Be it the adoption of 4G technology, the rise of AI and machine learning, or the global pandemic of an unprecedented scale, the world has witnessed many changes in the last few years than it has seen in the past few decades.
There will be many more changes in the future as well. Adapting to changes is the only way for big businesses to move forward. But it can be a huge challenge for small businesses.
Are you a small business owner looking for some effective tools to prepare for the new world of work? There are many useful tools that can help small businesses in changing times. Here are eight of them that will equip your small business for the brave new world.
1. Digital signatures
Two years ago, you would not have hesitated to visit your client’s location or invite them over to your office, to sign some documents or get those signed. But the pandemic changed that completely. With remote working being the new normal, the era of using pen and paper to sign documents is long gone. You can sign all important documents and get those signed using GoSigner’s digital signature.
Digital signatures are:
- Easy to use
- Fast and efficient
- Safer
- Cost-effective
- Fraud proof
- Easy to verify
- Eco-friendly
2. Cloud storage
In this age, relying solely on your storage devices is not enough. If they fail, all your important documents will disappear forever. Investing in cloud storage is a good idea to prevent that from happening. Cloud storage is a model that stores data and files on the internet.
It is safer than storing data in on-site storage units and external hard drives. Over the years, many small businesses have started using cloud storage to store their documents and files. Adopting cloud computing has several benefits such as:
- Better security
- Cost-effective
- Accessibility and usability
- Easy sharing of files
- Scalable service
3. Accounting software
Do you face difficulties while filing taxes or streamlining your accounting process? The right accounting software can solve all your accounting problems. It is a solution that accounting professionals, bookkeepers, and business owners use to manage accounts. Over the years, the latest advancements in cloud computing, machine learning, and automation have evolved accounting software. Modern accounting software automates accounting and improves efficiency.
It also simplifies the filing of taxes and helps during the auditing process. It also helps in processing financial transactions. The right software can help you manage accounts from personal computers, tablets, and smartphones.
4. Online payment apps
Using reliable online payment apps will easily pay your vendors and suppliers on time. With a reliable online payment app, you can pay anything from electricity bills to invoices easily and on time. With more online transactions and payments, many individuals and businesses use digital tools for making payments.
It is more popular than cash payments. The use of cash has decreased a lot in the last two years. One of the key advantages of online payment is that you get cash back rewards and attractive offers.
5. Customer relationship management software
Have you ever wanted to keep track of your customer interactions? Or how about nurturing long-lasting relationships with your customers? The right customer relationship management software can help you achieve the above two and much more. Using the tool, businesses can provide their customers with unique experiences.
The software also helps businesses to serve customers, manage contacts, and track transactions in a single place. It also enables businesses:
- Automate administrative tasks
- Integrate digital signatures technology
- Create reports on sales and customer interactions
- Analyze data for the decision-making process
6. Open-source platforms and tools
If you have an online store or plan to build an e-commerce website, consider using open-source platforms such as WooCommerce or Magento.
These platforms enable thousands of businesses of all sizes to market their products and offerings on their websites. These platforms are extremely agile and flexible. These also cost less than other solutions and are particularly reliable for small businesses.
7. Digital marketing tools
Digital marketing tools enable you to promote your business on the internet and connect with prospective customers. Using it, you can communicate with your target audience over:
- Social media platforms
- Emails
- Search engines
- Online advertisements
- Text and multimedia messages
Create a profile on leading social media platforms and connect with your target audience and prospective customers. Build your Google My Business page and invest in search engine optimization to attract traffic to your website and store. If possible, hire a professional digital marketing company.
8. Team communication and collaboration tools
Integrated communication and collaboration tools enable your team to communicate seamlessly.
Tools such as Slack and Microsoft Teams provide solutions to interact effectively and efficiently. The tools’ excellent user experience and features make them exceptionally useful. Using one of these tools, your team can:
- Work together in real-time
- Brainstorm ideas
- Share documents
- Plan and review
- Conduct face-to-face meetings
Some platforms also combine important electronic tools such as digital signatures to make collaboration easy and improve productivity.
Read more:- Bookkeeping Mistakes Small Businesses
Taking everything into account,
Sudden changes can affect many companies, more particularly small businesses. So preparing for changes is extremely crucial for entrepreneurs.
It means adopting useful tools that can simplify work and business transactions. The new digital technologies can also help connect team members and maintain good relationships with customers. Every small business needs to determine how prepared they are for the future and equip themselves with the necessary tools to sustain and grow their operations.
