Starting a business is never easy. It goes beyond having ideas and capital to start the business. There must be a solid strategy to handle the daily operations, hiring, and product creation.
Operating a business in the constantly changing virtual landscape is even harder. Technology is radically changing how things are done. And the internet is the primary agent driving this change.
However, technology doesn’t need to be a hindrance but a valuable asset. Technology is quickly leveling the playing field and helping small businesses gain ground against global giants. Small businesses can now access new markets and customer bases at little cost. Once you adopt technological advances, you’re already setting yourself up for success.
Tech-savvy companies doubled their revenue per employee and have a more diverse customer base. However, research shows that 80 percent of companies aren’t yet maximizing technological advancements to aid business growth. Here are tips for operating your small business in a virtual world.
Research What is Right For You
Identifying your needs and finding digital solutions to address them is critical. To become tech-savvy, you must have a plan to maximize it. Start by asking what areas of the business need optimization.
There are numerous resources you can use to tackle challenges. Once you can figure out what needs improvement, your solutions instantly make a difference. Popular digital solutions include phone communications, project management, financial planning, and cloud computing. For phone communications, a typical example is a VoIP phone system.
You might ask, is VoIP worth it for a small business? The answer is ‘yes’ because, beyond its cost-effectiveness as a phone service, it also offers features like conference calls, auto attendant, call routing, toll-free numbers, and email functionalities. For more on the benefits of VoIP for small businesses, click here: https://www.ringcentral.com/is-voip-worth-it-for-a-small-business.html.
You don’t have to use intelligent technology to be successful. There isn’t one manual to success. It is not a competition to be the most tech-savvy, but rather the most productive and efficient.
Be Flexible
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people have embraced the idea of remote work. In fact, 97 percent of employees don’t want to return to the office full-time, and a staggering 61 percent of employees prefer working remotely. As more people embrace the new norm and seek virtual experiences, ready your business to adapt as needed.
This includes investing in software that would bridge any communication gap and open you to global talents. Be open to trying new strategies or communicating to your audience in a new way. Test multiple communication channels and select the most effective platform. Flexibility makes it easy to adapt when challenges arise.
Build Online Brand Awareness
The internet has changed the way people do things, especially trading. Many years ago, commerce was primarily restricted to physical stores. But as of today, about 71 percent of small businesses have a website.
The virtual world shares information fast. The good news is you can spread your brand name cheaper and quicker than ever, compared to when traditional media held the key to advertising. The bad news is you have a lot of competition.
Businesses must take online branding and visibility seriously. Identify your unique selling point and brand story to stand out from the crowd. While carving out a brand niche, always be true to your values and remain authentic to your audience.
Use Smart Technologies
To operate your small business effectively, use smart technologies. Smart technologies help companies improve customer satisfaction and generate more revenue. Use it as an economic resource and solution for business needs.
Artificial intelligence and analytics can help determine customer behavior and response to different products. The beauty of smart technologies is that they’re highly customizable to your needs. They also eliminate redundant work processes and help with automation.
Automate As Much As Possible
Automating processes keep quality consistent and avoid delays. Some tasks require little or no creativity that employees carry out and waste valuable time. Automating these tasks allows employees to focus on high-level skill sets. Some platforms help you strategize, manage projects, and communicate with your team on the go.
Some platforms help improve efficiency, customer engagement, and product quality. Streamlining processes through these tools keeps you competitive in the virtual world. Automation is often perceived as a threat. In actuality, it increases productivity by reducing costs.
Tread Your Path
The key to leveraging technology for a small business is paying attention to details. Dig deep and find what works for you rather than bank on popular trends and beliefs. When you find suitable solutions to your business needs, optimize and automate them. Don’t forget to tell your story on social media, too.
