Working closely with technology companies could be the key to a new work/life balance, says Fasthosts’ Claire Lewis.

As the UK economy slowly returns to growth, new research finds that there may be thousands of entrepreneurs currently ‘sitting on the fence’ over whether to launch their own business.

‘The Home Business Survey’, a study of 1500 UK adults, commissioned by Fasthosts Internet, finds that although the vast majority (72 per cent) of Britons would consider or have considered starting their own business project, a lack of technical knowledge and the current economic climate is preventing them doing so.

The unattractive economic climate plays most on people’s minds (36 per cent) followed by shortfalls in business knowledge (18 per cent).

The same study finds that 86 per cent do not consider the impact of technology such as smartphones, notepads and internet applications, and the impact of such technology, before concluding whether or not to launch their business idea. Many people with a concept for a business venture, particularly for home businesses, may be swayed if they knew just how much technology can now help them to run a business and provide a balanced work/life environment.

The data suggests that many may not be taking the plunge because they are unaware of how much technology can help to design and manage their work. Five key areas that technology can drive and aid a flexible, mobile and 24-7 business model are:

1. An online presence in the form of a business website
2. An online shop to further promote and sell products
3. Mobile and collaborative email solution for mobile communication with customers
4. Search engine marketing for gaining awareness and customer leads
5. Online storage and data transfer solutions for accessing and handling business materials

It is vital for anybody thinking of starting their own business to know what is technologically possible from the very start. Selling goods and even services online is often incorrectly regarded as beyond the reach of non-technical people.

Family responsibilities and financial aspects are always pressures that need to be considered. However, the huge range of Internet-based tools available for mobile working means that work patterns can be far more flexible and mobile than ever before. It is vital that before deciding if a start-up project is achievable, one looks carefully at what technology is available to help.

Internet-based tools can certainly help entrepreneurs to succeed, and this is strongly believed by Internet Psychologist Graham Jones. He comments, “Research over the past few years has shown that when people use the Internet as the focus of their business their productivity goes up. Indeed, Internet users are more productive than people who simply use computers in the office, with standard programs and in-house software. If only more people would tap into the online tools available, they too could run productive businesses which are using the extensive knowledge available online to give them a competitive edge”.

Britain clearly has no shortage of entrepreneurial spirit. However, knowledge is often the key, so always contact technology providers in the earliest stages to ask what’s possible. Many business activities can be shaped using scalable, affordable tools for working online. Many will discover that technology can facilitate far more flexible working providing the opportunity to get a new business off the ground and growing.

Fasthosts’ ‘Work Better Online’ campaign provide information and helpful tips on working practices, tools and technologies that can help entrepreneurs to juggle a fledgling business alongside their lives. Topics include time management, workspace design, meetings, office dynamics, productivity, communication, motivation and real life case studies discussed.

More details at http://blogs.fasthosts.co.uk

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