To the small business, budgets are important. They need to be set and stuck to in order to confidently predict cash flow and succeed in the long term. But once you sign contracts with vendors, prices seem to escalate. Machines break. Your server is getting older. It seems as though there is a never-ending need to invest in new technology and fix and refresh it in order to stay up to speed and innovate. Taking the time to sit down and be proactive about your technology is extremely important. In addition to budgeting, you must take the time to plan your expenses and re-assess as you grow. As technology consultants, we help many of our clients manage their budget and be proactive about renewing contracts and investing in new technology. We’ve seen it all – from severe price gouging on resold services to companies selling overpriced used equipment without warranty. Here are just a few aspects of your technology that we’re positive you’re overpaying for:
- Internet
Many think that you only have to consider your internet when your contract is up for renewal, when you move or when you need more bandwidth. (Or when it’s down, of course.) But the fact is that any promotions that you might have been offered when you signed up have likely fallen off and odds are good that you could get a better deal if you called to renegotiate. Audit your internet annually in order to avoid overpaying. Find out what deals are available and how you can take advantage of those deals. Your technology partner may have a relationship with a representative that can negotiate an even better deal than you can. - Phone Services
Your phone service is another thing that you set up and pretty much forget once you have it. But just like your internet, if you’re not careful, your promotional pricing falls off and you end up with bill increases every year. By taking a moment to look through new services, features and options with other providers, you can leverage the knowledge to negotiate a new contract and even better services from you existing provider or switch to another if you find an even better deal for quality services. - Cloud services
SaaS applications and services like Office 365 and DropBox are always updating with new specials and pricing. Microsoft often offers special incentives to business owners that make the switch. A technology partner that is up to speed with these types of specials can typically educate you on the options available to your business. Be sure that before you consider a cloud move, you assess options carefully and understand exactly how the pricing structure works.
Saving a little here and there on small subscription services can add up big in the long haul. What may seem like only a few dollars a month can add up after years. Combine these with savings over multiple services and that’s a big deal for a small business. Every little bit helps when it comes to your business budget. Make sure that you take the time to re-asses your contracts annually and explore the aspects of your technology that you’re probably overpaying for.
