For small businesses, increasing productivity and maximizing efficiency are always two of the primary goals. Thankfully, there are a number of technologies and solutions that target these specific needs.
Are you still using spreadsheets to track time and record project information? If so, you’re way behind. In 2016, companies are turning to alternative tools like Toggl, which allow you to automatically track the amount of time individual employees spend on certain tasks and projects.
Toggl features an online time tracker that can be categorized in any variety of ways. Using these features, you can tell exactly how an employee is spending their time. This helps you identify distractions, isolate productive actions, and ultimately improve billable hours. The basic productivity tool is free, while there are two premium packages that offer more complete time management features.
While Toggl helps you identify areas where you’re wasting time, you also need tools that can pinpoint the root of the problem. And if you’re like most people, you probably spend a lot of time searching for files and filtering through emails. This is where Lookeen comes into play.
Lookeen is an award-winning desktop search solution that enables you to find exactly what you’re looking for in a fraction of the time. Lookeen quickly searches through emails, documents, photos, and other files to highlight and retrieve the items you need. It’s easy to install, simple to maintain, and a breeze to use.
Automating social media is something you have to be very cautious about. You never want to completely remove yourself from the process or you could end up with a PR disaster on your hands. With that being said, there are certain tasks that can be effectively streamlined.
Dlvr.it is a tool that lets you automate blog post delivery to the social networks of your choice. Simply identify a blog source and social destination and the content will automatically post as soon as it’s published.
Another great social media automation tool is Buffer. This tool helps you schedule posts to your various social networks in advance. For example, let’s say you find a blog post that you want to share with your followers, but you know it’s too late at night for the post to gain any traction. Simply throw the post into the Buffer platform, set the time, and the post will automatically go out when the time comes.
The real value of Buffer is that you can schedule hundreds of posts in advance. This allows you to set up schedules days or weeks ahead of time. It’s a real time-saver!
Most people are familiar with Evernote as a personal app – or have at least heard of it – but did you know there’s an Evernote Business app? For small businesses lacking resources and human capital, this is a tool you can’t live without.
Evernote Business does everything from track deadlines and share files to enhance collaboration and consolidate files in a searchable index. Best of all, it can be used on your PC, phone, or tablet.
Use the Right Tools
One of the best things about operating in a marketplace that’s flooded with technology is that businesses are able to overcome deficiencies, streamline mundane processes, increase productivity, and maximize efficiency – all in a cost-effective manner.
If you’ve yet to consider the value of these tools – many of which are free – then you’re missing out on opportunities to grow.
Give them a try and see how they impact the growth of your business.
