From banking apps that help you manage your personal finances to remote work software that allows your team to work together from anywhere, investing in new technology can open up exciting new opportunities.
Unfortunately, implementing or adapting to new tech isn't without its challenges. If you want to overcome the hurdles ahead of you and make the most of your investment, here are three tips to keep in mind.
Check for a Free Trial or Money-Back Guarantee
Testing out new technology for personal use or for your business can be a great chance to find a tool that will make your life easier. But while a new app or software might sound promising, being new, high-dollar or even designed by a company that you trust doesn't necessarily mean it will be perfect for you.
Before you devote a lot of time and money to any new tech, it's a good idea to try it out. After all, you wouldn't purchase a new car without test driving it. While a software product might not cost as much as a car, it's still an investment. And when you're investing in several different types of tech and software, it's easy to spend as much, if not more, than you might on a new vehicle. In fact, the average small business spends between $10,000 and $49,000 a year on technology.
Before you hand over your credit card information, ask about free trials or a money-back guarantee. These will allow you to try out any new technology you're considering, without worrying about losing money. This is also an excellent way to take the dive and try out new tech faster than you might of if you weren't confident that you could get your money back.
Keep an Open Mind
While you might start out confident about trying out new tech, when roadblocks and confusion set in, you may begin having second thoughts. If you're rolling out new tech that your employees or coworkers will be using as well, odds are that you'll meet some resistance along the way.
In fact, research has identified some statistic-backed challenges that businesses face when rolling out new tech. Employees may lack the skills needed to use the software, senior management may be unaware of issues with the rollout, the new tech may be too complex, or there may be inadequate infrastructure for implementing changes.
Depending on the size of your business, the tech you're looking to invest in and your company culture, you'll need to deal with these specific challenges. But one tip can help mitigate many of the issues that come with implementing new technology; keep an open mind.
Put away distractions and put your "old way" of doing things out of your mind. While you're testing out the new tech, focus on the opportunities it may bring, as well as its advantages as you start navigating it. When you hit a wall, go back to the tutorial or help desk to sort it out, rather than letting it stop you.
Consider Your Security Needs From the Start
Whether it's for personal use or for your business, before you start implementing any kind of new tech, it's important to consider the new security challenges it will bring. Perhaps the tech will handle sensitive information, or require your employees to work remotely from internet connections that might not be secure.
Investing in Lifelock and Norton 360 protection before you implement any new technology will ensure that your information, your employees and/or your clients are protected right from the start.
Making the Transition to New Tech Go Smoothly
Whether your new tech is for personal use or for your business, looking for free trials or money-back-guarantees, keeping an open mind and considering your new security needs from the start are important. Put these tips to work as you take the leap and invest in the tech that will help you take your business, finances or work to the next level.
