<p>Something you are already undoubtedly aware of is that when you are starting a business controlling the cost is one of the most crucial things you need to do. But you look out there and see PCs, laptops, websites, software, mobile phones, PDAs, GPS...and it seems like you need at least one of everything to get your business started!</p><p>In reality, you can start with just a few items - and when you start making money you can expand and prioritize your technology list. In priority order, here is my top 10 list of things you need to kick off your business: </p><p><b>Technology # 1 - A PC or laptop</b></p><p>A PC or laptop is the bare essential and can be found at any local computer store. For basic work you should be able to buy a PC from a computer store for anywhere from AU$800-5000.</p><p>However I encourage looking 'outside the box' so to speak when buying a PC. If you are really strapped for cash, ask friends if they are replacing their own PC. Try to get something no more than 3 years old because it will probably need upgrades to run the software you need. Although this may still be cheaper than buying a PC you may find the computer actually can't be upgraded because the parts are no longer available.</p><p>Next option is check out a PC recycling facility - they usually have set standards on what they will accept and re-sell so you should end up with something decent. Anyone who knows me knows I am a bit of a 'green technology' nut (in fact I run a website on green IT) so this is a great option from an environmentally responsible point of view too. You should be able to get a recycled PC for less than AU$500 but just don't expect it to be really fast.</p><p>The third alternative is PC manufacturers 'seconds'. For example, a number of the computer manufacturers have partnerships with authorised dealers to sell "refurbished" or second hand computers. Many of these are still quite good having had only minor faults but are unable to be sold as new once returned. A search on the web for "refurbished computers" and the city you live in (or are closest to) will bring up heaps of options. Just make sure you pick a dealer that is 'authorised' and offers a warranty period (i.e. an absolute minimum of 3 months).</p><p><blockquote> <em>Tip: Recycled and second hand PCs are great as "extras" for your new business if you can't afford to buy brand new and you only have staff that work part time or on "light administration" activities for you. </em></blockquote></p><p>The PC or laptop should come pre-installed with an operating system. If it doesn't it could cost you $500+ to get one separately. </p><p>If you are looking at a Macintosh they are typically more expensive than a PC but generally more popular with those of you who are the creative types e.g. graphic designers.</p><p>Laptops have definitely come down in price lately so they are also a good option especially if you are starting a business that keeps you out of your office most of the day. If you'll be taking a lot of notes, get a touch screen and note-taking software like Microsoft OneNote so you don't have to type those notes up again and you can easily search them later on. The touch screen laptop will cost more but will save you lots more time!</p><p><b>Technology # 2 - Internet Access</b></p><p>You probably already have this if you are working from home but you may find you'll need to increase the amount of data you can download through your Internet Service Provider (ISP) so you don't get "slowed down" or cut off if you go over your base limit. Starting my own business I increased my plan to the highest possible but only because my work life is on a PC and I transfer quite a large amount of data to my websites.</p><p>For working on emails and browsing the web I'd recommend fast (it is so frustrating waiting for websites to appear when you have a deadline!) but you won't necessarily need a large 'data allowance' (i.e. how much you can upload and download).</p><p><b>Technology # 3 - Phone</b></p><p>Whether you buy a standard mobile or a Smartphone depends on your funds. If you travel a lot I'd highly recommend a Smartphone like an iPhone or a HTC. They'll cost you anywhere from AU$500-1500 but they do make you more efficient as they will allow you to send and receive emails while you are travelling around (you'll also need a "data plan" from your telephone service provider).</p><p>If you're more of a home-based person and saving your funds, go for a basic AU$100-200 mobile phone. They'll do the job i.e. phone calls and SMS text.</p><p>If you are considering using your mobile phone as your main work number the only caution I would use is when you publish your website you should include your phone (it increases perception you are a 'real' business - this is important on the web where there are thousands of sites that are not). However you really don't want people internationally (or spammers) phoning your mobile at all hours. So future consideration: look at a separate line rental or buy an "online number" for Skype. </p><p><em>Skype Cons: Skype call quality can be a bit iffy so proceed with caution and make sure you have a fast internet connection - see Tech Tip #2 above. Also importantly:</em>
<br><ul><li><em>Skype is not for emergency calls - they take no responsibility and clearly state that Skype is not a replacement for your fixed line.</em></li>
<li><em>Skype doesn't work when you have no internet connection.</em></li></ul></p><p><em>Skype Pros: you can choose your own easy-to-remember number (which is great for those of us a bit more forgetful!) and the number looks like a local number e.g. NSW starts with 02 area code.</em></p><p><b>Technology # 4 - Multi-purpose scanner/fax/printer</b></p><p>Whether you buy a separate scanner, fax and printer depends on a few factors, including:
<br><ul><li><b>The amount of printing and scanning you will be doing</b> - if you plan to print lots e.g. you print large documents frequently its best to either buy a separate laser printer (usually >AU$500) with a duplex function (i.e. prints on both sides of the page) or make your local printing company your friend e.g. Office Works. Same deal with scanning - if you think you will be scanning a lot, a separate scanner that allows you to load pages automatically and scans two-sided and/or can handle A3 sheets of paper, will save lots of time.</li>
<li><b>The typical document sizes for your printing and scanning</b> - generally multi-function machines that cost <AU$500 only come in A4 size or smaller.</li>
