There is no denying that technology has helped drive growth and diversity in small businesses across the world. In fact, these days, there are few businesses yet to embrace technology to help them improve their business. Even small mom-and-pop shops have gotten on board with the benefits of investing in tech.

 

 

 

After all, you need to keep your finger on the pulse of any advancements and changes in your sector. Technology has proven to be a valuable commodity for all businesses, both big and small. If you are looking to future proof your business, you need to get up to date and fast.

 

How Do I Know What Tech I Need?

 

Every business is different, and as such, it can be easy to overcomplicate exactly what you need to run your business effectively. As such, it can be worth your time getting professional advice when it comes to the type of technology your small business needs. Click here for consulting services.

It may be worthwhile checking in with your competitors to find out how they utilize tech for their business to get a better idea of what you do and, more importantly, don’t need.

 

Automation is Key

 

The secret to being able to do more is not to work harder or longer but smarter. We all know this, but do you know how to do this? Automation is a game-changer in business, and when used alongside the right tech for your small business, it can be a valuable asset.

Think of all those small jobs that take you so long to do or are tedious and a waste of your time. Chances are there is an automated process on the market to do it for you.

At a minimum, you should be considering automating;

• Data Control
• Data Analysis
• Tech Support
• Email Replies
• Funnels
• Responding to Customer Queries
• Social Media

Most of these processes need minimal input from you and can be set to run for any predetermined amount of time. Noto only can automation streamline your processes in different areas of your business, but it can also increase productivity and efficiency. After all, the more plates you are spinning, the bigger the chance of causing a huge mess should you drop one.

 

Improve Customer Satisfaction

 

No system can completely replace that personalized human touch. Providing excellent customer service is about more than completing a satisfactory end transaction. But a good system and the right tech in place can help you convert interest to sales much more efficiently than the best salesperson.

The reality is, we are in a world where the customer demands everything right now. In a time where the online world gives us instant gratification, people are less likely to wait for your weekend to be over before hearing back from you or for you to answer a query. And if you aren’t replying to your customers, you can bet your competitors are.

But you can’t be around all the time. However, having the right automation and tech working behind the scenes when you aren’t can resolve a whole host of issues even while you are sleeping. And everyone knows how important sleep is.

Chatbots are becoming increasingly common in both big and small businesses, and the ability to program them to answer basic replies and gather information is proving invaluable. Even when you can’t do everything at once, you can guarantee, your chatbots are there to back you up.

 

Marketing

 

Marketing is full-time in itself, and when you are busy keeping the business running, who is getting the word out and about? Technology advances in recent years in marketing have been focused on the rise of social media and the power it holds in connecting you with more people than ever for relatively little to no outlay.

But promoting yourself online is about more than writing a simple status. To be successful, you need to create a brand image that will resonate with people and identify your company across the internet as a whole.

Wanting to get to the top of the search engine results pages (SERPs), you need to know your SEO or know how to hit that sweet spot with minimal effort. After all, you have enough on your plate. 

Automation platforms, social media managers, and SEO specialists can work on your behalf to ensure your marketing campaign reaches the people and free up your time to complete the sale. Providing a consistent marketing effort that allows reaping the rewards for many years to come.

 

Outsourcing

 

Much like automation takes care of specific tasks for you, so can outsourcing. A buzzword that has been around for a while in the business, outsourcing is when you pay a third party company to handle areas of your business, so you don’t have to do it yourself or hire staff to do it for you. Hiring staff can be costly, as can training them, and it also takes time. Outsourcing means you are trusting a reputable company to do the work on your behalf, and you can be confident they are expertly trained and experienced in their respective fields.

The following tasks can give you a better idea of what you can look to outsource;

• Personal Assistant
• Call Handling
• HR
• Tech and Security
• Reception
• Website Management
• SEO
• Content Creation
• Marketing
• IT Support
• Infrastructure

Working Smarter

With a little creativity and implementation of technology in your company, you can realize how much easier it can make a life for you and allow you to work your magic in other areas that need only that delicate touch you as the business owner can offer. Be it chasing up leads, following up on new clients, or investing in diversifying or expanding your business.

Be efficient with your employed technology in your company can involve an initial financial outlay. However, as soon as the benefits start coming through, it will surprise you how much better you can work now. If you don’t, chances are someone else will, and your company will be left behind in the dust as the world of business and commerce evolves without you.