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The Best Tech for Small Business Owners to Invest In
 
Investing in technology is one of the most challenging things a small business owner can do, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. You may be worried about a small budget or entering a world you’re not familiar with, but making sure your company has the right tech is essential these days, especially when every one of your competitors has access to the same things you do. By taking the time to find tech that fits your needs and making the most of the resources at your disposal, you can ensure that your business is running efficiently and keep your customers coming back time and time again. A few examples of great tech to invest in are included below.
 
Updating Your POS
 
A business’s point of sale system is a crucial part of its success, as most customers want something quick and easy to use, and they all want peace of mind. If your checkout system is out of date, slow, clunky, or difficult to use, your customers may move on to a competitor who can ring them up efficiently. Online purchases are just as important, as a customer is likely to abandon their cart if the checkout process is slow or complicated. Remember, the more time it takes to pay, the longer your customer has to change their mind. The right POS system will allow you to keep track of your inventory while getting your customers checked out quickly and correctly, and it can even help you keep up with your stock across more than one location.
 
Security
 
Are you not concerned about your business’s cybersecurity because you’re a smaller business? Many small business owners don’t realize how vulnerable they are to attack from cyberthieves and hackers, but in reality, a smaller business draws just as much attention from thieves as a larger one does when it comes to sensitive information, because it’s often assumed that there will be little to no security. If you don’t want to be an easy target, look for cybersecurity software that will help you keep your data safe, and make sure it’s up-to-date. If you have employees, keep in mind that not everyone should have access to customer info such as credit card numbers. Also, don’t forget to change passwords often, especially when an employee leaves.
 
Time-Tracking Software
 
Keeping track of the time you spend working on various projects or dealing with clients is essential, because it allows you to fairly bill your customers and to make sure your business is running at top efficiency. Fortunately, there are many different types of time-tracking software on the market these days that can help you manage your projects smoothly. Depending on the kind of work you do and how many employees you have, you may just need something basic; take a look at your options to see which ones are right for you.
 
Marketing
 
Marketing a small business can be a challenge; many owners don’t know where to start or feel overwhelmed when faced with a lack of the same resources that bigger companies have. No worries! These days, there are tons of tech-related options for marketing a business no matter what size it is, and many of them are very budget-friendly. From emails to social media to blogs that help you find and keep new customers, there are several ways you can spread the word about your business and keep it growing without spending a lot of money.
 
Investing in tech is often a scary thing for small business owners who don’t think they have the money or time to put into learning something new, but it’s actually for your own benefit. With advances in tech coming along every day, you can’t afford not to get involved. Making sure you read up on your options and utilizing all the free tools and resources available to you will help reduce some of that stress and anxiety.
 
 
--Guest submission--
Gloria Martinez
Womenled.org