4 Essential Hardware Equipment For Starting A Sustainable Business

Julie Starr • Jun 03, 2020



Regardless of the business sector that you’re interested in, starting a business requires you to invest in some essential hardware and high-quality equipment as part of your business plan. Some types of hardware can be used to streamline a lot of administrative as well as business tasks on a daily basis. This will help you keep your business organized and running relatively smoothly. However, you also have to consider what you can afford to avoid breaking the bank. Here are some essential hardware products you’ll need to start a business.

A Laptop Or A Desktop Computer

The importance of a computer to a modern business cannot be exaggerated. Almost every business sector makes use of one type of computer or another in its operation. No matter what type of computer you choose to use (whether a laptop, a traditional desktop, or even a multi-user workstation), you need to make sure that you pick out a trusted brand from a trusted company. You want your device to last for as long as you need it to. A computer that breaks down too often will only become a liability. Also, make sure that you’re installing the right operating software or program on your computer to get the best user experience. Most computers already come with operating systems that require regular updating, and there are several of them to choose from. For example, if you’re using a Mac, here is a guide for installing Catalina which is the current release and latest version of the Apple Mac operating system.

External Hard Drive

Your business data is very important, and although every computer comes with memory, always have an available backup, in case of loss, or destruction. An external memory drive is the best place to store copies of all your business files safely. Also, if you don’t want to store your company files on a cloud storage system or computer drive, then an external drive is the best solution. An external hard drive can also be used to store important information that you don’t want others getting access to on your computer. This confidential information includes company passwords, which can easily be overwritten by unauthorized users. 

A Wireless Router Or Mifi Device

Having access to the internet is another vital tool for your business. The internet is where almost half of your business activities will be conducted. Whether it is advertising on your social media platforms, creating and managing your website, researching, or making online purchases, you will need a stable and reliable internet supply. If you’re working on-the-go or from a small space, then you’re spared the burden of dealing with internet cables. 

  A Reliable Printer

Even with access to the internet and digital storage systems, you cannot go without a quality printer. Having a personal printer will save you a lot of costs, especially regarding printing marketing materials, legal documents, and others that require hard copies. Another way to minimize printing costs is to invest in a printer that comes with other functions – for example, some printers can also be used for photocopying, scanning, and even faxing.

 Bonus: Make it Green 

There are countless opportunities to add eco-awareness to your office. Purchase hardware with energy consumption in mind. Also, consider end of life recycling options with your hardware purchases. Small steps such as these contribute to a green and sustainable office.

 

 

Embracing Sustainability: How To Shift Your Business Efforts For A Greener Future

By Julie Starr • 26 Apr, 2024
Imagine walking into a world where every business breathes sustainability. Great, right? That’s where we’re all headed, and today, we’re looking into how your business can join this green revolution. It’s not just about planting trees or cutting back on plastic; it’s about a total game-change in how we think about business. Reimagining Your Supply Chain Alright, let’s talk about your supply chain. It’s the backbone of your company, and it might be time to give it a little eco-friendly makeover. Instead of just churning products through a one-way street from creation to landfill, think about making it a circular journey. How? By designing products that can be recycled or reused at the end of their life. This little twist not only reduces waste but could also save you some money and spark some serious innovation. Investing In Sustainable Technologies Now, onto tech. Investing in the latest tech can seem like a luxury, but when it comes to sustainability, it’s more of a necessity. Technologies like AI can make your operations super efficient, slashing energy costs and reducing waste before it even happens. And then there’s blockchain. It’s not just for crypto enthusiasts; it can help you keep your supply chain transparent, letting everyone check if you’re keeping your green promises. Empowering Employees And Building A Culture Of Sustainability But technology and plans are only part of the picture. The real magic happens when your team gets in on the action. Start with some fun workshops or team challenges—anything that gets everyone thinking about sustainability. Maybe set up a green squad within the company who can lead the charge and come up with fresh ideas. Remember, if your team is excited about a project, they’ll put their hearts into making it work. Customizing Your Sustainable Transformation Tailoring your sustainability efforts can be tricky, but it’s a lot smoother with some expert guidance, like ZBrains’ Zoho Consulting services. They’re great at tweaking Zoho’s tools to fit just right with what your business needs. Need to track your energy usage or cut down on waste? They’ve got an app for that. Automation? Yep, they can make those repetitive tasks disappear, too, all while keeping Mother Earth happy. Building Partnerships For Sustainable Innovation Going solo can be tough. Why not buddy up? Collaborating with other companies or non-profits can lead to some groundbreaking eco-friendly innovations. It’s all about sharing what you know, pooling resources, and sometimes, pushing for changes that make it easier for businesses to be green. Plus, working together means you can share the spotlight when your cool new sustainable project hits the headlines! Going Beyond Compliance Lastly, don’t just play by the rules—aim higher. There’s a whole world of eco-certifications out there that can push your business to do better. Whether it’s getting a LEED certification or joining the ranks of B Corps, going the extra mile not only helps the planet but also polishes your brand’s reputation. Think about it: customers love companies that care, so why not be the one they love? Conclusion Switching up your business to be more sustainable might seem like a big leap, but it’s all about taking one step at a time. Whether it’s rethinking your supply chain or empowering your team to lead the charge, every little action counts. Ready to start? Let’s make your business not just better, but greener and more resilient for the future.

How To Identify Companies That Match Your Values

By Julie Starr • 22 Apr, 2024
As you try to develop a sustainable brand , you need to consider what other companies you work with. These could be collaboration opportunities or suppliers and vendors that help you develop the product or service you want to sell. But, many companies may not share your values, so how can you identify the right companies that meet your eco-friendly attitude? Make Use Of Marketing Platforms It's frustrating to reach out to multiple companies to identify collaboration opportunities. For one, there’s no guarantee you even get a response, and cold emailing or other measures are rarely successful. However, you can use marketing platforms and their many features and resources to companies or influencers that align more closely with what you feel is right. Various platforms offer unique options that enable you to whittle down possible companies until you find the perfect match, saving you plenty of time. Research Their Website However, you can’t just leap into any partnership since these platforms may have outdated information, or companies could have selected everything they think will get them a partnership. As with any approach, extra research is essential. Once you’ve identified a company that seems to match your values, it’s with checking out their website. Look at their blog and customer reviews to get an idea of where their ideals lie so you can get a more transparent picture. Meet With Companies Businesses can also meet directly with potential companies when they have established the possibility of a partnership. Whether you’re looking for a better green transport service or need central laboratory services , having face-to-face conversations is a must. You can open discussions via video calls before arranging an in-person meeting which gives you the chance to visit their location, such as an office or warehouse, to ensure that you aren’t stepping into something you may regret. Look For Accreditation and Certification Modern businesses require certification and accreditation to back up claims they are the most sustainable or to prove they have adhered to necessary compliance laws and regulations. Usually, you can find this on their website but there could also be PR pieces on various industry news sites that can prove the company has obtained the necessary certificates. Identifying these certificates will add confidence they are the right company to work with. Offer Value To Them While you hope the potential partnership brings value to your company, you also need to provide value to them. This point is key for strategic collaboration as it otherwise means you take without offering anything in return. Consider what your business can do, such as increase their awareness or help them develop new research projects. In doing so, you will have a mutually beneficial partnership that helps both companies achieve the goals they have outlined for the year. Values and Value Every partnership or collaboration should bring value. This value should apply to your business and any partnerships but also your customers. If you can identify companies that align with your brand values, you’ll have an easier time developing a positive relationship that ensures you stay on track to meet your goals.
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