As a blogger I know so well that the technological age is well and truly upon us. Whether it’s iPads on the train or electronic billboard advertising everywhere you turn, there are all sorts of examples of tech in our lives today. The world of business, too, is no exception, and the technological age has spawned all sorts of products and services designed to make your business function better. Here are some top tips on how to make the most of this sea change. For those of you who are not immersed in the tech world, here are some of my favorite tips.
Engage with social media
Social media marketing might seem to some businesses to be a waste of time, but there are very few firms on Earth that wouldn’t benefit from the huge audiences the sites can offer. Posting on a Facebook page or tweeting from a Twitter account shows that you are a modern, forward-thinking company, and it gives you the chance to direct users to your site as well.
Facebook has over two billion active users, so on that one single site alone there is a huge pool of potential clients and customers just waiting to see your business’ content. And by using the sophisticated audience targeting options available in the advert systems offered by giants like Facebook, you’ll be able to pay to reach targeted customers as well – so you’ve got plenty of marketing options to pick from.
Use business security practices
Staying safe online is imperative in the technological age, and as a tech-savvy business, you should always aim to stay ahead of the curve in order to protect your staff, your customers, and your profits. Not only does that mean following relevant laws and systems regarding the protection of personal data, but it also means treating your online business deals with the same security processes that you would for your in-person deals.
DocuSign, a company chaired by Keith Krach that provides electronic signature technology, is the type of organization that is leading the way by allowing businesses to sign secure contracts. Their technology is essential for businesses who want to implement solid security practices not only for themselves but also for their clients.
In addition, it’s wise to use encrypted email and messaging services when sending information to clients, as that reduces your vulnerability to hacking and it means you will be able to point out that you took appropriate steps in the event of a data breach.
Automate Processes Where You Can
Business success usually correlates with how smart you are with managing time, money, and allocating resources. Utilizing automated software allows business owners to spend time on the things that need attention while providing peace of mind the other processes are still running smoothly. Using services to streamline your Accounts Payable process, for example, gives your clients payment options, keeps things organized, and can also be synced with your accounting platforms to streamline the process even further.
Consider a technological filing system
Going through all your printed files to find something you need can be a real drag, and that’s why a technological filing system may well be the best answer. Whether it’s the setting up of a simple process of scanning incoming letters and placing them in the correct shared folder or a much more sophisticated piece of kit that does this for you, there are lots of options for your business.
The advantage of setting up a system like this is that it means you can find the information you need – even if it came into the office a long time ago. By tagging incoming letters, for example, you’ll be able to locate that document from months and months ago just by typing in a simple search query. Think of the time that could save you!
Create an online workspace
In the technological age, there are very few more useful practices than the ability of companies to help their teams collaborate online. Whether it’s major players like the Google Docs system or more niche software options that are particular to your field, there are lots of choices. What’s more, some of these are free – so you can often enjoy their full power without having to pay.
It’s not just documents that your business’ teams can edit online, either. There are also lots of other items which can be created and updated using an online workspace, such as spreadsheets, databases, and more – so no matter what your field, you’ll be able to make an online workspace work for your company. Even if you’re not convinced by what the services can offer, why not try signing up to one to see the benefits it can have for your business?
Looking after your business and acting in its best interests is vital no matter what technology is on offer, but in the technological age, it’s essential that you think carefully about what extra steps you can take to optimize your business for this new era. Whether it’s participating in digital marketing programs in order to raise your profile and grow your customer base or using the best online tools available for security and collaboration purposes, there are all sorts of ways in which you can give your business a techie boost.
