This is an article in The Guardian called ‘How small businesses can grow using low-cost technology’ by Sirena Bergman

To read the full article click here – The Guardian article

Below is my contribution to the article

Think outside the box

Rachael Naylor is a voiceover artist, and like many freelancers and small business owners, she finds it hard to ensure her invoices get paid on time. In addition, working with several different clients a week means invoicing can be a lengthy process. After doing some research, she came across Zapper.com, a scan-to-pay app that allows you to scan a QR code with your smartphone either online or by paper, and instantly transfers money from one person to another.

“I think QR codes are being overlooked,” says Naylor. “This technology allows me to speed up my invoicing and makes it easier for myself and my clients.”

Taking the time to find out what options are available is important, but small businesses shouldn’t be drawn to technology just because it’s free, as there are often low-cost alternatives that will be more appropriate and save time in the long run.

“There are so many cool payment apps that are free and easy to use but are not appropriate in a small business capacity,” she said. “My advice for other small businesses who are seeing what’s out there in terms of technology investment would be to think about what will work for them as well as their client base.”