By Jose Rojas
Technology is one of the largest expenses for any growing business. From phone service to computer software, it’s critically important, especially for small businesses, to get the proper tools to run a successful company – without busting the budget. This list of small business to-dos will help you save on basic must-haves.
Back Up Your Data
Your business data is valuable and most likely expensive to restore if it were ever lost. Consider CrashPlanPRO as a simple, secure, and free way to store your files and share them with multiple devices. CrashPlan gives users cloud-based backup to multiple locations, offering heightened security and greater peace of mind. Devices equipped with CrashPlan back up all new or changed files automatically. This will save you from losing important data should disaster strike, not to mention the thousands you could spend for data recovery!
Be Your Own Assistant
As an entrepreneur, your life can get hectic, but sometimes hiring an extra hand to help with travel scheduling isn’t feasible. A simple solution to all of your booking needs is Concur. This easy-to-use app helps you book business travel while automatically creating expense reports that are pre-populated with your credit card and travel itinerary. With Concur, you have the ability to book flights, reserve a hotel room and even schedule a taxi from the convenience of your phone.
Reduce Wireless Phone Expenses
Set up a wireless phone line through Solavei, a contract-free mobile service provider offering unlimited voice, text and data for $49 per month with the opportunity to make money as you add additional lines of mobile service. Here’s how it works: you sign up for Solavei Mobile Service for your business phone. Then switch your employees’ phones to Solavei service under your account. Your business will also earn $20 per month for every three lines signed up for Solavei.
Meet and Greet Online
Of course, face-to-face meetings are important, but not to the extent that you must fly across country once a week. Web conferencing, such as GoToMeeting, is the perfect way to connect with clients and customers on a regular basis. Using an online-based conferencing can provide you with a low-cost communication solution.
As a small business owner, you have a million projects on your mind, and the last thing you need is an unexpected phone bill or an unplanned trip across country that was not included in your monthly budget. By focusing in on your typical monthly spending, you will be able to come up with an updated plan to make you successful.
Jose Rojas is Head of Strategic Initiatives & Financial Services at Solavei, where he brings 20 years of experience in the delivery of financial services and offers as well as strategic partnerships.
