Recently, Verizon and Small Business Trends conducted a joint survey to see how small businesses are using technology.
Although the sample size was small — only business owners in the Philadelphia area were surveyed — the results were interesting. Respondents admitted to taking calls from customers outside of traditional work hours — during a funeral, while attending a wedding reception and at a child’s birthday party — just to name a few. Additionally, almost half of respondents said they do business while on vacation.
Other Interesting Findings
When asked which technology was essential for conducting business, here was the breakdown:
- 89 percent answered high-speed Internet
- 63 percent said landline phone
- 60 percent stated mobile phone
Respondents were also asked about their biggest technology concern:
- 72 percent said loss of high-speed Internet
- 54 percent fear cyber attacks
- 46 percent worry about losing data
When asked how technology has helped them conduct business:
- 88 percent said it helps them service their customers better
- 85 percent said it allows them to connect with customers offsite
- 84 percent stated technology has improved workflow efficiency for them
- 61 percent said mobile technology saves them time and money
Reference:
Campbell, Anita. “Crazy Places Where We Conduct Business, Thanks to Our Phones”. Smallbiztrends.9/18/2014.
