NASE in the News

New Trends, Software, and Hardware to Improve Your Small Business

Small business owners have always needed drive and dedication in order to see their business ventures succeed. However, since the global pandemic that hit the world back in 2020, the working economy has evolved and adapted to circumstances, and small businesses were no exception.

New technological trends and business practices have emerged in the last two years, many of which can significantly benefit small business owners. Unfortunately, many small business owners are not implementing the new trends and tools made available to them.

Remote Operations
While 2020 saw a massive portion of the workforce completing their tasks from home rather than an office, the idea of decentralizing operations was already growing in popularity. Many companies had begun transitioning from expensive offices to remote work and communications beforehand, and millions more followed suit at the beginning of the pandemic. Countless businesses, large and small, were able to ‘keep their doors open’ through the aid of online tools and software.

Digital tools and programs, such as Zoom and Google Teams, were able to help small businesses worldwide with their video chatting capabilities. Programs like Zoom made keeping in touch and holding meetings easier while supporting excellent business communications. Millions of small business owners also came to rely on cloud-based sharing and data programs that allowed employees to share information, work, and documents seamlessly.

As the world continues to adapt to life post-pandemic, some employers have opted to have their employees return to their offices. Other companies have adopted a hybrid practice of only having a handful of their workforce return to their offices while keeping other employees working remotely.

There are also the businesses that found that cutting out the expense of having an office, or unnecessary storefront helped them significantly, allowing them to adopt decentralized operations permanently.

Technological Customer Relations
With a solid portion of the workforce operating remotely, the growth of online client interactions was to be expected. Larger businesses could adopt online business practices easily, while some small business owners struggled to make the shift as quickly. Small businesses across the country were adopting less personal customer contact, such as email or online chats, but this was not the best option for some companies.

Many small business owners, especially those in sales, knew the necessity of speaking to their customers face to face. Implementing video connections with clients helped keep countless small businesses from going under.

Tech companies and programs began popping up to meet the economy’s demand. The program Loom allows small business employees to share their screens and share recorded videos with clients or their co-workers easily. Programs like Loom help a small business add a personal touch to client interactions.

Online client transactions became simpler during the pandemic as well. More technologically advanced websites and online assistance improved user experiences, which helped maintain client bases for businesses. Millions of transactions for goods and services also moved over to apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App, which are easily accessible to everyone.

Keep in mind that the more user-friendly your business’ online practices and operations are, the more likely your customers will remain loyal to your company.

Automated Tasks and Artificial Intelligence
Small business owners who implement automation practices through their companies know that the list of benefits is a lengthy one. Automated tech can show higher productivity rates, streamlined compliance, and more in-depth financial insight while saving your business money.

Artificial Intelligence, or A.I., is another digital tool aiding small business owners. By adopting artificial intelligence programs and practices, companies can automatically complete a variety of repetitive tasks. A.I. can assist in automated responses to customers’ frequently asked questions and collect crucial customer data entries.

As the implementations of A.I. increase exponentially, small business owners who adopt these practices now will be ahead of the curve. Artificial Intelligence also helps employees focus on their work, which promotes efficiency and profits.

Another type of automation that can be implemented into your small business is outsourcing clerical tasks to professionals outside of your company. Instead of using a software program for payroll, timesheets, and human resource needs, you can hire out the tasks to freelance professionals or payroll companies.

A significant benefit of outsourcing is that it typically costs between 30% to 40% less than hiring a full-time employee to do the job within your small business.

Online Advertising
With society’s ever-growing technological advances, a small business’ only presence is more vital than ever. The majority of the world shop online, especially with the pandemic, making the internet a prime location to pursue sales. However, as expansive as the internet may be, the number of advertisements and business promotions online has made the market overly saturated.

Small business owners should consider hiring a marketing professional to assist in an SEO campaign, which can help generate online clicks, sales, and revenue. Companies, large and small, are investing more every year into online marketing and promotion as a means to drive business.

You can also use your business’ online presence to keep your current customers informed on your company’s news and updates. The fastest way to inform customers of a sale, an event, or business change is through social media and emailing lists.

Utilizing Software Integration
As your small business grows, so does your need for technology integration. Single software programs are great when you need one specific task completed. However, if your small business has multiple channels that need to be addressed, software integration is an ideal option.

Software integration has made partnering software programs achieve high levels of efficiency when they work together. The software integration process is when multiple software programs are linked together to create a single, unified system. These software programs can communicate your business’ information and client data across all platforms.

Instead of needing to open one program for information and then open another to cross-check it, the software would combine them. With your information shared across all the software, the accuracy of your business records will be increased.

Programs such as Quickbooks have integrated their software with many other programs to be more versatile and to meet a business’ needs better. When you partner Quickbooks with programs like Paychex, Fundbox, Hubdoc, Certify, and TSheets, you can seamlessly operate your bill payments, employee timecards, payroll, and expense management.

Increased Cybersecurity
As technology evolves, so does cybercrime. Cyber security is vital for any business that needs to protect themselves, their clients, and their businesses while online. Cyberattacks on your business can result in hackers having access to your financial records, your personal information, as well as the private information of your employees and clients.

If you own a small business that needs to collect your customers’ data, such as their driver’s license number, social security number, email, phone number, address, credit score, or bank account, then an investment in a cyber security system would be beneficial. If your online business information is hacked, it not only costs you damages, it also will be costly on your reputation. Customers are less likely to do business with a company that has been cyberattacked.

In order to protect you and your clients, investing in cyber security is a must. While online programs can be highly effective in streamlining tasks for your business, information kept in the digital cloud is susceptible to hacking and theft.

Steps your small business can take to promote cyber security are:

• Make sure all your company software is caught up with their manufacturer updates
• Maintain passwords on all programs and update the passwords regularly
• Invest in encryption software for online transactions
• Train your employees to watch out for online scams and malware
• Invest in a physical security system for your business’ location, therefore protecting yourself from stolen computers and hard drives
• Consider hiring an I.T. expert for consultations and expertise
• Invest in cyber insurance for your business if you are a victim of a security breach 

Evolution of the Job Market
Currently, in 2022, the job market is filled with ample employment opportunities, allowing those in the market for employment the freedom to choose which company is the most ideal for them. You may find yourself competing with other businesses when it comes to hiring new, quality employees.

Also, it is worth noting that with advances in technology comes better connections for freelance workers. Although freelance and independent contractor work is not for everyone, many people are choosing this career path over a typical employment option.

Finding ways for your small business to stand out in the employment market may seem daunting, but there are several key ways that you can be more appealing to prospective employees: 

• Implement changes to your business model that would allow for a more flexible working schedule 
• Offer suitable health insurance and other benefits
• Take steps to improve the cultural climate of your company’s work environment
• Offer rewards and recognition to employees who excel in their positions
• Consider offering remote working options

To learn more about new trends and software that can help your small business, contact the experts at NASE. Our licensed professionals will be happy to answer any questions you have.