Startup Guides > 3 Absurd Myths About Using Technology in Small Business

Risk taking is second nature to most entrepreneurs, but technology issues can make them turn cautious. Too often, business owners believe they don't have the expertise or financial resources to take full advantage of technology. But, by limiting their use of tech, they also limit their growth opportunities in our now always-on, always-connected world.

Turns out, many of these myths about tech may be based on misconceptions. Here are 3 common misconceptions that your business may need to move beyond in order to open new pathways for growth and innovation:

1) Security protection is too expensive and complicated for most small businesses.

Your data is one of your company's greatest assets, so investing in its security should be a top priority. The good news is that you don't need a big IT budget because many security measures are free or inexpensive. In many cases, it doesn't cost a penny extra to regularly download software updates, take advantage of your operating system's encryption capabilities, enforce the use of strong passwords, and use internet browsers with security features.


2) Reaching more customers requires an in-house social media guru.

You may not be able to afford an expert, but that doesn't mean you can't use social networks to get the word out about your products and services. It's called social media marketing. Many affordable, online tools can help you increase your visibility, reach more customers and monitor your social presence.

3) Most small businesses can't afford remote working arrangements.

Advances in technology have enabled us to do our work from practically anywhere at any time. Yet, what many entrepreneurs may not know is that providing employees with remote capabilities can be affordable and even preferable to in-house working arrangements. Remote workers are often more productive and satisfied, plus they give business owners access to a larger talent pool.

Thanks to the power of cloud computing and the wide range of software available over the Internet, companies can cost effectively enable employees to work remotely, sometimes even eliminating the need for physical office space, networking infrastructure and an expensive lease.

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