We try to share information here in the Home Business blog about how to stay in touch with industry trends, as well as how to keep your home business operations from becoming outdated. It is easy to get bogged down in the daily details, however, and not really know if it is time to make changes or updates to equipment, operations, contracts, etc. I have learned over time that while it is tempting to leave things the way they are, often it is better to at least look things over and consider updating—just to be on the safe side.
Technology changes quickly. If you are wondering whether you should update your web site, software, computer, or other technology, chance are you are responding to inclinations that it is already becoming obsolete. While we can get overly-twitchy when it comes to making changes, it is more likely that we will let things become outdated because we either don’t notice or do not want to spend the money. When in doubt, at least seriously consider making the upgrade or doing the updating. There is always efficiency and overall value to be considered.
The one area where you should not make rash changes is to your marketing approach (logo, slogan, overall marketing image, etc.)—this is one area where branding is important and keeping the overall look of your business steady is the key to getting good customer recognition. In other areas however—daily function, shipping, marketing efforts, equipment, and the like—it is often better to consider making the updates or upgrades on a regular basis instead of hoping that keeping the status quo will continue to move you forward in your business operations. Take the extra time and spend the extra money (if you can afford it) to make regular updates for overall efficiency.
Also: Starting from Scratch
Plan B–Consider the Alternatives
Professional Development and the Home Business Owner