To implement the innovations you need , while still focusing on your core business , you need the right people in the right places . This begins with keeping your internal staff involved and engaged in your strategy .
directly on the web , software as a service is an important innovation slingshot for small businesses , helping move the needle from where you are to where you need to be at a negligible cost . Basic SaaS features like email hosting and cloud backups are often free , ending the old days of expensive IT infrastructure .
For Granite City , a coworking space also based in Folsom , COVID-19 presented an existential threat . A business model based on providing shared office space had to be completely reorganized . Using the popular work collaboration tool Slack , Granite City was able to keep its customers updated on all of the company ’ s changes , such as new check-in policies and other procedures being put in place to keep people safe .
As a customer of Granite City , it ’ s given me an alternative from having to work all day in a noisy home with a toddler , barking dog and two teenagers engaged in distance learning .
To implement the innovations you need , while still focusing on your core business , you need the right people in the right places . This begins with keeping your internal staff involved and engaged with your strategy . It also means partnering with a trustworthy service provider that thoroughly understands the new legal guidelines for cybersecurity and privacy . Find a small business IT provider that embraces innovation within these guidelines , and consult with an expert to help you address minimum reasonable cyberrisk mitigation .
Since SaaS is delivered online , security is critical . Find a company that specializes in offering a suite of resources , including training , insurance and policy assistance , to help businesses meet the mounting obligations of cybersecurity .
Here are seven things small businesses can do right now to help with their technology challenges .
1 To get a clearer vision of your larger operational mindset and technology needs , consider hiring a business coach . I suggest the coach finder from the International Coaching Federation .
2 Join a networking or peer group for executives so you can find out what is working well for other companies . A good place to start is to join one of the many chambers of commerce in the Capital Region or a CEO peer group like Vistage or Sacramento Professional Advisors Network .
3 Smaller or family-run businesses looking for SaaS solutions should sign up for Gmail or Microsoft Office 365 business accounts . The cost is nominal , and it opens the door to other services , like Google ’ s huge suite of advertising and analytical tools .
4 Try a free SaaS app . For sales and marketing , I suggest HubSpot and the use of a HubSpot consultant . Wave provides financial service and software , and Trello is a project management application .
5 Insurance is essential for cybersecurity . Look for a bundled plan that includes insurance , scanning , security training and more .
6 Get a password manager immediately . If you ’ re starting from scratch , try LastPass . For something more advanced , with multiple employee accounts , check out 1Password .
7 If you have a team of 20 or more using a shared network , a reputable managed service provider can help guide your strategy in a more impactful , cost-effective way over the long term .
As the year winds down , you may be feeling anxiety over the future . Instead , consider the opportunities offered by the new digital marketplace . You have the potential to thrive in the years to come with the right mindset , resources and a little outside expertise to get the job done .
George Usi is CEO of Omnistruct , a company in Sacramento that sells cybersecurity compliance programs to businesses . Usi has been specializing in cybersecurity policy and open standards for more than 25 years .
How has your company adapted technology since the start of the coronavirus pandemic ?
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December 2020 | comstocksmag . com 19