<li><b>Your available funds</b> - if you only have $500 in your pocket and you can live with visiting the printing shop for bulk printing requirements, go with a multi-function unit. It costs a little more to print because of the cost of some cartridges but it's a good start.</li></ul></p><p>I personally use a HP OfficeJet 6310 (now a few years old) however the latest iteration of this is the HP OfficeJet 8500 All-In-One.</p><p><b>Technology # 5 - Anti-virus software</b></p><p>In this day and age a good anti-virus application is absolutely essential for your business PCs. I have tried about ten different types of anti-virus software in 11+ years in IT and I have found Kapersky to be the best.</p><p><b>Technology # 6 - Firewall software</b></p><p>Again this is essential if you are accessing the internet. A good firewall will block attempts by malicious people on the internet trying access your PC. They usually do this to install spyware, Trojan horses and viruses - all bad things that do everything from slowing down your computer to stealing your identity.</p><p>I personally use ZoneAlarm Professional - this version in particular doesn't include anti-virus - you can't (and shouldn't) run two anti-virus products on one PC. I like to keep internet security (firewall) and anti-virus separate - that just may be pedantic but the motto with computer security is to have 'layers of defence' so that if one fails, hopefully the next layer will block it.</p><p><b>Technology # 7 - A basic website</b></p><p>Websites are major topics by themselves however to start you off there are any number of basic website companies out there. For many people starting a business focussing on just getting exposure on the web so you look professional and can put the website name on your business cards is enough. To get a professional website you'd be looking at anything from AU$500 for a very basic 1-5 page website through to $20,000 for a website that includes full eCommerce (i.e. selling products on the web).</p><p>If you just want to show customers you have an internet presence you can setup your own website for less than $400 using website template systems. </p><p>At the very basic level, if you just want to start a blog (which still looks professional and provides useful advice and value to your customers at the same time) you can get a free blog account at WordPress or Blogger. These accounts can be setup in less than half an hour.</p><p>At the next step up where you want a website which directs customers to a domain name for your business (i.e. www.SampleCompanyName.com.au) I'd recommend I recommend Digital Pacific (Australia) - they have exceptional customer service: I know because I have five websites with them. You can start a basic website from AU$4.90 per month and grab a ".com.au" domain name from AU$34.90 for two years. Note though that you will need an ABN to prove you are a business for a .com.au address.</p><p>As an alternative, another one I recommend is GoDaddy. You can get a ".com" domain name for as little as US$7.50 and a basic hosting account for US$4.49 per month.</p><p><b>Technology # 8 - Office productivity software</b></p><p>There are two different types of office productivity software these days: online and installed on your own PC. If you are starting cheap, something like Google Apps (online) or Sun StarOffice (installed on your PC) will suffice. However once you get established Microsoft Office is the default standard for most businesses (installed on your PC) and provides the best features and formats to interact with customers and partners.</p><p><b>Technology # 9 - Accounting software</b></p><p>To help you manage your accounts there are a couple of options:
<br><ul><li><b>Spreadsheet </b>- you could use Microsoft Excel to track your payments however this is going to be quite manual and time consuming, and you have to know a fair bit about Excel calculations to make it more automated. If you don't have cash upfront for accounting software, start with this and quickly make a proper accounting package your first purchase once you have some dollars.</li>
<li><b>Well-known accounting software</b> - two of the best known are QuickBooks and MYOB. Both of them have specific Australian tax configurations (e.g. GST) however QuickBooks is generally cheaper - you can get a base version that will start you off with invoice and payment management for less than AU$150. </li>
<li><b>Hosted accounting software </b>- if you deliver products and services online only, then you'll often find affiliate or shopping cart software that can be used to automate the billing and track invoices and payments. The only issue here is when you sell both online and offline - you'll need to consolidate the data for BAS reporting.</li></ul></p><p><b>Technology # 10 - Password storage tool</b></p><p>Last on our list is a password tool. You might be thinking - that's not essential! I can remember all my passwords or I just write them down in a secret book and store that in my safe...</p><p>However password storage tools are fantastic - not only do you not have to write things down that get lost, but you can search for passwords and, most importantly, keep them very secure without having to get up, unlock your safe, take you black book out, enter the password...well - you get the point: they save you time.</p><p>Two tools I recommend are:
<br><ul><li>Access Manager by Citi Software for Windows PCs; and</li>
<li>KeyChain for Macs - this comes installed with Macintosh OS 9 and above.</li></ul></p><p>Both of these are free. Access Manager also comes in a 'Professional' version which is only about AU$40. The professional version gives you features like backup and the ability to store your secure password tool on a USB key - very handy when you use multiple computers or travel without your laptop.</p><p>Bianca Wirth is an Business Technology Coach and Consultant with over 12 years experience in IT. Bianca is owner of Wirth Consulting, which provides easy-to-understand technology advice through a weekly email newsletter to small businesses.</p><p>If you liked today's article, you'll love Bianca's free "Short N' Sweet Weekly Tech Tips" that will inform and inspire you on how technology can be used to help you drive more business sales, optimise your business processes and increase your number of customers.</p><p>You can subscribe to Short N Sweet Weekly Tech Tips at <a target="_new" href="http://www.wirthconsulting.com.au" rel="nofollow">http://www.wirthconsulting.com.au</a> and receive your first two free tip sheets immediately.</p>
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment