As a small business owner or manager, it is evident that larger companies possess an advantage when it comes to data analytics, corporate solutions and specialist consultants. However, small firms have their own benefits, such as greater flexibility and the capacity to respond rapidly to changes in the market. This was made obvious by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, when smaller businesses were able to successfully adapt to the needs of remote working.
As technology advances, it becomes increasingly beneficial to smaller businesses. Highly effective analytics, insightful marketing data and robust customer service software are now widely accessible to businesses of all sizes, enabling them to plan product launches, adjust strategies according to market changes and improve their likelihood of success.
Gaining an understanding of the available resources is the initial step to utilising them. We have created an inventory of the most helpful resources for taking your startup to the next level.
Involvement in Project Management
Many corporate initiatives can be attributed to the adoption of effective project management techniques and the utilisation of suitable project management software. For smaller organisations, a program such as Trello can be very beneficial in aiding teams to stay on task. Through the use of cards, it is straightforward to understand the progress of each project, what tasks are still to be completed, who is responsible for each task, and what has already been achieved.
Asana Dashboards are a valuable resource for managers and owners of small businesses when it comes to organising, executing and monitoring projects. Their straightforward interface allows for a clear view of tasks that need to be done, who is responsible for them and when they need to be completed. Dashboards provide a great way to get a general overview or to focus on a particular area.
Service to Customers
No matter the size of the organization, efficiently managing customer relationships is essential. HubSpot enables users to easily add new clients, track their progress, and receive notifications when required. This facilitates a greater understanding of consumer behaviour and allows for timely communication.
It is paramount for a small business to maintain strong relationships with its clients, and providing outstanding customer service is essential to achieving this. Utilising a platform such as Zendesk, which offers features such as automated assistants, messaging, chat, tickets and voice contact, can simplify the process and help customer service professionals succeed.
The next video outlines the importance of formulating a customer service strategy prior to selecting the most suitable technologies for its implementation.
Marketing
Using analytics software such as Google Analytics can provide insight into the behaviour of visitors to your website, their objectives and the effectiveness of the navigation. This information can then be used to improve the accessibility and usability of your site, potentially leading to increased visitor numbers and conversion rates.
Email marketing is still a highly effective way to engage with consumers and potential clients. Mailchimp is a great resource for creating and sending emails, maintaining mailing lists, and analysing recipient behaviour. To optimise your email campaigns, you can use advanced features such as segmenting your recipients and personalising content.
Hootsuite and other similar platforms provide users with the ability to manage and post to multiple social media accounts from one convenient location. By scheduling posts in advance, users can save time and energy while simultaneously maintaining a consistent online presence. Additionally, reporting tools allow users to assess the success of their social media marketing campaigns and track any brand mentions.
Accounting
It is essential for any organisation to maintain accurate financial records for success. QuickBooks is a beneficial tool to help manage invoices, costs and payments, as well as provide information for reports which are necessary for accountants when filing tax returns.
Sage Cloud Accounting offers your business comprehensive control over its financial operations, such as cash flow, invoices, payments and banking, as well as more intricate features such as inventory and debtor management, similar to that of QuickBooks.
Resources, Human
Staff are often a business’s most valuable asset, and managing them can be challenging. TalentSoft Human Resources Software provides a range of modules to make the process easier, including tools for hiring, retaining and orientating staff. Additional features include an application tracking system, wage evaluations and educational materials.
PayFit Our platform enables streamlined payroll processes with an employee portal and dedicated payroll professionals. This can be integrated with HR software, creating an efficient and user-friendly way of managing employee benefits.
Coordinating Efforts and Sharing Information
Organisations require both on-site and remote employees, or those who combine both roles, to effectively communicate and work together to achieve their objectives. Microsoft Teams is a popular platform for teams to communicate, collaborate, and exchange files in real-time, as well as providing video and audio calling and screen sharing capabilities, plus presence tracking to ensure everyone in the virtual room is visible and audible.
Zoom Zoom quickly rose to prominence in the early days of the internet, as teams looked for ways to communicate remotely. It has since become a powerful tool for scheduling recurring meetings, as well as conducting virtual conferences, presentations, seminars, and other forms of comprehensive training.
Use Your Skills to Take on the Big Boys
To ensure successful implementation of these technologies, it is essential to ensure that they adequately address the needs of your business. Many of these systems provide free trials, so it is possible to test their functionality prior to committing to purchase.
The significance of these resources for small businesses with growth ambitions cannot be overstated. An essay recently published on the Forbes Technology Council elucidates how their usage can assist business owners in attaining “greater visibility and control over all facets of the company,” including marketing, customer service, and financial outcomes. Moreover, due to these applications, “small businesses have access to the same quality of data as larger enterprises,” enabling them to make informed decisions that promote efficiency and productivity.
