Five Ways to Help Your Business Run Smarter in 2024 — Starting Now
Business Services Connect
Behind every successful business lies a solid company culture that keeps operational efficiency at the top of mind. Not only does the implementation of “smarter” business processes help streamline day-to-day functions, it also empowers team members to make decisions based on a common goal — running an efficient business.
This can be accomplished through HR initiatives, early morning huddles with the team, reinforced key performance indicators (KPIs), technology solutions, and many other internal processes that can make your business function like a well-oiled machine.
Below are five of the best ways to improve process efficiency, and, as a result, customer satisfaction, labor productivity, and ultimately, your company’s bottom line.
Find Your Business Providers.
Collaborative communications
Leave email in the dust
There’s nothing particularly wrong with email. It’s just that sometimes a less time-consuming and more accessible messaging application can do the job better, faster and more conversationally — that’s especially true when it comes to prioritizing short-term communication.
Real-Life Example
While you’re on the phone with a potential customer, you need to clarify the bid price on the new project your sales associate put together two days ago. Using a dedicated, always-on messaging platform (Slack, Microsoft Teams, Pumble, etc.) can deliver the information you need on the spot over your mobile device, tablet, or desktop computer — this is business efficiency at its finest. There’s no playing phone tag or wondering if your email was ever opened. Group conversations are also simple and intuitive. Keep in mind: As always, you’ll need to power your app with a reliable Internet connection from a trusted provider.
Cloud it up
Say goodbye to do-it-yourself software maintenance
If you’re a startup or small business owner you already know the benefit of cloud-based software. But it’s also worth paying attention to the industry’s latest technology advancements. One idea that’s catching on with small businesses is desktop-as-a-service (DaaS). DaaS is a cloud-connected platform that creates, manages, updates and secures a desktop computing experience tailored to you or your employees — without the need to constantly update software or click through multiple user profiles. If you have more than one or two employees who share the same PC, DaaS can greatly improve efficiency, time management and the ability to quickly share information while offering an incredible return on investment. And thanks to secure connectivity from your local broadband provider, it’s always at the ready.
Use your voice
Stand out from the crowd with a familiar asset
It’s hard to believe, but in the day of rapid-fire text messages and typed instructions, we still possess a highly effective and influential tool in the kit: our voice. Connecting with customers, suppliers and business partners the old-fashioned way (i.e., face-to-face, on the phone, etc.) yields a high-touch, very human experience that can be a welcome respite from written communications.
Pro tip: Before you make somebody’s phone ring, consider sending over a notification, like a text message, to signal your identity and make sure somebody’s okay with taking your call. It’s an easy way to extract yourself from the caller ID trap and elevate your ratio of completed calls to attempts.
Bonus: Some wireless phone plans from local business-telecom providers allow you to take calls from your business phone number on any device that happens to be handy (i.e., your mobile device), or to auto-route calls to associates on the fly if you’re busy.
Find Your Business Providers.
Keep up the conversation
Stay ahead of the game with social media automation & scheduling options
Everybody gets that social media presence is the new “television for business.” That’s because it can be a powerful agent for getting noticed, staying in touch and keeping your community up to speed. The problem is a common one for busy business owners and managers: how to keep up an effective rhythm of social messaging when you have about two-hundred other tasks to get done.
One solution is to use back-end management tools that let you schedule your messaging in advance – it’s like multi-tasking in the background. Examples include Later (sign up for free), Hootsuite or Sprout Social. For more options, a quick online search under “social media scheduling” should do the trick. These tools are at the ready and often free to try. You just have to take advantage.
Clear the calendar
Leverage project management software to free up time and brainpower
Find Your Business Providers.
Improve business efficiency by streamlining your communications
Each of these five methods of improving efficiency in your business involve one common denominator — fast and open communication. With better, more streamlined communication, your company can accomplish twice as much (if not more) in half the amount of time. That being said, if you’re ready to take your businesses reliability, bottom line, efficiency, and customer satisfaction to the next level, we’re here to help. Learn how you can enhance your internal processes with a sustainable business network solution today.