Get your gears rolling: Running a true mobile business

The Alltel Team
The Alltel Team
Get Your Gears Rolling: Running a True Mobile Business

Gone are the days when hotdog stands and ice cream trucks were the only things that come to mind when you say mobile business. Today, the term has become so much more than just peddling goods. It now includes the provisioning of everyday products and services in a convenient and highly unique fashion.

Investing in a brick and mortar space may not be profitable for everyone. However, this reality no longer hinders business minded people like you to put up mobile businesses. Technology has played a great part in making this option possible for entrepreneurs. Still, the biggest challenge that you would face is maintaining consistency in providing topnotch goods and services whenever and wherever you may be. To overcome this hurdle, here are some ways you can ensure that your business is truly mobile.

Analyze your needs

Make a list of all resources that will be crucial for your business process. What will be your main communication channel with customers? Is your process going to be solely online or will you be taking job orders through calls? Determine which tools offer flexibility in sustaining these channels even if you’re on the road or suddenly move to a different location. Consider using virtual numbers like a 1300 /1800 number, or stick to virtual office solutions like digital fax and voice. Going virtual gives you the same functionality without the cost of investing in any equipment.

Know What to Scrimp/Splurge On

Going mobile is essentially eliminating unnecessary costs and focusing on your product. Although it’s nice to cut corners on expenses that aren’t essential in your business process, you should also know when to spend for quality. Balancing cost and functionality has always been tricky. Take your internet connection as an example. Going for a low-cost, unreliable provider or mooching off coffee shop connections will save you money on recurring costs but will cost you your clients for poor and inconsistent service in the long run.

Don’t be Afraid to Delegate

Multi-tasking is a trait that all entrepreneurs have in common. However, you should know when to loosen your grip on the reigns and let your staff ease some of your workload. Take advantage of different routing configurations for your inbound numbers so your customers are directed to an available staff member when you’re busy doing house calls or taking a well-deserved break.

Personalize Your Business

Make sure that each customer call is answered whenever you can’t pick up the phone. A live answering service shows your customers you care enough about their concern to have a real person take their messages yet offers you savings on overhead costs. Choose one that forwards messages through email and SMS in real time to allow you to filter issues that need immediate attention wherever you may be.

Use being small to your advantage by fostering a closer relationship with your customer base. Most people turn to family and small businesses instead of big companies because of the attention and service they get from people who know them and don’t treat them as another sales statistic. With the help of technology, you can get your gears rolling and find success as a mobile business. To know more about different communications solutions ring us up at 1300 ALLTEL or visit us at ALLTEL.


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