IT for startups not likely to be difficult
Unless they're beginning life as an IT consultant, the combination of computers, software and the maze of social media choices can be daunting for many startup entrepreneurs. Take heart, however: Assuming you've mastered the keyboard and screen connection before, the transition to your own business' information technology platform isn't likely to be difficult.
"Things don't change that much" in small business IT, says Jason Burton. "You may need a lot of 'things,' but initially probably just a little bit in IT."
Burton is an IT consultant who works primarily with smaller businesses at his Chicago Technology Consulting. (Disclosure. He's my IT guy.)
Here are Burton's IT thoughts for start-ups:
• Computers? "Unless you're into gaming or CAD, laptops have more than enough muscle for most startups," he says.
• Software? "Microsoft's Office Suite is the standard," Burton says, although he offers options.
One option Burton considers is Apache OpenOffice, the current iteration of which is reasonably popular - and free. "OpenOffice can be a little clunky," Burton says, "but it also does about 90 percent of what Microsoft's Office package does."
Another option: Google Apps, which Burton says "are pretty easy to use."
• Email? "Outlook is great," Burton says. "Gmail is an option, but if you own your own domain name, an email address of 'You@yourcompany.com' looks more professional than 'yourcompany@gmail.com.'"
Constant Contact is probably the best known email service small businesses use when they want to send newsletters and other materials. Constant Contact is free for 60 days, then has a $20 per month minimum.
Burton suggests MailChimp as an alternative. MailChimp offers a very similar package of services, free with fewer than 2,000 email subscribers and 12,000 total emails per month.
• You'll need an Internet connection, of course. "Residential broadband is the way to go," Burton says, although he suggests Comcast Business for more speed.
• Website. GoDaddy is Burton's go-to choice, partly because hosting is cheap and GoDaddy offers a website site "that you or your 12-year old grandchild can do."
• You'll also need backup support, so you have recourse if something bad happens to your system. Carbonite and Crash Plan are two services Burton prefers.
• Social media. A Facebook business, rather than personal, page can help you reach your market. So can LinkedIn. If you make and sell things such as jewelry, Burton says Pinterest and Instagram will be important.
If you sell from your website, and collect payment, PayPal is Burton's top payments' choice.
• Phones. A smartphone is basic to "stay in touch wherever you are," Burton says. He adds that Google Voice offers a free number that will forward to your home or cellphone.
• © 2016 Kendall Communications Inc. Follow Jim Kendall on LinkedIn and Twitter. Write him at Jim@kendallcom.com. Listen to Jim's Business Owners' Pod Talk at www.kendallcom.com/podcast.