How To Boost Up Your Small Business With Technology

Once you’ve decided to pursue your dream of running your own business, the next step is figuring out how to make your entrepreneurial endeavors successful. One great way to ensure that your small business undergoes steady growth and expansion is using top notch technology strategies that really work. Here are five strategies that can push your small business into a new dimension of success and sophistication:

1. Use CRM Software

One great way to keep your small business growing is by utilizing customer relationship management (CRM) products and services. These services help optimize and expedite the process of making sales while also increasing the likelihood that you’ll be able to retain your current client base. Some of the processes that the CRM software will typically help optimize include:

• account management
• payment management
• email marketing
• shipping/fulfillment
• forecasting agreements

Also, CRM software can oftentimes be integrated with other software programs like Zapier, MailChimp, and Google Apps. This helps make the conversion process smoother and simpler.

2. Utilize Accounting Software

This strategy is a great way to ensure that you can expedite and optimize the process of finance management. There are several processes that will be simplified through the use of accounting software. Some of them include bank reconciliation and audit-proofing. Using the software will also enable you to track the customer’s payment habits and purchasing history. You’ll also be able to generate aging reports to help with any collection efforts that become necessary.

Yet another benefit of using accounting software is being able to formalize your financial statements. For example, some software programs provide users with balance sheets and profit and loss statements. These capabilities enable you to evaluate the company’s progress. This feature will be particularly useful for small business owners who are seeking financing options for their companies because you’ll need to show investors your financial statements to attain capital.

According to Business News Daily, some of the top brands for accounting software include:

• AccountEdge Pro
• FreeAgent
• Harvest
• Kashoo
• Paychex Accounting Online
• WorkingPoint

3. Invest In Smart Office Equipment

If you’re serious about taking your small business to a new level of efficiency and excellence, be sure to invest in smart office equipment. Although defined broadly, smart office equipment is basically any type of machine or device that makes it easier for you and your staff to complete daily operations quickly and correctly. One great type of smart office equipment you should invest in is an updated printer. Smart office printers are now equipped to be used with iPhones, thereby enabling you and your staff members to complete work-related processes from remote locations. As noted on the Ink Station website, some of the best and most affordable printers that can be used with the iPhone include:

• Epson Expression XP-850
• HP Officejet Pro 8610
• Canon PIXMA MX892

4. Use Mobile Technology

In today’s world, the use of electronic devices has become increasingly common. As such, small business owners who want to optimize their ability to effectively interface with clients and prospective customers need to be making use of mobile technology. For example, small business owners who maintain websites should ensure that each product page has been optimized for mobile friendliness. You can hire a digital firm to implement responsive web design techniques to make it happen.

In addition to ensuring that your small business’s website is mobile friendly, you should develop a mobile app for the company. This technique will empower you to interact with your clients in a savvy, sophisticated manner. As noted in Forbes, some of the benefits that result from developing an app include:

• being visible to customers at all times
• creating a direct marketing channel
• providing value to your customers
• building brand recognition
• improving customer engagement
• standing out from the competition
• cultivating customer loyalty

5. Invest In Cloud Services

Utilizing cloud services is another wonderful way to push your small business forward. Cloud services are important because they enable work-related documents to be stored in one central location that can be accessed through any remote location where Internet access is available. As such, small business owners who utilize the services empower their employees to work on and complete company-related projects from the comfort of their home, while on vacation, and when standing in a check-out line at the grocery store.

Don’t Delay: Start Building Your Small Business Today!

Once you’ve decided that you want your small business to move forward, your next step should be implementing technology strategies that will help you realize the goal. You can use some or all of the techniques listed above to keep your company going and growing!