How To Improve Your Technology To Grow Your Startup

The technology sector is moving at such a pace that it can be hard for even the corporate giants to keep up with it. This continuously growing technological landscape can make it very difficult for startups and small businesses to compete, so how can they ensure that they continuously improve their technology to move with the times? 

Why is maintaining up to date technology so important for start-up businesses?

Some companies seem to believe that just because they aren’t an internet-based business or that they do not deal with the technology sector directly, that they can get away with using older versions of technology. But the truth is that almost everything you do is in some way connected to technology and technology is entwined with almost every business decision you make. Mobile phones, laptops, the internet, your home security system, even the car key in your pocket are all iterations of technology, there’s no escaping it, so why is it important to stay up to date with technology in your business?

1. To be able to compete

To be in business is to compete, and if you’re not using up to date technologies within your business then you could be left behind by your competitors who are embracing them. New technologies often come with greater capabilities so upgrading can ensure you have access to them.

2. To stay relevant

Whether you like it or not technology will continue to move ahead and if you want your business to stay relevant then it’s important that it moves too. Stay relevant to your customers and potential clients by keeping up with the times.

3. To stay safe

Cybercrime is on the rise and cybercriminals will exploit businesses using older technologies as they often leave themselves more vulnerable to attack. When technologies upgrade it’s usually also as a way to stay ahead of cybercrime, so it’s in your best interest to stay ahead too. 

How can start-up businesses level up their technology

As a start-up or small business in its early stages it can be easy to neglect to level up your business technology, this may be due to a lack of funds or prioritization of resources or simply because technology isn’t what’s at the forefront of your mind, but this can have a negative impact on your growth and profitability. So what can you do to change this?

1. Update your devices

The first, and perhaps most obvious way, to level up your business tech is to start by updating your hardware itself, such as your mobile phone, laptop, desktop computer, printer and tablet. Whatever technology your company uses it’s important to try and keep them up to date to make sure that you have access to all the latest features, software and benefits that they have to offer. This doesn’t mean that you need to rush out to buy the latest and greatest each time there’s a new Apple release, but a fairly regular update of your systems will keep you working at maximum efficiency and by doing this on a semi-regular basis you will be able to keep costs down by trading in older devices.

2. Find a technology partner

Technology partners are a good option for companies who aren’t big enough to be able to afford an IT department or for those who don’t want to have to think about maintaining their business technology at all. Technology partners aim to learn your business inside and out and will then work tirelessly to ensure that your technology is safe, secure and efficient 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Updates and fixes are all included in your monthly cost and so you can sit back and relax with the peace of mind that your technology is all in order.

3. Invest in staff training

It’s one thing upgrading all of your technology but in order to be working at maximum efficiency, you will also need to ensure that your staff are comfortable using it. Invest in staff training and personal development programs to make sure that your employees are able to utilize all that your new systems have to offer, this will not only help them to be more productive and efficient but will also give them greater confidence. 

4. Hire an independent IT consultant

Sometimes it can be difficult to see where improvements can be made and utilizing IT consulting services could enable you to realize the full potential of your IT systems by providing you with an independent perspective. 

This is a contributed post.