If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been talking a lot about technology lately. It’s so important for small business owners, well really all business owners, to understand the important role it plays and why you need it. We’re truly living in a technological age.
Increasing numbers of us are spending large amounts of time online. We spend hours on our smartphones, tablets, laptops, and computer screens. We scroll social media, we shop online, we read the news in e-reader formats, and we chat with our nearest and dearest over a wide variety of messaging apps and video call services. Rather than watch programs on our actual television, we even stream the TV shows and films to our devices. You are doing these things and so are your customers.
When it comes down to it, technology is almost essential for major success in the business world. Many small business owners avoid incorporating technology into their business processes. You should not run from it but embrace it. You’re going to have to acknowledge the importance of tech for your financial success. Here’s are a few things for you to consider.
Keeping Things Up and Running
Before we get started on how you can use technology to run your business and generate profits, let’s focus on the importance of keeping any technology you do engage with up and running. If your systems go down, you could find your business unable to make sales, yourself and employees unable to work, simply put – it would be general chaos. Having the right company a part of your, they will be able to find a solution in no time. Make sure you select a company that offers great Computer Support Services and can assist you during these times. Keep their number somewhere you can easily find it. You never know when an emergency could occur and you don’t want to waste time looking for their number.
Online Sales
Now, onto different ways technology is changing the way you do business. Let’s start with online sales. Sure, there is still a space for brick and mortar stores out there. But this tends to be more for major corporations or local specialty shops. When you’re first starting out, running an online store is cheaper, requires less commitment, and is much easier to run individually and independently. What’s not to love?
If you are feeling reluctant about opening an online store because you’re not familiar with technology and code yourself, don’t worry. You can collaborate with a freelance web designer on a one-off basis. They’ll get everything up and running and can create a fully functional, easily navigable, and pleasing space for consumers to browse your products and place orders.
Online Customer Services
No matter how well you run your business, how much information you provide consumers with, and how high-quality your products might be, you’re bound to have some inquiries and complaints at some point down the line. It’s a good idea to digitize these processes. It’s easier to send out copy and paste responses to frequently asked questions than to constantly repeat yourself down the phone or face to face. You can still personalize the responses, but having a list of FAQs developed and available is always beneficial.
Having a digitized process also means you have a record of any interaction you have with customers. Tracking various issues and knowing how to respond can return increase your response rate. The immediacy should help you to answer questions and resolve issues quickly and customers can remain happy.
Technology is a great asset when it comes to keeping your business up and running. There are many ways you can use technology in your small business to reach your goals and increase profits. You’ll want to prioritize the use of technology in your small business establishment and processes. Don’t avoid it and don’t feel as if you have to take it all on at once. Implement a few new things, get feedback from your employees and customers and continue to improve throughout the process. In no time you will see not only increased financial success but employee morale as well.
Carolyn R. Owens has over 25 years of proven experience and serves as a Career Strategist, Executive and Leadership Coach. She is the President of Infinity Coaching, Inc. where she can help you up-level your skills, so you can up-level your income, career, business or life. Infinity Coaching, Inc. provides one-on-one and group coaching, organizational training, personality assessments, and a signature program, the Infinity Coaching Inner Circle. Carolyn is certified to give both The Energy Leadership Index Assessment and Myers Briggs Type Indicator Assessment. You can find out more about both assessments and other products and services at https://infinitycoaching.net.
