We almost take the internet for granted these days and in business that complacency can lay the foundations for a crisis. Reliable connectivity is vital, but some organizations and startups might only heed the importance of it once their network goes down.
What would your business do without the ability to send and receive emails? How much work would most teams get done without their cloud-based productivity apps? How would retailers make sales either online or in person if they’re unable to take card payments? These are scary scenarios — particularly for the smaller business or the solo entrepreneur. The right choice of network provider, however, can provide some protection from these issues.
Network reliability
The combination of mobile and the web that smartphones have brought us is more powerful than we truly realize.
Mobile internet is also changing the way we work. Not only are we able to carry out our jobs from almost anywhere, but technology has also given us the flexibility to do almost anything. Low-code apps have made it far simpler to build websites, and teams can stay connected via video conferencing. Even budgets and finance are just a simple swipe away on mobile phones. All this makes it easier than ever to start a business via a smartphone.
It’s a trend that has had a resurgence in 2023, according to BT research conducted by strategic insight agency, Opinium. The researchers surveyed 2,000 UK adults between 30 December 2022 and 5 Jan 2023 with 500 of those running their own businesses or side hustle. The research showed that budding entrepreneurs are taking advantage of social media and e-commerce websites, with more than half of those surveyed saying they run their businesses via their smartphone.
Mobile phones were rated as the number one device for managing a business with 59% suggesting their phone was the main tool they use to run their operations – considerably more than laptops and desktop computers. Some 73% of the respondents who run a business felt they couldn’t do so without a reliable broadband connection.
Underpinning this concern is the fact many businesses are now online only; 41% of the entrepreneurs questioned run their business solely through a website or social media account, with absolutely no in-person presence or physical store. Their entire operation and revenue are dependent on their broadband provider.
In the report, Chris Sims, managing director of small and medium enterprises at BT, suggests that reliable and fast connectivity is the backbone of SMBs up and down the UK.
“As digital entrepreneurialism goes from strength to strength, our networks are processing more data than ever,” Sims states. “That’s why BT is committed to providing the very best broadband availability, speeds, and mobile connectivity for all of our customers – and investing in upskilling more small businesses to help them unlock their digital earning potential.”
Broadband you can rely on
The importance of social media sites and no code website builders as a quick and easy way to establish a digital shopfront and sell to hundreds of potential customers can’t be overlooked. Being able to do both via a mobile phone has made it very easy to startup and go.
More than four in ten (44%) of the respondents to BT’s survey suggested they would like to start a business or side hustle, with one in three (30%) keen to go online. Many pointed to improvements in technology and connectivity as the reason for going it alone.
Data from BT Business also suggests that the cost-of-living crisis is driving many to take the plunge and find more income, greater control over working hours, and the ability to fit work around family.
None of that would be possible, however, without a reliable network. Any downtime will hamper your ability to generate extra income, likely leave you working longer hours, and potentially disrupt your family life and travel plans.
However, as more and more of us take up side hustles and make the jump to go it alone, companies like BT have been crucial in helping to realize those dreams.
The reason for this may well be its reliability; BT promises 99.999% uptime and also EE's 4G network as a backup to make sure its business customers stay connected no matter what.
Business internet services typically include more features compared to residential broadband offerings. Most of these are there to help ensure businesses stay connected, with guarantees on performance and added security capabilities. BT business broadband comes with a minimum speed guarantee, but also ‘Guest Wi-Fi’ for customers. This includes security like content controls that help alert businesses to dangerous websites and threats that may harm their networks.
What’s more, BT’s UK-based experts are on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year, to ensure its business customers aren’t left unconnected. To find out more, search ‘BT’s got your back’.
