How To Help Small Businesses Thrive: The Anatomy of a Productivity Solution

For every business, profitability depends on productivity. This connection is even more impactful on small businesses—it can be the difference between thriving and surviving. Like larger enterprises, small businesses seek ways to streamline operations, enhance workforce efficiency, and attract and retain customers. 
  

Achieving these goals requires more than reliable connectivity. In today’s increasingly connected world, small business owners need IT solutions that address network access control, staff management, customer experience, and cybersecurity. Below, we explore the essential capabilities every small business must have to maximize productivity and drive growth. 

Secure and Segmented Network Access 

One of the most critical needs for small businesses is segmenting network traffic and creating secure, dedicated networks for different user groups. These groupings can include business owners and equipment, staff, guests, and essential systems like Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals, each of which have unique needs and network requirements. 
  

Network segmentation ensures sensitive data and systems are protected from internal and external threats while maintaining compliance with standards like PCI DSS for secure credit card transactions. By assigning appropriate access levels and leveraging segmentation, businesses can safeguard resources, streamline operations, and enhance efficiency. 

Built-In Cybersecurity Protection 

Small businesses often underestimate their appeal as targets for cyberattacks. However, research reveals that 73 percent of small and medium-sized businesses experienced a cyberattack or data breach in the past year. 
  

Small businesses need robust, network-based security to block malicious websites, viruses, and intrusions like their larger counterparts. They also need tools to control employee access to specific websites or applications, safeguarding productivity. Content filtering further protects customers, ensuring a safe Wi-Fi experience that builds trust and loyalty. 

Reliable and Resilient Connectivity 

Network outages can be catastrophic for small businesses, with estimates suggesting that an hour of downtime can cost some businesses over $25,000. Reliable connectivity is essential, as is failover capability to maintain operations during unexpected disruptions. 
  

Features like automatic failover keep businesses online, ensuring continuous productivity and maintaining customer satisfaction despite technical challenges. 

Simplified Staff Management and Workflow Optimization 

Small businesses often rely on seasonal or part-time workers, making it essential to securely onboard and offboard employees quickly. Additionally, limiting or blocking specific employee Internet activities helps improve productivity. 
  

With intuitive tools to manage network access, small business owners can simplify staff management and focus on serving their customers rather than dealing with IT complexities. 

Dedicated Customer Portal for Free, Secure Wi-Fi 

In today’s connected world, consumers expect Wi-Fi access wherever they go, from auto shops to hair salons. Offering free Wi-Fi isn’t just a convenience—it’s a proven revenue driver. Research shows that 62¹ percent of small businesses report customers stay longer when Wi-Fi is available, and 50 percent see increased spending. 
  

By providing secure, branded Wi-Fi portals, businesses can enhance customer experiences, build loyalty, and gain insights for targeted marketing campaigns. Small businesses offering free Wi-Fi in rural areas also strengthens their role as vital community hubs. 

Self-Service Mobile App for Network Control 

Small business owners need flexible solutions to manage their networks anytime, anywhere. A self-service mobile app allows them to set up Wi-Fi networks, manage staff device connectivity, enable network failover, and easily customize their customer Wi-Fi portal. 
  

An app also provides proactive alerts and detailed reporting on blocked threats, informing business owners about potential security risks. With powerful yet user-friendly tools, small business owners can stay agile and secure without needing dedicated IT staff. 

Calix SmartBiz: Empowering Small Businesses to Thrive 

While the needs of small businesses vary by industry, they share a common demand for secure, resilient, and easy-to-manage networking solutions. Westman Business SmartBiz delivers all these capabilities in a single, comprehensive platform. 
  

Broadband service providers (BSPs) can leverage SmartBiz to meet the needs of this underserved market, empowering small businesses with the tools they need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. By supporting small business success, BSPs can unlock new revenue opportunities and meaningfully impact their communities. 
  

To learn more about SmartBiz, click here. You can also call our friendly and helpful Account Executives to discuss getting started with SmartBiz at 204.717.2839 or toll-free at 1.877.343.6755. 

Sources
¹Business Insider. The business benefits of offering free Wi-Fi. Published May 2016. https://www.businessinsider.com/sc/business-benefits-free-wifi-2016-5