Samsung Galaxy Book Ionsupplied
This past year changed the way we do business and work. What does the future look like for Canada’s small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs)?
“SMBs need simple solutions and reliable tech, to help them navigate, learn and adapt to our ‘next normal’,” says Jennifer Safruk, vice-president, Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics Canada.
2020 was a year of transition. The pandemic had consumers rely heavily on online solutions to get the goods and services they may have traditionally sought in-person. That only accelerated a trend.
Meanwhile, overall interactions with customers are increasingly going online. Having easy-to-use and dependable technology at their fingertips will help businesses to move into this next phase. “Our newer devices are a future-proofing asset for SMBs,” says Ms. Safruk.
What trends will shape the year to come, and how can SMBs to embrace new opportunities? Ms. Safruk offers five insights.
1. Be nimble and ready with your technology solutions
With ongoing restrictions on gatherings, and limited access or capacity in public spaces, consumers will continue to connect online in big numbers. Ms. Safruk notes that the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) says half of business owners (51 per cent) predict they’ll rely on digital communications a lot more in the coming year.
The online shift comes with challenges. According to the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), 33 per cent of entrepreneurs relying on online sales say they need to gain expertise in the field. Staying on top of how customers want to engage with you – and having the right tech to deliver – is key to remaining competitive.
2. Think like your consumer acts
“By adopting a mobile-first approach, businesses can deliver on customers’ growing expectations to have a seamless online experience,” says Ms. Safruk.
She says that as Canadian entrepreneurs look to prepare for the recovery from the pandemic, 4 in 10 want to increase their investment in technology (BDC figures). Ms. Safruk says mobile solutions can empower small businesses to be more productive, and keep their data secure and safe.
3. Prioritize productivity
Many businesses are overwhelmed by the effort it takes to track all their digital channels, and need tools that are tailored to their unique challenges.
“SMBs need to prioritize cost-effective solutions that help them get their work done, as productivity impacts their bottom line,” says Ms. Safruk. Being more productive also helps companies to be more customer-centric.
The range of laptops from Samsung are a big asset for SMBs, as they pack a range of features into one powerful device. The Samsung Galaxy Book Series has a variety of options for SMBs of all types, while businesses on the creative side will like the two-in-one Galaxy Book Flex. It transforms from a laptop to a tablet in a snap, and allows users to sketch or create on its vivid QLED display with the S Pen.
With the Galaxy Book Ion, Windows 10 Pro is built in to simplify device and application management. Galaxy Book S offers remarkably powerful processors, long-lasting battery life and speedy connectivity. “They can complete whatever task is at hand, from customer requests to order fulfillments,” says Ms. Safruk.
4. Embrace and fuel remote collaboration
This past year has also seen business owners pivot at break-neck speed when it came to taking the workforce out of the office and into the home. This remote working trend is likely here to stay. SMBs have to ensure their employees have the tools they need to make working from home more effective and collaborative.
“Many companies have had to quickly adapt their operations to embrace a fully remote workforce, complete with technology solutions that integrate seamlessly with each other for maximum efficiency,” says Ms. Safruk.
It can be difficult to imagine how to capture the connection or collaboration that many of us are used to – be in the boardroom or the lunch room – without the face-to-face element. Ms. Safruk says SMBs need devices that help them duplicate that experience.
For instance, Samsung tablets like Galaxy Tab S7+ allow for easy video conferencing, with a large, immersive screen display and a camera built-in to the horizontal edge of the screen. That helps business to meet with their team, vendors and customers whenever needed with confidence and clarity.
5. Smartphones equal smart business
Smartphones are now arguably the most important device for the SMB owner, Ms. Safruk suggests. “They allow the user to reach out to clients at the touch of a button, launch presentations to potential investors from anywhere, and capitalize on the device’s business functions to send emails, review analytics and run spreadsheets without slowing down,” she says.
The 2020 launch of the Galaxy Note20 5G and Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has meant big things for SMBs. These devices come with a range of useful business features, like the intelligent all-day battery, HyperFast processor, and the S Pen that can convert your notes and sketches into Microsoft Word or PowerPoint documents.
“It’s critical for businesses to get the most out of their technology,” says Ms. Safruk. “Understanding how to scale up or down to optimize productivity and service will result in a much stronger return on your investment.”
Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.