Due in large part to technology, you now have an endless supply of tools to help grow your business. There’s everything from the Internet and computers to software programs and mobile devices. If you’re looking for ways to improve and grow your business, take a look at these five ways technology can help.
Automate Business Processes
Salesforce is one of the most common business products in the UK because it helps you manage your inventory, sales, and customers all at the same time. There are all sorts of other software programs you can use to track your customers, products, and finances — many are even free. Using these programs helps your business grow because you can streamline and automate processes. For instance, instead of hiring a receptionist to route calls, you can use an automated phone system.
Empower Your Employees With the Best Gadgets
Image via Flickr by Cristiano Betta
Computers only last for five to eight years before they need to be replaced. So, if your business still runs on DOS, it’s definitely time to upgrade your computers and tech gadgets. Faster and more efficient tech means faster and more efficient employees. Yes, it costs a lot of money to buy new computers and technology, but remember that technology isn’t a cost; it’s an investment because it helps you grow your business.
If you’re concerned about your technology budget, create a “bring your own device (BYOD)” policy in the workplace. This means that your employees are responsible for supplying their own mobile devices. It’s a smart business strategy because it saves you money and your employees have the flexibility to choose the device they want. BYOD is a trending business strategy in the UK and around the world because it helps improve efficiency in a very cost-effective way.
Reach Customers on a More Personal Level
Customers use their smartphones to do more than make calls; they constantly look up information about businesses and products. Those beloved smartphones are your business’s ticket to growth. You need to create an app to stay ahead of the competition. It’s relatively inexpensive and easy to create a custom mobile app for your business. Just make sure it’s something your customers will actually like. For instance, a menu app for a restaurant is perfect. It lets you show customers pictures of meals because you have a lot more space than on a paper menu.
Embrace Social Media and Internet Marketing
The Internet has taken over print advertising as a more effective way to reach customers. People no longer subscribe to newspapers in mass; they get on the Internet and spend time on social media. Therefore, you can use social media and the Internet to grow your business. You do this by turning your customers into salespeople. For instance, every time one of your customers shares information about your business or products through a social media post, they’re giving your business a personal endorsement that helps it grow.
To be more effective, identify the social media platforms that appeal most to your customers. For instance, Social Media Today reported that young people in the UK prefer Twitter over Facebook because they don’t want to be on the same social network as their parents. Therefore, if your businesses is targeting young adults, you should focus on Twitter.
Manage Your Employees Better
In the past, businesses spent a lot of money on servers. Instead of investing in these outdated systems, save information virtually through the Cloud. This is one of the biggest shifts businesses in the UK are making to grow their businesses. The Cloud increases collaboration amongst employees because they can work together in real-time, even if they’re not in the same room (or country). Plus, it’s a great way to standardize and monitor employee work for better productivity. The Cloud also gives employees more flexibility to work remotely, which means you can save money on office space.
These are just a few ways you can use technology to grow your business. Of course, every business is unique and you have to find and tailor a solution that works with your needs and goals the best. Good luck implementing new technologies.
About the Author : Teddy Hunt is a freelance content writer with a focus on technology. When not behind a computer, Teddy spends the majority of his free time outdoors, exploring the Tampa Bay area, where he currently resides.