Technology is ever changing. It may not be as bad as it was in the late 90′s when you would purchase one of the first off the assembly line only to find that it already was obsolete. Even with the slow down it’s still nearly impossible to keep pace with technology.
One of the things to always keep in mind is that you shouldn’t purchase technology simply because you want it. It’s common for companies and salespersons will try to sell the newest and greatest technology. They will tell you that it will help you, but the key is for you to always know that you need it.
Technology is one of those things that can break a budget in an eye-blink. Having a technology consultant is one way to be able to control the cost. They can evaluate the need.
Since there are so many technology items available that can assist you in getting your work accomplished, it’s important that you prioritize your purchases.
Is having the newest smart-phone for you the right thing? If your accounting package is years old and hardly doing the job for you, it’s probably a better choice to upgrade that technology and not upgrade the phone.
It is wise to have a technology plan and make it a part of the Business Plan. The technology plan should be a multi-year strategy plan to maintain and upgrade hardware and software. Look at the items that are vital for a successful operation of your business. You will want to be aware of any new technology as it arrives with the idea of how it can be incorporated into the Technology/Business Plan.
An advantage of having a plan is that it may help avoid sticker shock. It will give you a plan for upgrades over a period of time and not a huge costly replacement.
Just because you have developed a technology plan doesn’t mean that you can’t deviate from it. If something new is released that can save money in your course of business it is possible for a delay one of the other items on it.
There are ways that you can save on technology purchases.
Look for technology sales.
Another way is to consider purchasing used. Unfortunately, many businesses close their doors every day. When a business closes, they may liquidate their capital assets, which could include their technology assets. It’s sad to see business fail, but their lost could be your gain.
Technology changes everyday. You want to get your best value from technology investments.
© 2006-2007 Steven G. Atkinson – All rights reserved
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Steven G. Atkinson is the author of the book Technology Tips for Small Business. Many more tips to assist the small business owner to better understand the technology they use everyday are available in the book.
