How Communications Can Influence a Startup’s Success
As a startup, you’d be forgiven for thinking that there are other areas worthier of investment than your communications infrastructure (unless, of course, you’re setting up a large call centre as that would be a huge oversight). The finances of new businesses are often limited and severely stretched so many choose to start with a basic communications set up, assuming that it will suffice and can be upgraded later on. Whilst this certainly does makes sense for some, it can be a big mistake for others. In this article, we explain how a solid communications infrastructure can impact the success of a startup.
Profits
This is a fairly obvious point, but something that is surprisingly often overlooked. If your communications infrastructure is so limited that customers frequently have difficulty reaching you then you will lose business and your venture will fail. It’s common knowledge that cash flow problems are one of the main reasons why startups fail. If your business is not bringing in money then you won’t be able to pay your staff, your suppliers, your rent or any other expenses you may have. Consider implementing a communications infrastructure that has multiple lines and channels for communication. When it comes to contacting a business, today’s consumers expect choice and efficiency so make sure you’re available across multiple platforms and that congested lines don’t prevent you from taking enquiries. Otherwise, they will simply go elsewhere and your profits will suffer.
Operational Efficiency
One of the easiest ways to ensure your operations run more efficiently is to make sure that your internal communications are seamless. When your employees lack the ability to communicate with managers and colleagues, simple working processes can quickly fall apart. The early stages of your business are crucial and it’s important that you and your management team have the time that is needed to focus on getting the business off the ground, without unnecessary delays and distractions. When you urgently need to get hold of a particular team member, listening to busy tones can be extremely frustrating. When this is a regular occurrence within your organisation, it can seriously hamper efficiency. In today’s extremely competitive climate, efficiency and productivity are key to the success of any business, not just startups. That’s why the latest business communications technology is designed with seamless communications in mind.
Future Growth
Although it can be tempting, from a financial perspective, to invest in the absolute minimum communications equipment that will meet your needs in the immediate term, this could impede your growth and will cost you more in the long run. Your initial technology investments will serve you much better if they offer scalability. As your business grows, you take on more workers and acquire new customers, you will need the infrastructure to support this. If you don’t have a scalable communications system already in place, you will need to replace the basic system you have already invested in. This is likely to be costly and time-consuming at a time when you could do without being slowed down. It’s much better to think about and plan for future growth at the beginning, to ensure that your initial investment serves you well for years to come.
Business Telephone Systems for Startups
Many startups make the mistake of thinking that the technology they need is financially out of reach. However, there are many great value business telephone systems on the market that offer rich functionality and scalability and don’t cost the earth. There are also options, such as finance or leasing, that allow you to obtain the communications system you need, and spread the cost with manageable payments.
If you run a relatively new business and would like more advice about communications that will set you on the path to success, contact us today to speak to one of our friendly engineers.
Want more information? Watch our video on business lines for startups.