Why small businesses are embracing tech to recover

As we enter National Small Business Week, I’m inspired by the ingenuity of our small business customers and their ability to pivot how they do business virtually overnight in today’s extraordinary circumstances. From the retailer who went from a packed store to curbside pickup overnight, to the design agency who is now servicing all their customers virtually, the ability of small businesses to become digitally proficient to drive revenue has been nothing short of incredible.

According to a recent Verizon Small Business survey, nearly two out of three (63%) small businesses are utilizing digital tools and technologies to change business processes and customer experiences. Additionally, 40% of small businesses stated that COVID-19 drove them to increase revenue generated through digital and online operations. Small businesses are embracing technology in a big way and these solutions will be key to recovery and success. It’s clear that connectivity has been a catalyst for how small businesses have been able to adapt over the last year and a half. I’m excited that our network has been able to help propel small businesses into new realms of customer experience, profitability, operational dexterity, and the ability to work anywhere.

It is our responsibility to continue to provide our customers with new innovations using the power of our network to move their businesses forward today and tomorrow. Our teams are partnering with small businesses every day to create personalized solutions and innovate. So what does that mean? Verizon Business is answering the call in a few ways.

We’re working with customers every day to ensure that they can conduct business wherever and whenever they need, leveraging our best-in-class solutions such as our remote collaboration video conferencing solution, BlueJeans by Verizon. Customers are also embracing mobile-first phone solutions like One Talk, which assigns one number that rings multiple compatible mobile devices, desk phones and PCs. This means fewer missed calls and more opportunities to connect.

Then, there’s the opportunities that 5G can provide. 58% of small business owners believe that 5G will create new opportunities within their industry. We are working with our customers in providing them with 5G mobile devices and our 5G Business Internet. Finally, security is top of mind in this new, massive work from home model. We have a host of solutions ranging from device to network security to help our small business customers work securely wherever they are operating.

Next week, we are bringing back Small Business Days, where small and medium business customers can access special discounts and no activation fees. Small and medium businesses can visit a participating store or book a virtual appointment at https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/lp/small-business-days/ to access special discounts and jumpstart areas of their business including communications, connectivity, and security. Beyond advice and support, starting 9/13 through 9/17, small and medium business owners will be able to take advantage of limited time offers and get up to $1,000 off a new 5G phone with trade-in and a new line.

Throughout the week, we’ll also be sharing conversations that we’ve had with some of our small business customers across Verizon Business social handles. Hopefully their stories will inspire you in the same way they’ve inspired me.

Finally, today we announced a new program called “Verizon Small Business Digital Ready.” It is part of Citizen Verizon, our responsible business plan with the goal to provide one million businesses with the tools and resources needed to help them thrive in the digital economy by 2030. The online portal is open to any business for free. Small businesses will find a unique customized experience focused on their needs depending on industry, size and interests. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready was developed by small business owners and is easy to use, with all resources available in one place. The portal provides a personalized experience, providing resources, networking and coaching tailored to a small business’s specific needs. The program can help small businesses move forward in four ways: actionable content modules, expert Coaching, Peer Networking and a marketplace of tools, solutions, products and services that can help small businesses. Small businesses will also be eligible to apply for grant funding exclusive to users of Verizon Small Business Digital Ready.*Participants who register for the Verizon Small Business Accelerator and complete two courses or mentoring events will be eligible to apply for a $10,000 grant.

So, small businesses---on behalf of Verizon Business, I salute you and all you have done the last year and a half to survive and thrive. As you enter this next phase, you deserve a partner that can help you navigate the future, and Verizon Business is here providing tailored expertise, solutions, connectivity and security necessary to help you achieve business success. 

Learn how Verizon Business can provide solutions for your small business here.