So your small business is up and running – congratulations! But as we all know, in the ever-changing landscape of business, it’s never too soon to start planning for the future.
As a small business owner, you're always on the lookout for ways to stay ahead of the curve and future-proof your company. But with so much noise and change in the tech world, it can be hard to know where to start.
Technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, so if you want your small business to stay ahead of the curve, you need to stay on top of the latest tech trends.
In this post, we’ll give you 8 tech tips to future-proof your small business.
1. Have a remote workforce
People are increasingly working remotely thanks to advancements in technology.
The benefits of a remote workforce are numerous. First, you're not limited to the talent pool in your area. You can find the best person for the job, regardless of where they live.
Second, you're not limited by geography. As long as your employees have internet access, they can work from anywhere in the world.
Third, you're not limited by time. Your employees can work any hours that fit their schedule.
Fourth, you're not limited by space. Your employees can work from anywhere they have a computer and a phone line.
If you're not already using a remote workforce, now is the time to start.
2. Use the cloud
The cloud is one of the best ways to future-proof your small business. Here's why:
The cloud is a type of computing that allows you to access data and applications over the internet. This means that you can store your information on a remote server and access it from anywhere with an internet connection.
This makes the cloud a great choice for small businesses, as it can help you save money on hardware and software costs. It also makes it easy to back up your data, so you can rest assured that your information is safe in the event of a disaster.
Finally, using the cloud can help you stay agile and responsive to changes in the market. When you're not tied down to physical servers, you can quickly adapt to new trends and technologies.
3. Use data to make informed decisions
It has been said that data is the new oil. It's not just an overused analogy – data really is the lifeblood of business.
The trouble is, that most small businesses don't have the time or resources to go out and get data themselves. That's where you come in. By using data wisely, you can make informed decisions that will future-proof your small business.
Here are 5 ways to use data to your advantage:
- Use data to identify your target market
- Use data to track your marketing efforts
- Use data to improve your website and online presence
- Use data to understand your customers better
- Use data to make informed decisions about your business
4. Be mobile
Being mobile is key in today's business landscape. Not only do you want to make sure your website is mobile-friendly, but you should also have a mobile app for your business.
A mobile app not only allows your customers to access your business on the go, but it also makes it easier for them to make purchases and stay up-to-date with your latest news and products.
If you're not sure where to start, our team can help you create a mobile app that is perfect for your small business. Contact us today to learn more!
5. Automate your processes
Automating your processes can help take some of the load off of you and your team. It can also help improve efficiency and accuracy within your company.
There are a number of different software programs out there that can help automate your business processes. CRMs, invoicing software, project management, and business intelligence tool are all great options to consider.
No need to worry if you don't know where to begin! We've got a few recommendations for you: for CRMs, we love Salesforce and Hubspot; for invoicing software, we recommend Wave and QuickBooks; and for project management tools, we love Asana and Trello.
6. Use artificial intelligence
Businesses of all sizes should be using artificial intelligence in some way or another. AI has the ability to automate tasks, which can free up your time and manpower to focus on other aspects of the business.
There are a number of AI services available, such as chatbots and machine learning, that can help you future-proof your business.
For example, chatbots can be used to answer customer questions and machine learning can be used to predict trends and adapt your products or services.
Don't worry if you don't know where to begin! We've got you covered. Our team can help you identify the areas of your business that would benefit the most from using AI and we can provide you with the resources you need to get started.
7. Stay up to date with the latest technology
Keeping your technology up to date is crucial for the success of your small business. If you're using outdated software or hardware, you're likely to experience glitches and problems that can seriously affect your bottom line.
Make sure to stay on top of the latest technology trends and invest in devices and software that will help you run your business more efficiently. For example, if you're not yet using a virtual cloud phone, now is the time to get a virtual phone number for SMS and calls and make the switch.
By allowing users to host video calls and send multimedia messages, a virtual cloud phone tend to be more functional. Add-on features such as voicemail, call analytics, call rejection and voicemail, and many others are common.
It's also important to have a good backup plan in place in case of an emergency. Invest in a quality virtual phone system and make sure to get enhanced features available.
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your small business is future-proofed and ready for whatever comes its way.
8. Invest in cyber security
Small businesses are a major target for cyber-attacks, as they often don't have the same level of security as larger businesses. In order to future-proof your small business, it's important to invest in cyber security measures.
Some tips to keep your business safe online include using strong passwords, installing antivirus software, and creating firewalls. It's also important to be vigilant about phishing scams and never open emails from unknown senders.
If you're not sure where to start, consult with a cyber security expert to make sure your business is as protected as possible.
Conclusion
As a small business owner, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to technology. While there’s no guaranteed way to future-proof your small business, following these tech tips can help to lessen the risk of major disruptions down the road.
By taking these proactive steps, you’ll be giving your business the best chance possible to thrive in uncertain times. Implementing these eight tips will help you secure your business’s future and ensure that you’re able to keep up with the competition.
