SMART TECHNOLOGY YOUR SMALL BUSINESS NEEDS

It is enough hassle running a small business, so you don't need to make things more complicated by utilizing long and winding ways of completing tasks. If you rely on the old methods of managing your small business, you’re likely to slow down productivity and lose control of your workers. In addition to that, you risk security breaches both digitally and in real world situations. This is where innovative technology comes into the picture if you are a digital nomad. 

 Out of the approximately six million small businesses in the United States, only 36% acknowledge that innovative technology forms a core of their business. Is your own business lagging behind?  What are some examples of smart technology that entrepreneurs should be taking advantage of? Take a look at this list of technologies below that are changing the face of small businesses.

1. Sling Time Clock

According to news reports, employee tardiness is a significant nuisance for small businesses. How long have you worried over your employees’ efficiency? While a larger company can absorb the impact of occasional delays and late arrivals, it’s very different for a small business. Imagine the following scenario for a better understanding of this point.

Jasmine is the only cashier for a small retail store. However, she constantly reports late for work, making it difficult for the company to run smoothly. Because she is the only person responsible for this role, the store is shut down until she shows up. This reduces profitability plus can add to labor costs if additional employees are added so the business isn't dependent on Jasmine. Fortunately, employees like Jasmine can be straightened up. As a solution, you can use the Sling time clock technology to track employee hours and export timesheets for later review.

2. Frontpoint Security System

Initially designed for homes, the Frontpoint security system has become a favorite of small businesses. Over the past few years, security system inventors have made a conscious effort to factor in the small businesses around the country. What makes it even better is that, as a user, you can connect it to several devices in addition to your base package. The base package includes smoke or heat sensor, two-door or window and motion sensors, and two sensors for water leaks.

All these can be controlled wirelessly on a customized control panel. Many small business owners who use this intelligent technology admit to the ease of use, mainly because the Frontpoint security system can be monitored on any smart device.

3. Smart Locks

It seems the traditional lock and key system is giving way to more contemporary options. Burglars have over the years mastered the art of breaking standard locks to steal. According to a survey spanning three years (2017 to 2020), smart lock inventors revealed that several small business operators are investing more in this technology. With keyless locks, the user has absolute control over admittance to the shop or business place.

Although you have the liberty to grant access codes to your employees, you still reserve the sole right to revoke their access at any time. Depending on the brand you go for, you can monitor who goes in and out of your business. Remember that the cost associated with burglary is nothing compared to investing in a keyless magnetic swipe lock system.

4. Smart Lighting

You don't need anybody to educate you on the importance of energy conservation when you run a small business. Even bigger companies are constantly looking for efficient ways to cut back on wasteful energy consumption. Research says office or business lighting takes a chunk of monthly energy bills. Therefore, if you find yourself in the category of small business owners who get incredibly high lighting bills, do yourself a favor and think again. Indeed, reducing energy consumption for your business is not all in your hands. Do not forget that your employees must understand the mission too.

Energy-efficient lighting is the answer to a number of these high electricity billing issues. With this option, you have direct control over lighting in your small business establishment. The exciting part is you get to control office lighting no matter where you are. Some smart light inventions are built with occupancy sensors. This means, the moment your employees leave a room, the lights will automatically go off to help you save on energy. With this technology, you will begin to see the vast benefits after months of usage. Without a doubt, this technology is worth your initial investment.

Other smart technologies you can explore for your small business are smart payments, inventory, and stock control, among many others. The objective here is to simplify work, run it smartly and make technology the core of your business.

THREE LESSONS MODERN DADS CAN LEARN FROM DIGITAL NOMADS

Have you heard of digital nomads? These are people who utilize technology to work remotely so as to be location independent. So instead of being tied to a desk in an office building a digital nomad may be working from a beach-side cabana, while traveling around the United States in an RV or maybe even from hotels in foreign countries while exploring the world. They utilize the connectivity of the Internet and today's communications and computing technology to lead a nomadic lifestyle.

Digital nomading may be great before you have kids or even with preschoolers. Once your kids hit school age, however, there’s a lot of reasons why it’s useful to have a home base. Even so, there’s still a lot modern dads can learn from digital nomads. Here are a few of the key lessons. 

Keep on top of time with technology 

You may think that your kids are too young to have smartphones and apps. There is, however, nothing to stop you from creating and managing accounts for them. For example, if you use an Android smartphone yourself, then you could create Gmail accounts for your kids. Then you can put anything related to them in their own calendar, which you can see. 

The advantage of this approach is that changes to a kid’s calendar will be seen immediately by everyone who has access to it. This avoids the problem of you updating your own calendar but forgetting to tell anyone else who needs to know. 

Digital nomads always have knowledge of how to get WiFi connection. They always know the best internet for rural areas and urban areas. This helps them to stay connected in whichever parts of the world they choose to be. Try to get the highest quality internet you can as it will prevent frustration, and help productivity.

Separate your contact details from your location 

You’re probably already doing this to some extent with cell phones and email. Now, however, could be a great time to up your game. For example, ditching your regular landline for a VoIP number can do a lot more than just lower your phone bills. It can give you access to the kinds of call-management features which used to be exclusive to business. 

What’s more, you can have extra numbers without extra lines. This could be very handy if you wanted to work/side-hustle/run a business from home. In fact, if you are or thinking about side-hustling/running a business from home, then you probably want to up your game even further. Using low cost virtual address services allows you to give people a mailing address without potentially compromising your home address. 

Make sure that you have a portable workspace 

Full-time travel with kids is, realistically, not a practical option for the average family. Part-time travel with kids, however, can lead to some of the best experiences a family can have. Your ability to work “away from base” can make a significant difference to your ability to get out and about with your kids. After all, even if you’re just heading out on a short road trip, you might find it very helpful to keep on top of work. 

The better your portable workspace, the more options you can have. That means it really can be worth thinking about what you, personally, need to be productive on the move for different lengths of time. When considering this, remember to think about accessories such as cases, cables, cards and, of course, power. 

For example, a tablet on its own might keep you going when you’re waiting to pick up your kids from some activity. If, however, you’re going “off base” for a day, then you need to start thinking about extra power. If you want to do any serious work, then you might find it very helpful to have an external keyboard and mouse. In fact, you may even find that you really need to upgrade to a laptop.