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Sunday 23 November 2008, 9:15 PM
Mobile Comms Combat Economic Slowdown
Whatever your small business, you must know how to keep it alive during a slow economy. There are vital areas in which you can baton down the hatches and keep your business not only afloat during economic declines but keep you in the much-needed cash flow to cover day-to-day needs.
Some quick fixes include using less electricity by turning off computers and peripherals when you and your staff are away from them for periods over 2 hours. Turn down the heat or air conditioning in your office area while on lunch break or out of the office over night, and buy office supplies in bulk and while they are on sale. You can also cut down on phone bills by returning calls when rates are lower. Or have your consultations and meetings over the Internet via VoIP to eliminate high phone bills altogether. You should also seek out and use quality low-cost and free advertising wherever you can.
Another option larger companies should consider is implementing a flexible working policy as a means to reduce overheads. However, while most small businesses probably believe that technology is becoming more important in the current economy, many of us feel that mobile service providers are not adapting their offerings to give us the flexibility and advice we need. Mobile communications contracts, for instance, rarely give us adequate flexibility to be able to react to an uncertain economy. This is despite the fact that technology is becoming more important in a slowing economy, and that we’re all under more pressure from our employers to work more flexibly (i.e. longer and harder) compared to two years ago.
Things are going to become increasingly difficult for many smaller businesses and it’s imperative that mobile phone suppliers work with us to ensure that we can continue to grow. Mobile working has an extremely positive impact, not just in terms of the performance and productivity of teams, but also in attracting and retaining excellent people. Mobile technology allows bigwigs to keep in touch with their minions and also means that they’re available should staff need support, advice or to call in a sickie.
Mobile communications providers need to work with small-company owners to tailor a tariff which not only matches your business needs, but also takes into account the potential impact of the credit crunch. As a business owner you should be looking for a simple, understandable price plan from mobile communications providers and ensure you get the specific advice that you require.
The UK has enjoyed 15 years of successive growth but this is now coming to an end. Many small businesses will have never experienced recession before and so the risk of under or over reacting to the downturn will be high. Life is going to get a lot harder before it gets better. We all know that our economy is built on the success of small businesses, which account for over half of the UK’s turnover and employment. All businesses need to take stock and revise their plans and strategy to continue to be competitive, and that means streamlining operations, reducing costs and increasing productivity. The important thing to remember is there is never a bad time to start a good business.
Christian Harris
Managing Director, BidUpBiz.com
Some quick fixes include using less electricity by turning off computers and peripherals when you and your staff are away from them for periods over 2 hours. Turn down the heat or air conditioning in your office area while on lunch break or out of the office over night, and buy office supplies in bulk and while they are on sale. You can also cut down on phone bills by returning calls when rates are lower. Or have your consultations and meetings over the Internet via VoIP to eliminate high phone bills altogether. You should also seek out and use quality low-cost and free advertising wherever you can.
Another option larger companies should consider is implementing a flexible working policy as a means to reduce overheads. However, while most small businesses probably believe that technology is becoming more important in the current economy, many of us feel that mobile service providers are not adapting their offerings to give us the flexibility and advice we need. Mobile communications contracts, for instance, rarely give us adequate flexibility to be able to react to an uncertain economy. This is despite the fact that technology is becoming more important in a slowing economy, and that we’re all under more pressure from our employers to work more flexibly (i.e. longer and harder) compared to two years ago.
Things are going to become increasingly difficult for many smaller businesses and it’s imperative that mobile phone suppliers work with us to ensure that we can continue to grow. Mobile working has an extremely positive impact, not just in terms of the performance and productivity of teams, but also in attracting and retaining excellent people. Mobile technology allows bigwigs to keep in touch with their minions and also means that they’re available should staff need support, advice or to call in a sickie.
Mobile communications providers need to work with small-company owners to tailor a tariff which not only matches your business needs, but also takes into account the potential impact of the credit crunch. As a business owner you should be looking for a simple, understandable price plan from mobile communications providers and ensure you get the specific advice that you require.
The UK has enjoyed 15 years of successive growth but this is now coming to an end. Many small businesses will have never experienced recession before and so the risk of under or over reacting to the downturn will be high. Life is going to get a lot harder before it gets better. We all know that our economy is built on the success of small businesses, which account for over half of the UK’s turnover and employment. All businesses need to take stock and revise their plans and strategy to continue to be competitive, and that means streamlining operations, reducing costs and increasing productivity. The important thing to remember is there is never a bad time to start a good business.
Christian Harris
Managing Director, BidUpBiz.com
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