Get the Most for Your Tech Bucks

Arrive founder Jonathan Negrini shares some advice with the Tallahassee Democrat on maximizing your technology investment.

Business owners large and small know that technology can streamline the way we do everything these days, from processing payments to tracking inventory to communicating with clients and employees.

The right technology investment can go a long way with any business, but in today's economy getting the most bang for your technology buck becomes essential to running an efficient — and profitable — business.

Internal IT versus outsourcing

Most small businesses really don't have a need for full-time information technology (IT) personnel. Realize that recruiting, hiring and training new employees can be time consuming and expensive, especially if they are brought onboard to specialize in a competency not shared by others on your team.

Instead, one of the fastest growing trends in IT is outsourcing. A solid IT firm will help organize and facilitate your business more efficiently with the knowledge and effort of an entire IT team. Typically, all of this can be done for less than a company would invest in a single in-house employee.

Many IT firms even offer fixed-fee monthly support that allows businesses to custom-tailor the service to meet their specific technology needs while keeping costs low. Possibly one of the greatest advantages of outsourcing is the flexibility it offers. If your IT firm isn't meeting your needs, it is much easier to change companies than to change an employee.

Comparing technologies

Research your options when choosing a technology vendor or IT firm. In addition to the core services that technology companies offer, many provide clients with little extras that go a long way. Be sure to compare each IT firm's emergency support response times and prices, explore each company's customer service plans and hours and research where each company is located.

A local firm will offer the additional advantage of being at your site to understand not only your business but the people who are driving your business and their needs.

Arrive offers Search Engine Marketing, SEM, Search Engine Optimization, SEO, and Social Media Marketing, including Pay-Per-Click, PPC, and Consulting, to any Business, Firm, Company, or Organization in Clearwater, Tampa, Tampa Bay, Safety Harbor, Orlando, Gainesville, and Jacksonville, Fl, Florida.