Technology and business is essential for your success.

It is nearly 2020 and I’ve been reflecting on the past 11 years in my business. For some reason a blog that I wrote back in 2013 appeared, and it really gave me a sense of where I’ve come from, and technology!

The post started…A reflection of the life we currently have.

By Merinda Smith

The technology and business power gadgets sitting on our benches is enormous. I know in my house we use iPad or mobile to look up anything that we are not certain about. Be that weather, fire danger, or birds flying past.

On the weekend I was lying on the couch on the decking outside (enjoying the cooler weather) reading my latest novel and looked up to see a flying insect, that looked like a bee, just above my head. It was making a nest, or rather, lining a wind chime with pollen. Rather than staying here and ignoring it, I grabbed the iPad and searched to find out which type of insect or bee it actually was.

Learning is changing, it no longer needs to be just a lecture. It can be online, in the workplace or lying on the couch.

Recently I worked with a client who was working with remote aboriginal workers. We were trying to work out a better way of getting them involved with the subject matter. The result of our brain storming came up with 4 iPads to share amongst the students. They would use them to gain evidence, and create something worthwhile and fun. The devices can be used to provide access to e-learning. They can be used to take orders at restaurants, or used by assessors to observe and record workplace competence. 

I remember writing that blog because using technology in the kitchen, or on the decking was outside of my norm back then, and my visualisation. I had been using a desktop computer for years, and yes had a mobile phone – I think it was still a push button one at that point! So smart phones were not on my Christmas list, nor was an iPad. In fact I recall seeing someone in one of my coaching groups using one; and I thought – I’m not going to need one of those money wasters.

So what have I achieved in the time since?

I’ve embraced technology, and upgraded my iPad a couple of times.  I’ve upgraded my smart phone many times, and now use that to communicate. I’ve created a mobile office, simplified invoicing with online systems, use an online calendar, have offsite storage, provide online customer service, gosh the list is huge, how I now embrace technology – and let me tell you, I am no teenager.

Using technology and business solutions and apps has allowed my business to gain significantly better exposure than possible in the past. Social media allows communication with communities, companies and individuals. It also allows an easier way to voice your opinion on issues with other company’s services.

Having a small business means that I need whatever I can to support my operations. Whilst initially I thought that my small business-budget didn’t enter into technology, now I consider it a must. Technology help me to build the business and streamline the operations. It provides greater efficiency and versatility, assisting with processes that are already in place in the business.

As we move into 2020 I wonder where the next 10 years is going to take us with technology in our business. With that thought comes “I can’t wait to use whatever it is”.

So from there to here…

Knowing how quick technology and business have moved, my planning for the next 10 years is going to be intertesting. So I’ve set my 10 year goals, chunked it down to manageable chunks and am ready for the next generation of technology.  I want to make adjustments to reap the benefits of the tech-friendly alternatives. Small Business need to be using solutions that are cost-effective and ones that maximise the exposure of the business. In marketing it a far better solution than relying on the classic, traditional marketing methods. Of course, I am not saying discard everything that is “old”, as there are still some great ideas, and you should not underestimate the benefits of older techniques either.

Let me know how you plan to invest in ways to can reap tremendous rewards for your business. Contact today