Technology is meant to make life easier. Before the dawn of technology, small businesses had to depend on paper and running from one client to another. There were time clocks that employees had to run to each day to clock in or out. The payroll was handled by busy people, who were always responsible for mistakes in computations of money. That time is passed now in the world of computer software, smartphones, and digital documents. Let your small business put modern tools to good use by taking the seven best ways to use technology for your small business.
Utilize the Power of the Cloud
Use the Cloud for faster sharing of data and files with your employees, coworkers, and clients. You can create and manage documents here. The Cloud also allows more efficient time management through calendars and email scheduling. The most fantastic feature of the Cloud is its ability to forecast the financial situation of your business. The Cloud can be synced on all your devices, so you can continue your work even when you leave your office computer. It also functions as a backup storage to keep your business systems from losing any data.
Web Based Project Management Systems
Use web based project management systems to stay on top of your tasks. You can use them to create projects, assign tasks, track progress, view detailed reports and fix issues. You can work through project management systems together with your employees in real time. Use email management software to stay on top of your emails and answer emails as quickly as possible. Use time tracking tools to discover where you spend time the most and use this data to improve your productivity.
Harness the Potential of Social Media
Even if your business is the brick-and-mortar type, your business will not go anywhere these days without digital advertising. Bring your business to social media to market your products and services. Social media is a powerful tool that is a part of everyone’s lives. You can also create your customer service on social media, and send messages to your employees wherever you are through instant messaging. You can quickly respond to and fix issues via social media, overcoming physical constraints.
Automate Tasks to Save Time
Use automation software to plan out your marketing, project management, or other business tasks. You can use automated posting in social media for promotions. Use auto-reply, so customers feel you are always available. You can build an automated editorial calendar if you are promoting through a blog. Let automation do these tedious tasks for you while you do other tasks for faster work. You need a lot of help, especially if you’re running a business in high-risk credit card processing.
Use an Automated HR and Payroll System
The HR and payroll system used to be done by humans. The computations of hours worked, overtime, double time and so on used to be done manually. This raised the possibility of mistakes being made. Use automated HR and payroll system to save money and maintain more accurate data on your employees. Just input the right values in the right fields, and the system will automatically compute everything for your business. It will take care of taxes, income reduction, pay rises, etc.
Simplify Invoicing With Online Systems
Use online invoicing systems to save time and money on collecting money from your clients. These systems make the process of invoicing simpler. You can automate recurring invoices and thank you notes. Collaborate with your clients, work faster, and get paid from anywhere in the world anytime. Online invoicing systems have time tracking tools, so your clients know the number of work hours you have to be paid for. Managing your projects, resources, and clients will become easier. Plus, all of the data related to your work and payment are more accurate.
Use Video Production to Market Your Business
Create videos and upload them to the internet to start your video marketing for your business. You can use animation software, a video editing software, or a whole production of professional actors to create your videos. It depends on your budget and time. You can use your videos in social media promotions. Create a website with your videos for a better promotion of your business. Create videos about your products and the story of your business. Videos are currently the top attraction in marketing.
With only a few clicks and typing of numbers in the right areas of your modern software, you can finish in seconds the difficult tasks that used to take weeks to finish. These are a few things you can be thankful for and appreciate for being a business owner in the time of modern technology.
