Leaders of fast-growing companies have a lot to teach us. They innovate without hesitation, adapt to market changes to compete and stay the course in the face of setbacks. 8x8 recently completed a survey of 312 small and medium businesses (SMBs) based in the U.S. to better understand how fast-growth companies use their business communication tools differently from their slower-growth counterparts. The surveyed companies, which have 500 employees or fewer, span a wide range of industries. Their approach is instructive even if you are not focused on fast growth.

Fast-growing companies see technology investments as “essential” to their success, the survey found. They view technology more as a competitive tool than as an expense. But how do these SMBs use communications technology to get ahead?

Read this guide to learn the strategies of these successful companies.