As a small business owner, the new year brings fresh opportunities to improve efficiency, increase customer satisfaction, and scale your operations. One of the most overlooked yet crucial areas for assessment is your internet service. In today’s digital-first environment, having the right internet solution is vital to supporting growth, streamlining operations, and staying ahead of the competition. Here’s how small business owners can evaluate their internet needs and choose a solution tailored to their goals.

Step 1: Review Your Current Internet Performance

The first step in preparing for the new year is assessing the internet service you currently have. Start by asking yourself these questions:

• Are your internet speeds meeting your needs? Slow internet can lead to inefficiencies like delays in processing payments or accessing cloud-based tools.
• Do you experience frequent outages or connectivity issues? Unreliable service can disrupt operations, frustrate customers, and even result in financial losses.
• Is your bandwidth sufficient for your current demands? With more devices and services requiring internet access—think video conferencing, cloud storage, and point-of-sale systems—you may need a service that can handle higher usage.

Tools like speed tests (e.g., Speedtest by Ookla) can help you measure your current speeds and compare them to the requirements of your business applications.

Step 2: Consider Your Business’s Future Needs

As your business grows, your internet needs will likely increase. Consider these factors when evaluating your future needs:

• Staff size and devices: Will you be adding employees or equipment in the coming year? More devices mean a greater demand for bandwidth.
• New technologies: Are you planning to implement new software, upgrade to cloud-based services, or explore IoT (Internet of Things) solutions? These innovations require reliable, high-speed internet.
• Customer expectations: If you offer guest Wi-Fi or conduct e-commerce, your internet service directly impacts the customer experience. A slow or unreliable connection could drive customers away.

Step 3: Identify the Right Internet Solution

With your current and future needs in mind, it’s time to explore solutions that align with your business goals. Here are some key considerations:

• Speed and bandwidth: Choose a plan with speeds that match your operational requirements. For example, small businesses may benefit from symmetrical speeds (equal download and upload speeds) to ensure smooth video calls, file sharing, and cloud access.
• Reliability: Look for a provider with a strong reputation for uptime and reliability. Fiber-optic internet, for instance, is known for its consistent performance compared to traditional cable or DSL.
• Security features: Protecting your business data is critical. Many internet service providers offer solutions with built-in firewalls, encryption, and managed Wi-Fi services.
• Scalability: Choose a provider that allows you to easily upgrade your plan as your business grows.

Step 4: Work with a Local Internet Provider

Partnering with a local internet provider like Metronet Business ensures personalized service and support. With expertise in serving small businesses, local providers can offer tailored recommendations based on your industry and specific needs. Plus, local providers often deliver faster customer service and have a vested interest in supporting businesses within their communities.

Metronet Business, for example, offers fiber-optic internet solutions designed to provide unmatched speed, reliability, and scalability. Managed Wi-Fi solutions powered by eero for Business can further enhance your network with advanced security, seamless connectivity, and expert support.

Step 5: Make the Switch

If your current internet service isn’t meeting your needs, the new year is the perfect time to make a change. Here are a few tips for a smooth transition:

1. Plan the switch: Coordinate with your new provider to minimize downtime during installation.
2. Test the service: Once installed, test your new internet to ensure it meets the promised speeds and reliability.
3. Train your team: Familiarize your staff with any new features or systems included with your new service.

Start the New Year with Confidence

Your internet connection is more than just a utility—it’s the foundation of your business’s success. By taking the time to assess your current service, anticipate future needs, and choose the right provider, you’ll set your business up for a year of growth, productivity, and customer satisfaction.