If you’re operating a business, you’re probably already using a variety of technology tools to operate and grow your company. There are specific ways, however, to make the most of the latest technology to increase productivity and customer service.
The following are 8 ways you can make better use of technology to reach your business goals.
1. Incorporate Automation
There are plenty of tools available that can automate several business-critical tasks. A few include paying bills, email responses, and scheduling employees for shifts. There are even valuable automated programs that can help you better manage your social media platforms.
Investments in automation systems can pay for themselves within a short span of time. Automation reduces human error and waste, as well as being a catalyst for productivity. Implementing automation for even a few basic tasks can save your company an incredible amount of time and resources in the long run.
2. Use Productivity Apps
Calendar apps are a great example of how to efficiently use your time to reach business goals. Finding and implementing a good calendar app is essential for almost any company. It can take a lot of time just scheduling all your meetings and calls. A scheduling tool can free up time and keep you organized.
Fast Company lists several apps that can help you organize your time and work more efficiently. Everything from Grammarly (for polishing your writing) to camera and scheduling apps are available to help move your business forward.
3. Evaluate Your Networks
It’s necessary to periodically evaluate your networks for security and efficiency. Security problems and system failures can result in lost data, reduction in productivity, and even the loss of your business in extreme cases.
According to the Houston Chronicle, this process is often extensive while involving adequate preparation. These evaluations need to be done fairly often in order to detect and eliminate problems as early as possible. Many companies may need an off-site IT team to effectively evaluate and maintain their networks.
Security technology can help keep your network secure so that you never have to deal with cyberthreats in the first place.
4. Invest in the Best Technology
Sub-par home computers or older phone systems can hinder your employees’ ability to perform their jobs at the levels you need. You may want to consider investing in a cloud-based VoIP phone system. Depending on the type of business you have, you may also want to consider investing in artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies.
It’s important to remember that the best technology available won’t do you much good if your employees aren’t using it correctly. Whenever you invest in new technology it’s imperative that your employees also receive the right training so they’ll make the most of your new investments.
5. Effectively Manage Passwords
Weak or stolen passwords can pose a major security risk to your business. The first step to creating stronger passwords is to forego using personal information like birthdays or children’s names. Since there is software for cracking passwords, it’s also a good idea to come up with words that can’t be found in a dictionary.
Finally, try not to use the same password for more than one network or site. We know, it’s hard.
That’s why you need to implement password manager technologies to keep your passwords safe. For example, certain passwords should be changed when key employees leave. There should also be strict communication guidelines for sharing passwords. They should never be printed, emailed or given to unauthorized individuals.
6. Take Advantage of CRM
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a system that can help you organize and manage everything from customer contact information to specific marketing strategies. According to Forbes, there are several specific areas that CRM software can focus on. A few include marketing, sales, service operations and analyzing customer data.
There’s also collaborative CRM that enables businesses to pool data.
When you have a variety of data all connected together in a CRM system you have the tools available to target and bring in new customers. You can also more precisely target existing customers. A CRM platform organizes information such as what services and products your customers purchase and exactly how they’re using it.
7. Utilize Mobile Technology
It’s crucial for your employees to be able to perform a variety of tasks off-site as well as in the office. Utilizing mobile tech can provide a boost to productivity when employees are plugged in from various locations. Using mobile technology can also help you more effectively reach your customers.
Another way to make the most of mobile technology is to make sure your company has its own app available for customers. You’ll need to have a clear plan for what you want your app to do before starting. You’ll want to make sure to focus on customer engagement and the type of promotions, sales or services your business is offering.
8. Outsource Your IT
Because technology is increasingly becoming more complex, outsourcing IT is a smart move for most businesses. Outsourcing immediately frees up time and resources so you can focus on reaching your business goals. You’ll almost certainly reduce your costs in the long run. You can put more money into improving your products or services.
For that, turn to Xpert Technologies. We have the expertise you need to align your technology with your business goals. We understand exactly what it takes to get you there, and we’ll only recommend technology that fits within your IT strategy and your IT budget.
Want to continue the conversation? Reach out to us today. We’d love to have a chat.