TECHNOLOGY FOR YOUR GYMHaving a reliable computer, printer, copier, and other electronic devices is important to running your affiliate properly and professionally. The last thing you want to worry about when signing up a new client, handling client billing, or designing new marketing materials is a computer that crashes all the time, or not having the appropriate device to deal with whatever situation you may have at hand. There are a few standard items that you should always have, then there a some items that you can add later on when you affiliate begins to get larger.
|
|
Desktop Computer
You don't need to go out and purchase the top-of-the-line desktop computer to run your affiliate. Desktops are usually a more cost effective option than laptops for this purpose since desktops usually cost less, AND include a lot more memory and storage than a laptop. Unless you absolutely need the convenience of being able to pick up your computer and bring it with you every time you leave the box, you are probably better off buying the desktop computer. Having a desktop will prevent the inevitable error of that one day when you accidentally leave your laptop at home or even worse, misplace it. Buy a decent desktop computer, set it up on your desk, and leave it there.
It's usually a good idea to buy a bundle, meaning get your computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers as part of one package. This is usually cheaper than buying each of those items individually. Since this is your business, it is also advisable to purchase these items "New", not "Used". You can find some great deals on computer bundles starting around $500. Unless you are running some kind of high end graphics software or audio/visual suite, there is no need to spend more than $1,000 on your computer system.
Microsoft Office Suite
Most computers do not come with Microsoft Office pre-installed from the manufacturer. You will need an "Office" program to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, etc. Microsoft Office Professional 2010 costs around$375 and includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, and Access. Microsoft Office Home and Business 2010 costs around $200 and includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook. Publisher is very effective to build your monthly newsletter, but you could also use "Constant Contact" to build your newsletter and save almost $200 by getting the Home and Business version of Officer rather than the Professional.
Printer/Copier/Scanner/Fax - "All-In-One" Device
You will need to use all of these devices quite often during the operations of your affiliate. Many times, you can find a deal that includes an "All-In-One" with the purchase of your computer bundle for free or at a discounted rate. An All-In-One can be as low as $50, but averages between $100 - $150.
Telephone and Voicemail
You will need a basic telephone with voicemail for your business. Many people nowadays no longer have traditional "land lines", but it is important to have one for your business. When someone calls your business, they should be greeted appropriately by someone answering the phone or an appropriate voicemail recording. There are ways to have your business calls forwarded to your cell phone if you prefer, but you should have a land line at your location for all business related phone calls. You can pick up a basic telephone for around $30 with more robust packages including 5 additional handsets for around $135.
Merchant Account Processing
It is important that you get a Merchant Account Processing (MAP) System that links with whichever Management Software you decide to use to run your business. Do not confuse your Management Software with your Microsoft Office Suite. Management Software is either MindBody, Zen Planner, etc. That is what you use to input your members' information, billing details, track attendance, etc. MindBody offers a Credit Card Reader for $100, which is all you need to get started taking payments from clients. They offer bundles ranging from $329 - $909 for different hardware packages to meet all your needs and preferences for your business.
You don't need to go out and purchase the top-of-the-line desktop computer to run your affiliate. Desktops are usually a more cost effective option than laptops for this purpose since desktops usually cost less, AND include a lot more memory and storage than a laptop. Unless you absolutely need the convenience of being able to pick up your computer and bring it with you every time you leave the box, you are probably better off buying the desktop computer. Having a desktop will prevent the inevitable error of that one day when you accidentally leave your laptop at home or even worse, misplace it. Buy a decent desktop computer, set it up on your desk, and leave it there.
It's usually a good idea to buy a bundle, meaning get your computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers as part of one package. This is usually cheaper than buying each of those items individually. Since this is your business, it is also advisable to purchase these items "New", not "Used". You can find some great deals on computer bundles starting around $500. Unless you are running some kind of high end graphics software or audio/visual suite, there is no need to spend more than $1,000 on your computer system.
Microsoft Office Suite
Most computers do not come with Microsoft Office pre-installed from the manufacturer. You will need an "Office" program to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, etc. Microsoft Office Professional 2010 costs around$375 and includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, and Access. Microsoft Office Home and Business 2010 costs around $200 and includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook. Publisher is very effective to build your monthly newsletter, but you could also use "Constant Contact" to build your newsletter and save almost $200 by getting the Home and Business version of Officer rather than the Professional.
Printer/Copier/Scanner/Fax - "All-In-One" Device
You will need to use all of these devices quite often during the operations of your affiliate. Many times, you can find a deal that includes an "All-In-One" with the purchase of your computer bundle for free or at a discounted rate. An All-In-One can be as low as $50, but averages between $100 - $150.
Telephone and Voicemail
You will need a basic telephone with voicemail for your business. Many people nowadays no longer have traditional "land lines", but it is important to have one for your business. When someone calls your business, they should be greeted appropriately by someone answering the phone or an appropriate voicemail recording. There are ways to have your business calls forwarded to your cell phone if you prefer, but you should have a land line at your location for all business related phone calls. You can pick up a basic telephone for around $30 with more robust packages including 5 additional handsets for around $135.
Merchant Account Processing
It is important that you get a Merchant Account Processing (MAP) System that links with whichever Management Software you decide to use to run your business. Do not confuse your Management Software with your Microsoft Office Suite. Management Software is either MindBody, Zen Planner, etc. That is what you use to input your members' information, billing details, track attendance, etc. MindBody offers a Credit Card Reader for $100, which is all you need to get started taking payments from clients. They offer bundles ranging from $329 - $909 for different hardware packages to meet all your needs and preferences for your business.