Small businesses are increasingly aware of what information communications technology can do for them. We examine a survey’s results, and ask can it turn chaos into business growth?
Are you technologically aware? It’s interesting to note that small and medium-sized businesses, in Wales and the rest of the UK, are becoming technologically aware. A recent survey conducted for HTK, a hosted software provider, by Analysys found that 90% of them are using Microsoft Office software, more than two-thirds have a broadband connection and “80 per cent of customer interaction is completed via email”.
Does cost limit you? It seems that most small companies are holding back. Costs are often a barrier, preventing them from investing in new technological solutions, from software to hardware. The cost of software licences is turning small firms towards ‘cheaper’ hosted solutions. I don’t think cost alone is the only driver here. Hosting companies provide the technical expertise and support that can otherwise be unaffordable. Small companies can also gain access to solutions that would be otherwise left to large enterprises.
Enterprise solutions: within your reach?
Customer Relationship Management systems were once the realm of large companies. Now small firms can assess the performance of their salesforce, customer service teams, while collating information that allows them to get to know their customers better. How do you employ such technologies as this to improve the performance of your salespeople?
How can it increase the integration of sales and marketing? Without a clear picture life is chaotic, but now you have the ability to measure and collaborate on almost anything within reason. So why not use it to show your sales and marketing staff where they are performing well, to increase collaboration, and to highlight where they need to improve? No Big Brother here, please! Incentives are required too.
Companies that use the convergence of technology to improve their profitability, focusing more on business benefits more than just costs, are like to become more competitive. What do you think, do you agree and why?
I’d like to receive your posts regarding how you think technology motivates your business for growth. Let’s continue our chat about this in theBT Cisco Community.