One thing we rarely ever do is make big proclamations that apply to everyone. The world is too big, and there too many kinds of businesses, to give meaningful advice that applies to dozens of different owners and executives, much less all of them.
With that being said, though, we are in something of a golden age when it comes to technology. There are a lot of tools out there that just didn’t exist a decade ago, and we believe that most businesses – no matter how small or large – should be taking advantage of them. That’s because they can make all the difference in the world, when it comes to getting things done and finding the insights you need to run your business, without costing you much in return.
To give you a sense of which game-changers you shouldn’t overlook, let’s look at five tech tools your business should be using if it isn’t already…
#1 Personal Productivity Apps
There are apps for your phone and tablet that can help you manage lists, keep appointments straight, oversee large projects, and even take care of your personal fitness. All of these can help you feel better, do more, and approach your day with a clear mind. That means you should be using them, and so should your employees.
#2 CRM and Contact Management Platforms
There used to be a time when it was common for sales opportunities to “fall between the cracks.” Calls to go unreturned, deadlines for proposals were missed, and so on. With a good customer relationship management (CRM) system in place, you can stay on top of every prospect and proposed deal, complete with details of pricing and past conversations. Why not use them to grow your revenue?
#3 Project Management and Collaboration Software
If you’re in charge of big projects, you don’t have to keep track of the details (not to mention deadlines and budgets) with spreadsheets or paper lists. You can use software that helps you monitor your progress towards important milestones while devoting resources and even keeping in touch with employees, vendors, and colleagues in real-time. That makes it easier to get big jobs done.
#4 Automated Accounting Suites
Gone are the days when you need to manually enter receipts into your bookkeeping software, or keep stacks of paperwork around the office just to get ready for tax filing season. Automated accounting suites let you manage the money side of your department or business within minutes. They also help you to cut down on errors and generate better reporting.
#5 Cloud Backup and Security Packages
It only takes a moment for all the data on your computer or device – not to mention your company server – to disappear. With secure cloud backups, you can save everything you need to keep your company running offsite through encrypted transfers. That’s a huge benefit if you ever find yourself in need of emergency data recovery or quick access to your files.
Missing Out on Practical Tech Advice?
If your company isn’t already using tools like the ones we describe in this article, it’s probably a sign you aren’t getting great advice from your IT vendor. Why not contact fantastic IT in Southern California today to get a free consultation and learn more about what we can do for you?