Growing a business isn’t an easy task, and it’s one at which many people don’t succeed. Between all the day-to-day intricacies of running a business to making sure you are cognizant of the bigger picture, business owners are constantly looking for new and better ways to innovate.
Technology is one of the most important keys to rapid growth in any industry, especially with smaller businesses. Ensuring that you stay up to date with the latest tech trends, and take full advantage of their offerings can help your business thrive and make sure you stay on top of the competition.
Cloud Computing
The cloud is one of those common “buzzwords” that gets thrown around, however, it’s utility should not be understated. When used properly, cloud computing can work wonders for the world of small business. One of the initial factors that attract business owners to cloud computing is the potential for cost savings. As featured in this Forbes article, one cloud provider saved companies up to 37% over a 3-year period.
There are many benefits to renting cloud storage such as the lack of sunk costs into your own equipment, never needing to upgrade your machines, and the flexibility to stop payments when your business needs. The cloud also provides flexible access to data for any company. You can access your materials while on a business trip, while working from home, and even on vacation if you’re that dedicated. Cloud tools also enable easy collaboration within the company, which often leads to a better final product, and a more productive team.
Cybersecurity
As the world of technology keeps expanding, so do the threats that come along with it. This doesn’t mean that you should shy away from emerging technologies, but it does mean that you should be prepared. The current global health crisis is only exasperating this issue; between January and April of 2020, there was a 630% increase in cloud-based cyber attacks.
Make sure that your business is taking the necessary steps to ensure that your data is safe from outside threats. Not having the proper cybersecurity measures in place can affect your business’ bottom line in several ways. From hackers directly gaining access to your assets to leaking information and creating a bad public image, making sure that you are safe and secure will not only protect you in the short term, but also create an image of strength and security. There are many different firewall solutions that your business could invest in to protect its data. Firewalls filter through your network traffic and protect your business from any external threats attempting to get in.
Virtual Receptionists
Small businesses are often kept very busy, and while that’s a good thing, it can also mean that you might not have time to sit and watch the phone all-day. Adding a virtual receptionist to your business provides you with a cost-effective way to make sure that all your calls are still being fielded while allowing you to focus on running your business.
With a virtual receptionist, your phone calls and messages are all tracked digitally and you never have to worry about missing a phone call, and can even have your calls answered 24/7 should you like. This allows you to focus on the important and time-sensitive tasks that come with running a business. Virtual receptionists also ensure that you are providing your customers with the highest quality customer service possible. From being customizable to your business’ needs to providing services in multiple languages, make sure that you never miss a client call again.
Project Management Tools
Any business regardless of size is often undertaking complex and difficult tasks, most of which have many moving parts. Being able to organize all of these pieces into the most effective manner for your team is crucial to being able to complete the assignments and meet your goals. Project management tools are a great way to make sure that all of your teams are coordinating on the right tasks and that each assignment is being completed in the correct order on time.
Hive is one of the most talked about project management tools, and it’s customizability and streamlined look makes it easy to use for any business. It provides companies with the ability to assign tasks to different team members and even includes time tracking so you can better allocate your resources. Hive also offers integration with some of the most commonly used business tools, such as Google Drive and Slack. Project management tools are a great way to keep everyone on the same page and moving forward to accelerate the growth of your business.
Check Your Tool Belt
In this day and age, making sure that your business is set up for growth begins and ends with having the right technology. Using cloud computing to the fullest ability can help you save your business money and increase your flexibility. Making sure you protect your data through firewalls and other cyber-security methods can help increase trust, and having a virtual receptionist will ensure that you never miss an important call again. Project management tools can keep your company focused on the same goal and ensure that your deadlines are met. Using any or all of these tools properly will help your company best show its value, and continue to expand and grow.
