Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

What technology does a start-up business need?  What are some of the things that your business didn't consider and wish you had, like multiple computers, or phones?  Or what did you consider that you are glad about, like getting a website, etc?

The type of business will determine a portion of the equation that answers your question.

Generally, I strongly suggest that whatever technology gets implemented, don't skimp on it. Don't overspend, but don't shoestring it. Get a computer that is robust enough to last for several years (e.g., fast enough, enough storage, etc.)

Take full advantage of online services. One of the things I wish I had implemented from the get go was having my bookkeeping and payroll handled via QuickBooksOnline. I have a bookkeeper to do the former, which is good because I would make a mess of it. I do the payroll myself, and it takes far less time than doing it "manually."

As a marketing and business coach, I have seen how significant a website is for any business. I have also seen very ineffective sites, many of which cost the owner thousands and thousands of dollars. A company's website is so important in my opinion that I give a free web assessment with clear, actionable recommendations for improving site effectiveness.

Having made that point, I do want to say that I'm not talking about SEO when I talk about websites. I believe that SEO is not something most companies need to focus on initially. First, get the marketing message and the action request right...worry about SEO later. Too much money gets spent for too little productive result if this aspect of a website is focused on too soon.

Telephone is a big consideration. Solopreneurs can use cell phones as their business numbers. Services like RingCentral provide a virtual PBX that lets you combine all phones into one central control. Also, services like Skype are great for communicating via phone, especially with overseas contacts.

These are just a few thoughts to start the ball rolling!

A website can be used like an information brochure to start with. You can keep priming it with information and redirecting clients to it. Don't spend too much on it, go for a simple design without overmuch of Flash and other flashy tricks.

As for other stuff like phones etc buy as you need. While buying be sure you have enough capacity for growth.

Some of the things we insisted on as a startup that we can't live without:

- Fast, B&W printer that duplexes and has a heavy-duty pages per minute rating.

- Scanner & virtual fax service

- Online backup service (one computer did actually die, unrecoverably, and we lost less than four hours work)

- Acrobat Standard for creating various documents

Best regards,

Molly Donaldson

What I've heard is that most people don't consider just how important technology is to the day to day operation of their business, until something breaks and you have no means to be productive.  I think planning for and purchasing the technological equipment that is optimal for your business is crucial.

Technology consultants can help in that area if you just cannot spend the time it takes to comparison shop for the things you need.  I've found that a technology consultant is skilled in that area, and most only charge a nominal fee for their services.

I was involved with a software start-up. We  overdid the technology spend. Now I go open source for as much software as I can. I encourage people to use the computer that they use in their personal lives instead of buying a new one. Try to bootstrap as much as possible.

However, I understand that this depends on the industry you are operating in.

For a retail or restaurant business I suggest buying a point-of-sale system.  While there are many companies out there that sell this software and hardware, I recommend using Brownstone Technology Solutions www.brownstonets.com. Their software is easy-to-use and I have not had any problems.

Make sure you have a solid business plan and budget so you don't drown in overspending in the first few months.  Leasing or renting is always a good idea while you're still trying to turn a profit.

Infrastructure-as-a-Service makes sense to a lot of start-ups. You lease out the computer and server resources, pay for only what you need at that point in time, all without big upfront capital expenditures. Plus, you get enterprise-level computing. Check out InfoBit System's Business proCloud offering (http://www.infobitsystems.com) or Accessential's offering geared toward healthcare industry (http://accessential.com)

I second the above bootstrapping advice.  When starting out you might think you need all of the usual business equipment, such as a fax machine and a postage meter, but a year later you might wonder why you're paying far more for the monthly equipment lease than it would cost to make a trip to Kinko's once in a while.

Buy equipment only as you need it, then when you're sure you need it get something that is good quality so you won't end up upgrading in six months.

1. Domain name and website. I mean, it's the 2000's, not having a website isn't an option. Don't cut funds in that area though. It will be many customers first impression of your business. A good website is one of the easiest and cheapest marketing means

2. Computer/Internet access. Have a computer or laptop already? Is it in good shape? Does it have the software you need? Keep it. No need to go crazy buying computer equipment.

3. Phone number. I would highly recommend getting a separate number for your business (and I'm not just saying that because we sell virtual phone numbers). When starting your own company it is hard to keep your work life separate from your personal life. Plus as your company grows, you don't have to change anything, your phone number can be the same.