Remaining competitive in the small business arena today means more than just offering a fantastic service or product to the masses. While this is still the utmost important factor for success, taking the time to investigate new technologies and processes to remain competitive and cultivate a strong business model is an absolute must-have today. Taking Advantage of New Technology Nothing will halt progress like having old, outdated practices operating in your business. While it may seem like a daunting task to replace the various, established systems within your company, being able to take advantage of the latest developments will make up for this. For example, investing in new small business software to help streamline your administrative processes - enabling the speed and productivity of your staff, and sharpening your competitive edge in the long run. Investing in a functional accounting software like the CashManager range from Accomplish allows you to easily keep track of your cashflow and maintain an awareness of your financial health. Cultivate an Online Presence The largest shopping centre in the world at the moment isn't something you can physically wander through on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Today, many customers are turning towards perusing and buying products online, which is a large part of the market to miss out on. Taking the time to create a functional website, complete with an active social media presence, will help you to market your business to the masses and could potentially help you to increase the turnover of your product or service. Furthermore, social media brings you closer to your customers. Engaging in a two way dialogue with them, you can conduct your own customer services - dealing with complications and acknowledging praise - in a fast, efficient way.