Winter in Western New York is no joke. Every winter, severe storms bring business to a grinding halt, keeping employees home, handcuffing projects and stifling customer communication. By now you’re accustomed to the era of remote work. But there are small business digital tech tools that can do MORE than just keep your team connected from home.
Between unpredictable snowstorms, icy roads and power outages, the season brings unique challenges for local businesses unlike anywhere else in the country. The good news: with the right digital tools and backup strategies, small businesses in WNY can continue operating smoothly — even when Mother Nature is at her worst.
Keep in mind, 90% of businesses fail within a year if they can’t resume operations within 5 days of a weather disaster.
For smart C-level executives in WNY like you, preparation isn’t just about salting roads and shoveling sidewalks. It’s about building resilience with smart technology that allows business to continue whether it’s a beautiful winter day or a state of emergency.
Small Business Digital Technology to Keep Things Running in WNY’s Severe Winters
Let’s explore three essential areas where small business digital technology tools can make a big difference: remote work technology, virtual collaboration tools, and backup power and data solutions.
1. Remote Work Technology: Maintain Productivity Even During a Blizzard
Western New York winters are notorious for impassable roads, leading to unexpected absences and reduced productivity. Remote work technology is the ultimate game-changer for ensuring your team can work seamlessly from home when snow makes commuting impossible.
Key Solutions for Remote Work Readiness
- Cloud Computing: Platforms like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace or Dropbox enable employees to access files, tools and workflows from anywhere. These cloud-based systems ensure your business doesn’t crash just because employees can’t make it into the office.
- Virtual Desktops: Solutions like Azure Virtual Desktop or Amazon WorkSpaces allow employees to securely access their work environments remotely. These virtual desktop interfaces replicate the in-office experience from home, reducing IT disruptions in weather emergencies.
- Mobile-Friendly Tools: Winter weather doesn’t wait for perfect conditions, and employees may need to work on the go. Mobile-friendly apps for task management, emails and client communications help your team stay connected and productive from their smartphones.
Pro Tip: Ensure your team has reliable hardware (laptops, tablets and other mobile devices) and a secure VPN for safe access to company data while working remotely.
2. Virtual Collaboration Tools: Stay Connected, No Matter the Weather
When WNY snowstorms force employees to work remotely, collaboration inevitably takes a hit. The lack of face-to-face interaction often leads to delays in decision-making and miscommunication. That’s where virtual collaboration and productivity tools step in to bridge the gap.
Collaboration Must-Haves for WNY Businesses
- Video Conferencing Platforms: Tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams keep meetings on track, even when your team is scattered across the region. Bonus: Screen sharing and virtual whiteboards help mimic in-person collaboration.
- Project Management Tools: Apps like Trello, Asana or Monday.com keep your team aligned on deadlines, responsibilities, and priorities—whether they’re in-office or at home.
- Instant Messaging: Seamless communication is critical to businesses of any size – especially small businesses with limited budgets. Replace endless email chains with real-time messaging tools like Slack or Teams, which allow for quick updates and organized communication channels.
Pro Tip: Investing in training for these small business digital tech tools is just as important as the applications themselves. The more comfortable your team is with the technology, the more productive they’ll be — snow or shine.
3. Backup Power & Data Solutions: Prevent Costly Downtime During Outages
During WNY winters, snow itself is often the least of our concerns. Severe wind and heavy ice brings power outages and the chance to lose data and customer projects. One big storm can leave your business without electricity for hours, if not days. Without power, operations come to a standstill, frustrating customers and impacting your bottom line.
Backup Strategies for Power Outages
- Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): A UPS provides temporary power to keep critical devices (like servers and routers) running during short outages. Think of it as a stopgap measure to keep your systems online.
- Generators: Invest in a commercial-grade generator to power your office or storefront during extended outages. For businesses reliant on technology — like retail POS systems or industrial equipment — a generator is essential.
- Cloud Backups: If a power outage damages your on-site hardware, cloud backups ensure you won’t lose critical data. Tools like Carbonite or AWS Backup automatically save your files offsite, giving you peace of mind.
Pro Tip: Regularly test your backup power solutions to ensure they’re fully functional when Old Man Winter strikes.
Winterproof Your Small Business with Acme Business
If your small business has operated in Western New York for a while, you’ve likely come to appreciate the beautiful winter landscapes here. Undoubtedly, you’ve also come to respect the power of Mother Nature. (Even a day or two of downtime could break many businesses.)
At Acme Business in Olean, NY we understand the unique challenges facing small businesses in Western New York. (Because we’re a small business, too!) On top of traditional economic disadvantages, winter weather often decides to throw us curveballs.
But we’re resilient!
From Buffalo’s lake-effect snowstorms to the Southern Tier’s icy hills, great leaders are prepared with the small business digital tech tools to stay operational in any condition. Our team specializes in equipping WNY businesses with tailored managed IT solutions that keep you connected and productive.
Call us at (716) 372-1325 to get started and follow us on LinkedIn. Because your business deserves the best.
Recent Comments