If you are a regular reader of our blog, then you’ll know Fantastic IT is all about a few things: helping our clients do more with technology, providing fantastic one-to-one service, and (especially) helping businesses save money. These are our core values and they come up again and again in our articles.
Today, we want to take a big-picture view and offer a few pieces of advice that many of you could use right away. Specifically, we want to give you some tips to help you get more from your small business’s IT budget.
Whether you’re spending hundreds or millions, here are a few things you can do to get top performance from every dollar you spend…
Start by Identifying Your Needs
It’s so easy, when you’re a business owner or executive, to get distracted by glitzy ads or hyped-up videos showing off new apps and devices. They make everything look so cool, and as if your business would run so much more smoothly if you just had the latest piece of gear.
That’s all well and good for marketing agencies, but your IT budget should start with a review of your actual needs. What is it that you could use for your business to grow, cut costs, or otherwise become more profitable? Make that list – without any tech specs – and then work from there.
Buy for Value and Reliability
This follows along with our first point, but it’s one we can’t bring up often enough. The best values in tech usually aren’t realized by investing in the latest equipment. Instead, you can save a ton of money by looking through devices and apps that have been around for a while. In fact, last year’s version of a popular computer or device will often be found for half the cost of the newest one.
Aside from saving money, buying a version back lets you pick up a piece of tech that has been tested again and again in the real world. That means you’re going to get more consistent performance, fewer bugs, and a better all-around value.
Invest in the Right Accessories
Often, it’s not having the latest tablet or laptop that makes someone more productive. That’s because certain accessories (like wireless headphones, for instance) can make more of a difference in what you are able to do day to day.
Think carefully about what you can and can’t do with your current tech, or what you wish your employees could do. Then see if there is an accessory or app that fills the need. Often, this is the more efficient and cost-effective way to boost productivity in your business.
Looking for IT Advice for Your Small Business?
Internet articles are great, but they aren’t any substitute for one-on-one advice and consultation. Not only do we offer affordable technology maintenance and data care plans, but we also have a virtual CIO program you can use to get the personalized guidance you need to run your company (without the burden of a full-time salary on your books).
To find out more, contact our team today and request a free consultation!