A recent article in Business Week, Upwardly Mobile in Africa, highlights the power of technology in emerging economies. For many African entrepreneurs in rural areas, having a cell phone has catapulted their businesses far beyond those without convenient communications. People living on as little as $2 per day are able to swing the $20 cell phone and prepaid air charges. Even though it is an investment, the benefits are being realized, taking business to new levels there.
In the U.S., where kids as young as 5 have been spotted with kiddie-size cellular devices, it take a little more than a phone to gain a competitive advantage in your business. Technology can nonetheless provide significant benefit. Consider whether or not these various types of technologies can help you grow your business:
1. Contact Management. Absolutely, hands down, a must for small business owners. This type of software allows you to record information about the people you meet, when you last contacted them, when you need to follow up, etc. Some people I know use their Outlook contacts for this, which can work OK. I have been using ACT! contact manager software for over 10 years and although it has some limitations (you can’t keep records at a company level – just at the individual level) it has served me well. There are also online options if you don’t like to carry software on your machine, but I like to have access when I am not able to get connected to the internet (which still happens!).
2. Website. Duh. I am still amazed, however, how many people still do not use the internet as a marketing tool. I have heard it all from “my customers don’t shop on the internet” to “I am too busy working to have time to think about putting up a website.” All bunk. Even if your website is no more than a brochure for your products and/or services, not having a professional-looking website in today’s business environment says you’re not serious about growing your business. If you’re not growing….where are you going?
3. Professional voice mail. A potential customer should NEVER get a busy signal. Most phone companies now offer the ability to switch over to voice mail when your phone is busy, so it is time to get rid of that tired old box answering machine. Even better, there are companies who offer a full ‘phone system’ with extensions and all when you do your phone over the internet (Voice over IP or VoIP, something you should consider!). Oh, and if you don’t have a seperate line for your home office, shame on you!
Embracing technology as a way to enhance your professional image is an easy way to show potential customers that you are serious about your business. And you can do it without spending a lot of money, making it a smart option for small but growth-oriented business owners!
