Small Business Innovations for 2012

Small business owners continue to search for technologies, products and services that can help eliminate staff hours and simplify day to day operations. Some great new products have been introduced into the market place this year. Choosing cost effective options to invest in now could save a small business thousands of dollars over a period of several years. Here are some new options to consider.

Consider saving on software by investing in Cloud computing. Cloud computing is the delivery of computer services over a network. Cloud computing provides computation, software, data access and storage resources through a web browser or mobile application while the software and data are stored on remote servers at a remote location. Cloud applications can provide the same or better performance as software programs installed locally on computers. This allows for less maintenance, easier manageability and it enables IT to more rapidly adjust resources, such as servers, storage and networking. This is less expensive and allows for fluctuating and unpredictable business demand.

Try mobile credit card swiping devices. This is called Square technology. There are several companies who offer this service today. Square allows you to take credit card payments by using a small device that attaches to your smart phone. The card data can also be entered manually into a mobile device. Easier access to payment options makes selling easier, more convenient and ultimately more likely for the salesman in the field. There are several low cost options available.

Outsourcing time consuming staff tasks can save time and money if a business owner develops the right relationships. Payroll, taxes and insurance can all be handled by small business management companies. Technology allows small business owners to manage payroll and other operational tasks online with the help of a small business management firm. Once the files and programs are established, the management company can oversee day to day operations while in-house management maintains access to the data on demand. No phone calls are necessary. No time involved in accessing quick information.

New products are introduced every day and keeping abreast of changes is a key component for success in the competitive marketplace today. Knowing more than the competition can make the difference or save the dollar that keeps a small business viable through the lean times – and it can increase profits by more than a small amount!

If you need help managing your small business or are in need of advice, call Horizon Business Solutions today at 614-577-1700 or visit their website at www.horizonbiz.com. The experts at Horizon make it their business to manage your business. Call today to start saving time and money!


Kelli Minor Horne | 02/22/2012