Businesses today are basically run by technology. Human beings make the decisions while technology carries them out. Technology is a very useful tool, but it can also come with some problems – namely inefficiency and security. To make the most of your business technology, it’s important that you make some goals for improvement.
Here are some common tech resolutions to get you started.
1. Take Cyber Security Seriously
Don’t be fooled into thinking cyber threats won’t affect your small business. Research shows that about 43 percent of all cyber attacks target small businesses. What’s more, only about 14 percent of small businesses believe they’re able to handle a cyber attack when it comes.
This year, take cyber security a little more seriously. Increase your security budget and focus on securing vulnerabilities, like your email. Business emails are often a popular target for cyber hacks, and simple steps to secure your email can make all the difference.
2. Invest in Automation
Automation makes business processes much easier, but most businesses don’t use what’s available. You can publish social posts, schedule content, monitor and respond to email, track spending, and perform many other actions using automation tools. You’ll save time and money in the process, both venerable goals for the new year.
3. Indulge in More IT Training
Your staff could probably benefit from training in multiple areas, but placing a special emphasis on IT and technical training will save you time and money in the long run. It will limit your need for IT personnel and reduce cyber security threats. Your employees will learn to handle more of their technical problems, boosting productivity and increasing staff satisfaction.
4. Remove Inefficient Technology
Technology isn’t timeless, nor is it totally efficient. Oftentimes, organizations will use tech that’s outdated or runs slower than advertised. This year, start phasing out your inefficient technology to increase efficiency across the board.
If employees complain that their collaboration software keeps crashing or doesn’t integrate with other primary technologies, you’ll lose valuable time and productivity. Update this software with newer models to optimize your business.
5. Update Software
Sometimes there’s no need to remove the software entirely. You can often fix the problem of inefficient tech by simply running updates. Updates are usually made up of security patches and improvements that advance software capabilities. Oftentimes, your problems with inefficiency can be solved by simply installing updates regularly.
6. Improve Response Times
Surveys show that the average response time for a business to get back to a customer is 23 hours, but customers want you to reply in just two hours. Less than 12 hours is acceptable, but with the modern technology that makes responding to queries easier, consumers have come to expect rapid, if not instant communication.
This year, resolve to get back to customers sooner. Replying within two hours may not be possible, but you can shave some time off your traditional response times. This sends the message that you value customers and are invested in offering quality services.
7. Back it Up
According to research from the Boston Computing Network, 60 percent of companies that lose data will shut down within six months of the incident. Don’t let that happen to your small business and back up your data to the cloud. It’s often more affordable than using a data center, and typically more secure.
8. Manage Your Digital Reputation
Every business has a reputation online—is yours one that you can be proud of? Analyze the appearance of your brand to potential and existing customers, and make improvements when necessary. You might include more images on your social profiles, give your brand a more professional voice, or scare up some reviews for your company.
9. Use Data That’s Available
Most companies have plenty of real-time data available that they never use. They don’t understand how to access it or simply ignore it in pursuit of other endeavors. Data collection is more important now than ever. Make it a priority to use all available data for the advancement of your company.
10. Find Useful Apps
Many apps are designed for the sole purpose of making things easier for your business and team members. Apps for project management, communication, time management, collaboration, accounting, efficiency, and other essential business purposes can enhance productivity. Many are even free. Don’t ignore this incredible tech resource that can transform the effectiveness of your organization.
