Kristy Barber Consulting

In tech, every strategic decision walks the line between driving innovation and safeguarding operational stability. It can be allocating budgets for R&D to scaling infrastructure. The challenge is clear: how do you fund game-changing ideas without jeopardizing your runway? Some leaders rely on rigorous capital allocation frameworks, while others favor incremental deployment to mitigate risk. What's your strategy for maintaining financial discipline while driving innovation? #Finance #Technology #OperationalExcellence #CapitalAllocation #Innovation

How do you make sure a new tech implementation goes smoothly? It’s all about preparation. First, get your team involved from the start. They’re the ones who’ll be using the system daily, so their input is invaluable—not just for choosing the right tool but for making the rollout seamless. When people feel included, adoption happens naturally. Next, plan for the learning curve. Even simple tools take time to master, so schedule training and give your team space to adjust. Finally, think long-term. Will this system scale as your business grows? A little extra research upfront can save you from needing to switch later. What’s your go-to tip for a smooth tech rollout? #TechForSmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #InnovationTips #SMB #TechSolutions

Is your POS system really the right fit for your business? Square is a popular choice, but it’s not always the perfect match. If you’ve got a large inventory or need advanced reporting, you might find it lacking—and adding those features could cost extra. And let’s not forget transaction fees. Square typically charges 2.6% plus 10 cents per transaction in the U.S., which can add up fast. Comparing merchant fees and negotiating as your volume grows could make a big difference. What’s most important to you in a POS system? #SmallBusinessSolutions #PointOfSale #BusinessTechnology #POSSystems #MerchantServices

Boosting profitability doesn’t require an overhaul—just smart, intentional adjustments. Audit Your Expenses: Cut unnecessary costs, renegotiate with suppliers, and ditch unused subscriptions. Streamline Operations: Automate tasks and consolidate tools to save time and money. Focus on High-Margin Offerings: Promote what drives the most profit and double down on what works. Upsell and Cross-Sell: Build on existing customer trust with upgrades or complementary services. Small changes can make a big difference. What’s one strategy that’s helped your business grow more profitable? #SmallBusinessTips #Profitability #SmartGrowth #BusinessStrategy #Innovation

There is a lot of hesitation around investing in new technology, especially for SMBs. It’s easy to look at the upfront cost of a CRM or software platform and think, “Do I really need this?” But here’s the thing—when done right, tech investments don’t just pay for themselves; they increase profit and growth. Take automation, for example. By cutting out manual tasks, you free up time to focus on what actually drives your business forward—like sales, customer relationships, or planning your next big move. A solid CRM can help you understand your customers better, leading to more loyalty and repeat business. Even simple upgrades, like a new POS system, can improve cash flow and make your day-to-day operations smoother. I’ve seen businesses transform with small but smart investments. One switched to cloud-based accounting and shaved hours off their monthly bookkeeping. Another added an inventory management tool and finally got control of their stock. What’s been your best tech investment? #SmallBusinessGrowth #SmartInvestments #TechROI #SMB #Innovation

There’s a big myth in small business: that upgrading your technology has to be expensive. Here’s the thing—you don’t need a huge budget to see big results. There are tons of affordable tools out there that can make running your business easier. Tools like Trello and Asana are great for organizing projects, and they’re either free or have very low-cost plans. Google Workspace is a go-to for collaboration, and free analytics tools can give you valuable insights to make smarter decisions without spending a dime. The key is to start small. Pick one or two areas where technology could save you the most time or make your life easier, and go from there. You don’t have to overhaul everything at once to see the benefits. What’s one budget-friendly tool you’ve used that made a difference? #BudgetFriendlyTech #SmallBusinessSolutions #DigitalTools #SMB #Technology #Innovation

When choosing a point-of-sale system, what features are a must-have for your business? Managing inventory and tracking gift cards to calculating margins and handling refunds, your POS system needs to align with the unique needs of your operations. It’s not just tracking sales—it’s about streamlining processes and driving smarter decision-making. What’s been your biggest challenge or win with POS systems? #Innovation #Technology #POS #PointofSaleSystem #InventoryManagement

According to Guidant Financial, 26% of small businesses updated their technology in 2024, with 41% of those focusing on productivity or collaboration tools. This highlights the increasing recognition of technology as a driver for operational efficiency and long-term growth. Productivity and collaboration tools are streamlining workflows, fostering seamless communication, and helping teams achieve greater output with the same resources. For small businesses, when adopting new technology choosing solutions that align with their unique goals is imperative. Strategic tech investments ensure value today and room for growth moving forward. Have you thought about which tech upgrade best suits your needs? #SmallBusiness #Technology #BusinessGrowth #CollaborationTools #Innovation #SMB

There is a lot of hesitation around investing in new technology, especially for SMBs. It’s easy to look at the upfront cost of a CRM or software platform and think, “Do I really need this?” But here’s the thing—when done right, tech investments don’t just pay for themselves; they increase profit. Take automation, for example. By cutting out manual tasks, you free up time to focus on what actually drives your business forward—like sales, customer relationships, or planning your next big move. A solid CRM can help you understand your customers better, leading to more loyalty and repeat business. Even simple upgrades, like a new POS system, can improve cash flow and make your day-to-day operations smoother. I’ve seen businesses transform with small but smart investments. One switched to cloud-based accounting and shaved hours off their monthly bookkeeping. Another added an inventory management tool and finally got control of their stock. What’s been your best tech investment? #SmallBusinessGrowth #SmartInvestments #TechROI #SMB #Innovation

There’s a big myth in small business: that upgrading your technology has to be expensive. I hear it all the time: “I’d love to improve my systems, but it’s just not in the budget.” Here’s the thing—you don’t need a huge budget to see big results. There are a ton of affordable tools out there that can make running your business easier. Tools like Trello and Asana are great for organizing projects, and they’re either free or have very low-cost plans. Google Workspace is a go-to for collaboration, and free analytics tools can give you valuable insights to make smarter decisions without spending a dime. The key is to start small. Pick one or two areas where technology could save you the most time or make your life easier, and go from there. You don’t have to overhaul everything at once to see the benefits. What’s one budget-friendly tool you’ve used that made a difference? #BudgetFriendlyTech #SmallBusinessSolutions #DigitalTools #SMB #Technology #Innovation