More than ever, small businesses take advantage of technology to meet the needs of rapidly evolving customers. According to the Verizon Business State of Small Business SurveyThe number of small companies using AI has doubled in the past year, from 14% in 2023 to 39% in 2024.
“It was rewarding to help our customers navigate this trip. Our approach is not a single size, “said Aparna Khurjekar, income director, commercial and SaaS markets, Verizon Business. “Our team collaborates in close collaboration with each company, because they each have unique needs. We consider them a segment of one. Our teams have spent time listening and learning to create a series of integrated tools and personalized solutions that allow companies to obtain the personalized support they need. We are in the community both from the point of view of companies, working hand in hand with small businesses, and our teams live and are invested in these communities. It is more than just transaction. It’s a moment to improve the local economy. »»
The impact of Verizon Business has been felt in many New Orleans companies, especially Mirror Image Photo Booths (MIPB & CO.), which creates unique experiences for guests during events, weddings and carnival balls to corporate conventions and salons. The company has various mobile photographs, including 360 degree, mirror, selfies and itinerant formats. MIPB & CO. Creates a brand and background specific to events and sponsors, allowing customers to have photos that perfectly capture the moment.
“Instant sharing is the most popular feature we have,” said Troy Barnes, who is a co -owner of Mipb & Co. with Orlando Whigham. “Once someone takes photos in one of our stands, a screen appears that allows them to send him a text from the stand. In a few seconds, they receive a text that brings them to a microphone where they can download their photos and share them on social networks. This is the instant gratuity that people are looking for. »»
Reliable connectivity is essential for MIPB & CO. Supply this level of service. The company performs several equipment tests both in its offices and its places of events in advance and develops backup plans in the event of a slower than expected connection. However, Barnes said that the assistance that Mipb & Co. receives business from Verizon gives them peace of mind.
“Before even starting this business, I was a Verizon client and I have always been impressed by the reliability of their connections and the technical support that I received,” said Barnes. “I had the same experiences as Verizon commercial customer. Whenever there is new updates or things that can help us grow that we may not even know, the team lets us know. We have prepared for the Super Bowl by updating part of our equipment with new technologies available. We would not have known it if we had no business Verizon. They play a huge role in the success of our business. »»
Khurjekar noted that small businesses are often faced with challenges such as capital -limited access, cybersecurity threats, talent shortages and access to educational resources. Verizon Business undertakes to provide resources, tools and expert advice to help entrepreneurs overcome these obstacles and create a success base according to what they call 4 CS – Connectivity, Cloud, Collaboration and cybersecurity.
“Through our Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Platform, business owners have free access to dozens of courses and resources in English and Spanish to help them understand how to manage a business and seize the opportunities to come. We are proud to be their champion of technology, ”said Khurjekar.
Barnes and Whigham have spent the last months preparing the thousands of additional visitors who will be in New Orleans for the Super Bowl Lix. MIPB & Co. should be six structured experiences in the days preceding the match, as well as the Super Bowl on Sunday. Barnes said that up to 8,000 guests could be all these combined events, creating a precious opportunity for MIPB & CO. to obtain an exhibition and new customers.
“We have done a lot of training with our staff and we assure that our photoatons will be prepared,” said Barnes. “We worked with Verizon Business to make sure that our mobile connections will be more than reliable and ready to leave for a huge crowd. Until now, the way we have grown up has known to establish relationships, providing excellent service, always showing on time and providing what we say that we will do it. This is what we will continue to do, and the Super Bowl is a great way to show all of this on a larger scale. »»
MIPB & CO. is not alone in their preparations. Khurjekar said that the recent Verizon company study said almost 70% of Louisiana’s small businesses expect increased demand around the Super Bowl Lix. To meet this demand, 64% increased their investments in technology, 59% put more dollars for marketing and 59% increase staff.
“New Orleans is a city imbued with a rich history and a narrow feeling of community – good food, even better music, hard work and resilience difficult to reproduce”, she said. “The Super Bowl is a huge moment for New Orleans, because it highlights everything that makes this city wonderful, and Verizon Business is there to support small businesses at each stage of the process. More importantly, we will be here long after this event, because we devote ourselves to the company and to a wider community in New Orleans and will continue to be their trusted technological partner. We will connect the community and businesses to our technology, our people and our passion. »»
Visit www.mipbco.com For more information on the photo cabins of the mirror image.
Verizon Business provides advanced communication, technology and networking solutions to businesses of all sizes. Thanks to its global network infrastructure, Verizon Business allows organizations to improve operational efficiency, stimulate innovation and ensure connectivity to employees and customers, whatever their location. Visit www.verizon.com/business To find out more.