How to Use Technology Wisely in Your Business
Yes, I run a tech company, at least one that aims to help you leverage technology to grow your business. That said, I've been amazed at how far I've seen businesses get without it. Very few get tech completely right, but here are some of the anecdotes I've noticed along the way.
Don't over-complicate it.
Start with major, proven solutions until you really understand your business's tech needs. For example, Microsoft M365 Business offers a wide range of features that can cover most business functions. RingCentral is another tool with a lot of capability, built for scalability and reasonably priced. Stick with reliable tools until you've pinpointed what your business truly requires
Yes, you need to document things.
It might feel tedious, but documentation will save you headaches down the road. Keep a list of all your equipment and where it's located. Record IP addresses, usernames, passwords, and points of contact for support. Being organized from day one means fewer fires to put out later.
Security matters
Don't treat cybersecurity as an afterthought — it should be a priority. Use a password manager to manage your credentials, rotate passwords regularly, and enable multi-factor authentication. Also, train your employees to recognize phishing attempts and other security threats. A small investment in training can save you from significant risks.
You don't need servers (yet)
Cloud solutions are ideal when you're starting out. They're flexible, cost-effective, and easy to scale as your business grows. Avoid investing in physical servers until your business requirements clearly indicate the need. OneDrive/Sharepoint will get you a long way.
Keep your website simple
Think of your website like a business card — clear, concise, and easy to navigate. Don't overdo it with complicated designs or excessive features. The goal is to provide essential information and make it easy for potential customers to connect with you. You can easily do this yourself with website builders such as Squarespace. Also, don't overcomplicate your domain name. Shorter domain names without any additional characters, especially ending with .com are you friends.
Conclusion
Technology is powerful, but I often see people investing in tools without fully understanding their business problems. Focus first on growing your business and identifying specific needs. Then, use technology as the tool it's meant to be — something to solve problems, not create them.
Seth Dallman
Co-Founded Axiom Solutions