A new business owner has some tasks to complete before they can start their company. When you are just starting, it is essential to have the right gear and equipment to build early momentum.
With the abundance of business equipment and technology seemingly available everywhere, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. New business owners can find it challenging to determine what equipment and tools their business needs.
This checklist is for any new business owner to help them get started. Although the equipment they need will vary according to the type of business they run.
Using the internet and WiFi at your business location
It doesn’t matter how big or where your business is located, you will need a secure internet connection and high-speed WiFi to succeed. Almost all internet providers offer business-class internet that boasts faster download and upload speeds and a more secure connection.
Even if you plan on running your busines from home, it is wise to get business-class internet over residential internet. A business-class internet connection allows you to have high download and upload speeds (typically over 1 Gbps), a symmetrical connection, a static IP address, and a dedicated internet line all to yourself. All of these features will allow you to download large files, host larger websites, and conduct seamless meetings and video conferencing.
Additionally, a commercial-grade firewall should be used in conjunction with busines-class internet. A firewall protects your connected network from attacks and threats coming from the outside. Before choosing a firewall for your busines, it is smart to become familiar with the types available.
For a detailed Network Security Checklist for Businesses of small sizes, click here.
When you start your business, it will be extremely important to have a fast and secure internet connection.
Computer and business phone for work
To become a successful business owner, you will need to maintain a separation between your personal and professional lives. I suggest you get a work phone and a computer used only for work to separate your personal and professional lives.
To use a second phone for business, you should first choose one. Especially if your business is starting small, it may seem silly or unnecessary to do this now, but as you grow, you will be glad you did it. You can easily separate your personal and business conversations if you have a business phone. Additionally, a secondary number will make your business appear more professional than one with a personal phone number. Make sure you choose a business phone whose operating system is compatible with the computer you are planning to use. To put it another way, if you get an iPhone, you should also get an Apple computer.
Phone For Work
According to the kind of business you run, the computer you choose will differ. If your business is more creative, you might want a hybrid computer with touchscreen capabilities. Engineers and designers may need something more robust that can handle 3D imaging. You should always research before selecting a specific computer, regardless of the case.
To manage everything throughout your business, you will need a computer daily. You will benefit greatly by investing in the right computer early on.
You might consider putting some of the money you have saved up into a technology budget for your team if you have employees with you on this startup journey. All employees should receive the same laptops, so having money accumulated to facilitate the purchase of each laptop and any additional accessories that they may need would be a good investment.
Your productivity will increase and your work security will be enhanced with this direct split in the technology you use every day.
Businesses need software
In the modern age, B2B software plays an increasingly important role for businesses of all sizes. It can be difficult to know which B2B software is necessary for your organization in an oversaturated market.
Accounting Software
Your business’s daily and long-term finances should be handled with utmost care and caution. If you are just starting, you will likely handle most of the business accounting tasks on your own. To make the process easier and more efficient, I recommend using cloud accounting software. Accounting software for the cloud allows users to track daily transactions and set financial projections that can be tracked.
POS software
Whether you have a storefront or an eShop, POS software facilitates payments and purchases. A POS system that is best suited to your setup is what you should look for as a merchant. Some systems are more technologically advanced. While others are more basic. You, the merchant, should also be aware that each company will impose different fees and taxes, so read your contracts carefully.
Software for Human Resources
This will depend on the size of your organization. In the case of a small business, HR software might not be necessary. Having software that helps with hiring, payroll, time cards, benefits, and more will be helpful if you want to have a decent amount of employees in the future. Make sure your business culture is healthy and productive by partnering HR software with a dedicated HR consultant.
Depending on the platform, these software offerings will cost differently. We recommend that at least at the beginning you use an accounting platform. Further down the road, other tools such as creative tools, marketing tools. And less important offerings can be incorporated. Establishing the foundation of your business will be your most important task at first.
That’s all there is to it! Taking on one area at a time and tackling each task one at a time is the best way to snowball your efforts! Once you’ve done that for a while, you’ll have everything you need to start your business.
When your business is up and running, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about branding or marketing! As a Digital Marketing expert, I would be happy to assist you in building your online presence through social media and other digital marketing efforts.