There are 5.2 million very small businesses (VSBs) in the United States. By comparison, there are only 500,000 of what we typically consider small businesses (20-99 employees, or the “S” in SMB). VSBs are defined as having fewer than 20 employees and are faced with challenges that are unique to companies of that small size.
What does this mean for MSPs looking to sell to VSBs? It is crucial to develop a real understanding of the unique pain points of these “Main Street”-type businesses in order to create sales opportunities for cloud phones and unified communications (UC). Here are the top struggles of VSBs and how MSPs can help address them.
The Top Challenges of the VSB
VSBs, even more than their slightly larger counterparts, are often in the position of having to do more with less. MSPs can help make this task easier in a number of ways.
Finding the Right Technology for the Right Price
The same technologies that support the growth of an enterprise or even a slightly larger small business might not be the right fit for a VSB. And those VSB customers that have identified the technologies they need may still struggle to acquire them at a price they can afford.
MSPs are positioned to leverage expertise and vendor relationships to not only identify the best technologies to meet a VSB’s needs but to align them with a vendor that will meet their requirements at a cost they can afford.
Balancing the Number of Technology Tools With the Number of Employees
The small number of employees at a VSB doesn’t mean the technology requirements to keep up with competitors are small as well. Cloud phones and UC, for example, can facilitate ease of communication among employees and customers so the VSB is able to deliver excellent service.
When working with a VSB customer, it’s important to understand what the technologies they purchase will be used for and by whom. VSBs often require expert guidance to help find the balance between the technologies they invest in and how many employees that investment will ultimately benefit.
Seeming Large With Limited Resources
Many VSBs find themselves in the position of needing to prove they are no less capable than their larger competitors. One of the best ways for them to accomplish this is to be more available to their own customers – something that can be achieved with technologies such as cloud phones and UC. With features such as virtual receptionist, “find me, follow me,” and mobile integration, cloud phone systems allow VSBs to be instantly available to their clients – giving the impression that the business is larger than it is.
Ready to Help VSBs Rise to Meet the Size Challenge?
By their sheer volume, very small businesses represent a significant portion of the market for cloud phone systems and unified communications. For MSPs looking to capitalize on the unique needs of the VSB, D3UC is here to help you provide these especially small companies with the solutions they need while growing your profits. Contact us today to get started.
