For a business owner, some of the hardest parts of the job are paperwork, logistics, and other time-consuming tasks. Previously, business owners had to spend so much time worrying about all these aspects that they barely had time for anything else.
Luckily, technology has emancipated them from these tedious processes so that they can work more constructively to build their business. Better security systems, cheaper marketing strategies, and more user-friendly software have made owning and operating a business easier than ever.
Cloud Technology
Cloud technology has reinvented the way companies do business. For those who have employees working remotely or traveling for business, the cloud can keep everyone connected. Cloud technology offers the ability to keep updated, real-time documents that can be read or edited from anywhere by any authorized person with a computer and Internet connection. This storage technology also relieves a company from having closets full of documents or massive computer hardware.
Most software now uses cloud technology to make it possible for companies to store all information securely, enabling a business owner easy access to records from anywhere. With this capability, it’s now easier than ever to collaborate on projects without being in the same office, and work quickly and efficiently without worrying about where a file is located or whether you have the most current version of the document.
Social Media and Marketing
Social media and marketing tools and programs such as Yelp, Facebook and Twitter can take some of the guesswork out of what your consumers want. Considering that 75 percent of consumers say they use social media during the buying process, it’s now more important than ever to use these tools.
Fortunately, social media is an affordable, albeit time-consuming, tool to engage with your customers. Business owners can also address complaints personally, and consider customer feedback just by tuning in to what people are saying online. Owners finally have the opportunity to listen to what consumers want specifically, and can use that information to their advantage.
VoIP Systems
Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone systems are the latest technology for business phone systems. Systems that allow calling through an Internet connection are much more efficient and cost-effective than traditional phone lines. With VoIP phones, you can quickly and easily have phone calls transferred to a cell phone, listen to your calls in high-definition, and even have your voice mails transcribed to emails.
With VoIP it’s also easier to track your calls with software programs that offer plenty of additional features. If you work in sales, you can track your sales calls, record calls if necessary, and follow up on leads. VoIP systems are affordable even on large scales, and help to keep everyone in your company connected with each other and with clients.
Mobile Apps
Smartphone apps have revolutionized the way customers shop and access their favorite companies and products. An astounding 80 percent of consumers use their smartphones to shop. It’s possible now for a customer to shop, check reviews, and pay for purchases all through their screens, and business owners can capitalize on this technology to add yet another avenue to connect their products or services with consumers. Although it may seem counterintuitive for people to use such a small screen to do their online shopping, apps make it easy and convenient to complete these transactions. Building apps is becoming much more affordable as well, and can bring in new business with different demographics.
Conclusion
Business owners still have many facets of business to manage; however, technology is changing the way businesses interact with consumers and handle day-to-day operations. By staying connected through smartphones and cloud technology, a business owner doesn’t have to be chained to his or her desk. Furthermore, with all the technology available, employees can focus on their business goals instead of getting bogged down by tedious tasks.
