Last week, I sat down with Tara Reed, the host of Morning Brew Inc.’s Bossy, for a special live podcast episode. We talked about real ways technology can help unlock growth for small business owners. In the audience, there was a cross section of everyday entrepreneurs across industries, including advertising, construction, healthcare, real estate, retail and technology.
For small business owners, growth comes from how they combine connectivity with the right tools. Embracing technology helps them thrive despite challenges like inflation, workforce shortages and rising costs. Today’s emerging solutions can help businesses streamline ecommerce; save precious hours and keep teams, customers and operations connected no matter where they are. Investing in the right technology and infrastructure is critical for reaching your next level.
Here are five key insights from our conversation that I think can help small business owners win with connectivity:
1. Technology is a Game Changer for Small Businesses. You no longer need to be a big company to use cutting-edge technology. Affordable, easy-to-use tools are now a must-have solution for small businesses. When you want to scale up, in small or big ways, or transform how you do business, leveraging the right tools can accelerate your journey.
2. Reliable Connectivity is the Backbone of Success. One of the top concerns for any small business is avoiding downtime. You need fast, reliable connectivity for everything from processing payments to using cloud-based tools and engaging customers online. It keeps your operations running smoothly and helps you deliver the experience your customers expect.
For example:
- Local gyms like Club Pilates and PARADIGM Gym needed reliable connectivity so members could access door readers as well as book fitness classes and spa sessions. By analyzing member activity, they optimized class schedules and enrollment specials.
- Karadise Boutique, a women’s clothing retailer, used connectivity to deliver an elevated shopping experience. After moving to a larger facility, they addressed connectivity pain points to support everything from point-of-sales and payment processing to live selling on social media.
3. AI and Automation Can Free Up Your Time. Artificial intelligence and automation can help small businesses work smarter. There are tools that can handle repetitive tasks like data entry, scheduling and content creation, freeing up your team to focus on big-picture, higher value work. The best part? Many solutions are off-the-shelf, subscription-based, user-friendly and require no technical expertise to start. Think smarter CRM, automated email campaigns, even accounting software that learns or inventory management that predicts what you need.
4. Use Technology to Personalize Customer Experience. Today’s customers expect more than just a transaction. They want to feel seen and valued. Technology enables you to offer convenience and build lasting loyalty that matters to the individual customer. Smart chatbots, targeted marketing messages and personalized recommendations help create genuine connections with your customers.
Modern tools can turn your everyday business data, like sales and customer interactions, into actionable insights. You can spot trends and make smarter decisions that improve every customer interaction.
5. Stay Adaptable and Always Put the Customer First. Be adaptable, stay scrappy and always put the customer first. Technology should serve your core mission and create value for your customers. You don’t have to adopt every new tech trend or overhaul your business overnight. Choose one or two areas where technology can make your work easier and improve your customer experience. Start small, experiment and adapt.
The Right Tools to Empower Your Small Business
No matter where you are on your small business journey, AT&T Business is here to support you. Fast, reliable connectivity is non-negotiable for any business. Not only does AT&T have the nation’s fastest internet and wireless network1, but we also offer integrated solutions that streamline your daily operations:
- Collaboration tools like AT&T Office@Hand that make it super easy for your team to work together, whether they’re in the office or on the go.
- Converged connectivity offerings like the AT&T Integrated Gateway that combine our fiber and 5G networks into a single device, helping provide continuous, reliable connectivity.
- Enhanced internet security like AT&T Dynamic Defense® that goes beyond basic protection, giving you peace of mind that your customer data and your business are safer2.
- Cloud services like AT&T Business Voice℠ that let you connect voice and utility lines on one platform.
- Equipment protection like AT&T Business Protect℠ that helps you repair or replace your device should the unexpected happen.
Small businesses don’t have to be tech giants to compete and thrive. With the right solutions and advanced connectivity, you can unlock new efficiencies, win customers and future-proof your business.
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