also means recognizing the realities of doing business, and making decisions about what to invest to secure your business’s success.
If you’re not sure what technology solutions your new business needs (let alone how to acquire them), contact TC Tech today! We’re a family-run business that prides itself on giving our customers the best answers to their technology questions, as well as providing the IT solutions they need to help their companies grow.