Using Technology In Your Small Business

on

When properly harnessed, technology has the ability to change lives for the better - the world over.

The concept of entrepreneurship isn't exactly new. People have been trading for centuries. However, the way the whole process is handled has changed a lot. Today, there is way more competition  than a few decades ago, much of which can be easily attributed to the rise of the internet. There are all kinds of online stores today that allows people in different parts of the globe to buy whatever they want from the comfort  of their homes. That said, the rise of the online realm and new technologies have also helped many small businesses to grow.

Here are some areas to explore when you're ready to ramp up your use of technology in your business.

See Also: How To Generate Sales Leads In Your Small Business

Marketing

  • Software can help you market your business better than streamlining work flows and increasing marketing channels. 
  • Use social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, twitter, Pinterest and YouTube etc to promote your business, products and service.
  • Use software to create a marketing plan that you can edit, update, and share with your team.
  • Collect email addresses through an opt-in form and start utilizing the power of mail marketing
  • Use video marketing
  • Promote your business with a blog and/or online advertising.

Productivity

There are a wide range of productivity tools that can increase your efficiency as a business, meaning that you can get more done and hopefully achieve higher revenues as a result.

  • Use project management and time management tools to stay on top of your daily business responsibilities.
  • Create a digital filing system to make it easier to sort, save, share and find documents.
  • Develop an efficient email management process that makes it easier to stay on top of the flow of messages. 

Customer Service

Software tools can also help improve your relationship with your customers.
  • Use social media to conduct customer service
  • Set up an online help desk or ticket system to handle customer issues.
  • Allow clients to schedule appointments online at their convenience.
  • Use online surveys and questionnaires to get customer feedback.

Mobile working and Telecommuting

Software makes it easier for people to work from home, saving money on office space and utilities.

  • Create a mobile office that allows you to work productively from anywhere. 
  • Try a remote desktop application to access files on your office computer. 

Bottom Line

We live in a time where there are many ways to use technology for a small business. From boosting productivity to managing financials, and from providing better customer service to enjoying seamless collaboration, there are so many paths a forward - thinking entrepreneur can pursue to take their business to the next level. Needless to say, as long as business focused individuals are willing to learn, they have no dearth of opportunities to accomplish their goals.