Small business owners are always struggling to find ways that will help their businesses to operate on a shoestring budget and compete with large and established corporations. With this in mind, startups cannot compete financially with multinational organizations without incorporating smartphones into their operations.
Simply put, small business owners depend on smartphones to run their businesses in various areas. Stubbornly sticking to their tried and true flip phone, or failing to fit their device with one of the best tempered glass screen protectors on the market before dropping it down a flight of stairs, can put a small business owner in a serious bind. For those who still insist on not needing a smartphone to run a small business, consider the following:
Mobile Banking
One of the reasons why small business owners need smartphones is to streamline their financial management processes. Most small business owners don’t have time to visit a brick and mortar bank. One can efficiently conduct financial transactions through mobile banking instead. Furthermore, small business owners can pay suppliers and their employers immediately, which minimizes time wasted having to do these processes via desktop terminals or by phone.
Business Networking
Business networking is an essential strategy that small businesses need to cultivate. Regular communication between small business organizations assists in sharing vital information that could prove to be important in the success of small organizations. Smartphones are also useful in keeping contact with suppliers and clients. Building rapport with other businesses stakeholder, which was not possible, is now a reality that small business owners are relishing.
Monitor Business Activities
Small business owners don’t have to be within the premises of their organization to monitor how the company is operating. Smartphones can support multiple mobile apps that can be used in monitoring different departments within the company. A business owner can easily delegate duties while on a business trip. It is also possible to get the performances of the business on a regular basis as smartphones can send comprehensive reports and analysis.
Social Media Marketing
Small businesses might not be able to use the conventional methods of marketing due to the high costs involved. The cheapest and easy option is to use social media marketing to create business awareness and attract customers. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram marketing are integrated marketing strategies that play a huge role in the success of small businesses. Business owners can share a marketing post or a tweet even when they are traveling, which is a clear demonstration of the efficiency of smartphones.
Going Paperless
The efficiency and productivity of any business is currently judged on how much the company has incorporated the current technology. Small business owners are now using smartphones as the storage areas for their marketing results, inventory records, and other essential business records. This does not only reduce paperwork in the business but also helps the owner to access vital information while on the go. This strategy has increased the efficiency and productivity of small organizations.
Availability when Needed
The benefits of smartphones in business cannot be ignored, especially consultancy firms, which can respond to emergency calls from their clients. Traditionally, clients had to call the office, which could not be answered, especially at night. Other communication channels like emails could only be answered in the morning. Smartphones have changed communication between small businesses and their clients. An email is acted upon in real time while a call can be answered at any time of the day and night.
Small business owners have much to gain from their smartphones if they incorporate them to be strategic business tools. Smartphones are helping organizations to compete effectively with large multinational companies that have significant financial muscles and sophisticated marketing strategies and infrastructures. It all depends on the perception of the business owner towards a mobile phone. Some view it as a distraction, while others view it as a tool to run a small business efficiently.
short url:
