From the November 2019 #MTMN Executive Buffet (Formerly the #SmallBizBuffet)
Speaker: Kenneth Boyd, Client Solutions Executive at AT&T
The Connection between Small Business and Technology
On his birthday, November-child, Kenneth Boyd graciously gave a wonderful presentation about the connection between small business and technology. He began by reminding us of a few simple but often ignored benefits of using technology in small business:
- -It allows you to play on a global level.
- -It allows you to stay connected so you don’t miss out on opportunities.
- -It provides valuable data that leads to more and better sales
Sales is any set of activities related to selling products a... More.
For example, technology can quickly connect you with people across the world allowing you to expand your reach for very little money. The same technology can also provide more salesSales is any set of activities related to selling products a... More opportunities by giving clients access to you and your team while in the office via desktops and landlines and while on-the-go via mobile devices such as cellphones and tablets.
When it comes to data, the right technology can tell you when and how many customers are frequenting your store or site, so you know when to invest in more help and resources. Other technology can track your inventory and alert you when it’s delayed or running low. A great example he gave for medical companies was the ability to share when medications are given to patients, specifically with hospitals, and the ability to share that data securely with the proper cybersecurity. He reminded us how many small companies are growing faster because they have access to the right data.
Essential Considerations for Small Businesses Using Technology
Kenneth emphasized the importance of using the right technology for your business and the importance of consulting a trusted and educated technology specialist. He warned us about trusting people who are not informed on product developments and who may disappear after an initial consultation or setup. This is especially important for small businesses that are looking to grow with their technology because not all software scales efficiently and cheaply, or at all. Small business owners want to be sure they understand how to use and grow with their technology and how to train their team to do the same.
Small businesses also need to make sure they have the right technology for their size, service and market. Being on a smaller budget means you don’t want to pay for things you don’t need but you certainly want the services that benefit your industry or niche the most, otherwise you will get passed up for the companies that are using it. For example, while not everyone has a smartphone, many have laptops, so if your client-base needs technology that caters to desktops more than mobile devices, you need to know and adjust your technology.
Cybersecurity is another reason to consult a trust professional. It’s essential in a world when even big companies like Adidas and Macy’s are being hacked. Especially when you consider big businesses are more likely to recover from a hack, while many small businesses can’t recover from the damage it causes to their brand or the expenses it generates, so the small businesses fail. You want to be sure to keep your own data and your clients’ safe but you also don’t want to pay for services you don’t need as a smaller business.
Kenneth works one-on-one with clients across the East Coast to ensure he meets their specific needs with technology that allows them to grow easily and inexpensively. He personally provides hands-on training for his services and they come with 24/7 support. One of his bestsellers is AT&T Office@Hand which offers a flexible cloud-based solution that provides voice, fax, text messaging, and audio and video conferencing using Zoom, so workers can be more productive in the office or on the go. This VoIP service allows you to connect your phone system with your entire team, send and receive text messages on your desktop or mobile device and more. It works for as little as 2 people and scales easily as you grow.
About Kenneth Boyd, Client Solutions Executive at AT&T
Kenneth Boyd has been with AT&T for the last 17 years and is now part of their Business Acquisition Team. He has dedicated his most recent years with the company to developing relationships with small businesses across a vast range of industries to introduce them to and assist them with telecommunications technology. Kenneth has provided companies with not only the proper technological equipment and services but the skill sets needed to utilize them to their fullest potential, allowing small businesses to flourish.
Are you looking for an informed technology consultant you can trust with your communication and cybersecurity needs? Maybe you’re just ready to step up your communications with AT&T Office@Hand. Be sure to start with Kenneth to get your questions answered honestly by an experienced professional familiar with small business.
Join the Next #MTMN Executive Buffet – FREE
The #MTMN Executive Buffet is held on the 4th Wednesday of every month from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Zoom. Join us to connect with local business owners, over free food, and with a short educational presentation related to growing your business.
Be the first to reply