As a small business owner, you may already know how important technology is to your business. Whether it’s helping you manage the flow of your business or gain new customers, technology is a vital part of every step of the way. Many business owners are progressing their companies with the help of their tech. Smallbizgenius reports that 85% of small business owners use technology for their business growth. 

Life has evolved in the past year, and technology is no different. In order to stay on top, you need to ensure your business is updated on the latest technology. Most of these new technologies can impact your small business in positive ways. Here are 5 tech solutions that can enhance your business in the long run. 

 

• Data security upgrades

A small business is just as likely to be attacked by hackers as an enterprise-level company. According to Cision, nearly 60% of small-to-mid-sized business owners don’t think their company is likely to be targeted by cybercriminals. However, the opposite is true. In the same study, 18.5% of SMB owners reported suffering from data breaches in the last year. Make sure your business is protected against any type of data security. Some upgrades you can start applying include using strong security tools or upgrading your passwords regularly. For more cybersecurity tips for your business, check out our blog, 5 Cybersecurity Tips to Keep Your Printers and Copiers Secure. 

 

• Time-tracking apps

One of the best ways to ensure your business’s productivity is to track your employee’s time. There are a number of key benefits that time tracking can have for your small business. For one, you can ensure that a project is delivered by the due date without obstacles in the way. It can also help you and your employees understand where to allocate their time so that a productive workflow is consistently maintained. There are several time-tracking apps available such as Toggl Track, Harvest, and Everhour. Some of these tools also integrate with other productivity tools like Slack, which can make it easier to manage your team’s workflow. Make sure to choose the right time-tracking tool for you and your team. You may need to consider whether the tools are simple enough for your employees to use regularly. You may also need to evaluate how well your chosen time-tracking tool integrates with project estimates and other productivity applications. 

 

• Remote work tools

With the current health and economic conditions, many people are choosing to relocate to areas with smaller populations, leading to an increasing need for remote work. Many businesses are already embracing the concept and practice of remote work. While it may not seem like a feasible, long-term solution, it can have a positive impact on your business. This includes potential cost savings on rent, greater flexibility for employees, and less commuting time. Of course, as businesses embrace remote work, they will also need the right tools to handle all remote work operations. For instance, cloud services like Dropbox can offer businesses direct access to their files outside of the office. These files can be viewed, deleted, modified from a smartphone or tablet without needing to use your main computer. Other tools like LogMeIn can also keep you connected to your main computer even if you’re not in the office. Having access to these tools can make managing your business remotely much easier.

 

• Artificial Intelligence

With the development of voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a normal (and necessary) part of business management. To gain a competitive edge, it’s important to incorporate these technologies into your workplace and regular business processes. Using AI solutions isn’t just a novelty; it’s an investment for your business. It can allow you and your employees to save time on menial tasks and provide personalized experiences to boost employee productivity. As saving time is a huge challenge for many small business owners, AI is set to make running your small business more efficient.

 

• Customer service platforms

Customer service is a must for small businesses. However, it can be overwhelming to handle different channels used for customer services such as phone calls, emails, and social media. There are several options you can use to mitigate any obstacles. For example, you can implement customer service options through a help desk application on your business’s website. A help desk tool enhances your response time to customer needs and helps improve the customer support experience. Other solutions include customer interaction platforms like Podium that connect all communication avenues in one place so that it’s easier to handle your customer’s needs.  

 

Maintaining and growing a small business is not an easy task. With the right technology in place, you can maximize your strengths and reduce any possible threats that can throw your small business off. Depending on your business goals and needs, you may use a combination of the above tools to improve the flow of your business operations and provide exceptional customer experiences. it’s important to remember that technology is always changing so it’s always a good idea to pay attention to new tech software and trends that can be a better fit for your small business. By staying on top with the latest technology, you’ll ensure your business remains competitive in a dynamic business environment.

There are countless productivity apps that can play a crucial role in small business growth. Check out our blog, 6 Best Safety & Productivity Apps for Business Owners to learn more.