1. Consider managed IT services
Small businesses with limited manpower likely also have limited IT teams (or if they even have one). Naturally, non-IT employees attempt to fill the gaps, creating countless security and efficiency gaps throughout the organization. But large in-house teams aren’t the only option for small businesses looking for strong technology management. Outsourcing IT management to a trusted partner frees up your small business’s internal resources, allowing your team to focus on core business activities.
Discover: Here are some of the best technology solutions for small businesses.
Managed service providers offer everything from IT staff augmentation and network management to cloud support, security, and more, giving businesses access to advanced technology without making large in-house investments. And MSPs don’t fit all. They can tailor their services to fit an SMB’s budget or specific projects, making IT costs predictable and allowing for subscription-based pricing. Plus, decision makers can communicate regularly with the provider to adjust the scope of services as needed.
“Regardless of how an organization works with an MSP, these partnerships represent a valuable opportunity to accelerate outcomes, weather disruptions, and plan for the future,” writes Ramana Reddy Depa, global head of managed services strategy at CDW.
2. Invest in scalable software solutions
It’s costly and inefficient to buy business technology solutions that only work when your business is operating at a certain level. Small businesses are better off investing in technology that stays relevant as they grow. That means choosing software that scales up or down with business needs and adapts to fluctuations in workloads, user demands, and new features without the need for an overhaul.
This is especially important during the holiday season: Most small businesses rely on holiday shopping for at least 25% of their annual revenue, and for seasonal businesses, the holidays are even more important.
Find out: Why Microsoft CTS simplifies IT solutions for small and medium-sized businesses.
“In my experience as a seasonal business owner, I’ve seen that number rise to as much as 90% of annual revenue,” reveals Krista Pitts, co-CEO and co-founder of Lumistera Company. Harvard Business Review“Business is moving at a breakneck pace and it’s ‘all hands on deck’. But as the season draws to a close, business slows down and accounts receivable dry up.”
This makes scalable software solutions more than just a nice-to-have: they’re a necessity. First, IT leaders need to identify which business processes (e.g., CRM, ERP, project management) would benefit most from a scalable software solution. Then, they research their options, focusing on software that offers modular options, and pilot-test and integrate the software to ensure compatibility with the organization’s existing IT systems. This strategy will help teams avoid software replacement, manage updates, and increase uptime and productivity.
7 out of 10
of small business owners believe their business would struggle to survive without access to technology platforms
Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce, “Empowering Small Businesses: The Impact of Technology on U.S. Small Businesses,” September 2023
3. Work with technology partners
Small businesses may know they need to strengthen their relationship with technology to stay competitive, but they often struggle to leverage new technologies to improve their systems and benefit their employees. In fact, a recent Georgia Tech study revealed that “small businesses often lack the resources and knowledge they need to adopt beneficial technology.” Fortunately, it’s easier for small businesses to justify their technology investments when they work with technology experts like CDW.
This includes, but is not limited to, traditional managed IT services. This is holistic advice and support. CDW’s team of experts helps IT leaders fully monitor their IT ecosystem to identify potential vulnerabilities, improve data management, and maximize resource allocation for months or years of planning. This gives IT leaders the expertise and improved customer experience that their budgets can’t provide.
“Simply put, we partner with our customers to solve their business challenges at every stage, on any timeline,” wrote Andy Kleinheinz, principal technical architect at CDW. “Our industry-leading partnerships mean you’re never locked into one solution or vendor. We listen to our customers and bring the right resources to bear.”
