Many small businesses or startups fail because of a lack of technologies. Living in the 21st century means having to navigate tech in different contexts. Often, small business entrepreneurs think that investing in technology is not much needed because it should only be applied in businesses on a bigger scale.
Yet, this should not be the case. There are machinery and software that help make small businesses more productive. Embracing technology is not just about being aligned to trends; but it also helps you and your business thrive. It equips businesses to adhere to changing demands of customers.
Simply put, knowledge of and investing in new tech for your business is a must to thrive in your chosen industry. This can help you serve your current clients better while attracting new ones. Here are technology-related updates that your business will benefit from.
Automation
Automating manual tasks can help businesses be more productive. Through this, small businesses can save time and costs. Automation offers solutions to problems that would otherwise take time to resolve. For small businesses, automating inventory management systems and customer service is great, especially if there is a lack of manpower.
Automation is great; however, there always has to be a backup. Having backups of important documents and processes on the cloud is important. If you operate your business with multiple computers, ask a professional about data centre UPS management so you won’t have to worry about losing all your unsaved data should a power or connectivity interruption arise.
Artificial Intelligence
AI usually goes hand-in-hand with automation. This tech trend helps small companies become more efficient. While it is expensive up front, investing in AI technologies is never a waste. AI offers solutions that are cost-effective in the long run.
AI can be implemented in many ways. A simple AI technology that a small company can utilize with great ROI is social media chatbots. These AI-powered chatbots help ease customer service work from your other employees. It offers real-time responses to simple questions. As customers appreciate getting timely responses, these chatbots are convenient and are accessible 24/7.
AI-powered CRM also helps small businesses target prospective audiences that can be converted to paying customers. Through keyword-powered advertising, brands can effectively reach their target audience. A few clicks can convert more sales.
5G
5G is a new internet standard that offers fast data transfers with better network reliability. While most internet or app-based programs can run on lower internet connectivity, 5G is better for newer tech. It allows businesses to use VR, AR, and 3D programs for better product presentations. It also allows users to stream videos and share photos with minimal delays.
Tech-assisted Shopping
Going to a store to buy something is no longer a norm for many. Since the pandemic, many businesses have relied on online services to provide their customers with a seamless and contactless shopping experience. While switching to e-commerce is still a challenge for many businesses, tech-assisted shopping is here to stay.
Omnichannel shopping is also a trend these days. It is useful for businesses to have their own apps for exclusive deals. Yet, there are still customers who go to their trusted online shopping platforms to make their purchases. By implementing an omnichannel approach in e-commerce, brands can boost their sales while attracting a loyal customer base.
Augmented reality is also a tech-assisted shopping experience gaining attention from many mobile shoppers. This provides buyers with an engaging and personal shopping experience. These tools allow customers to see if a product fits their space or their physique. Hence, they become more confident in making online purchases.
AI also powers many CRM or customer relationship management tools. These help business leaders identify audiences that can turn into paying customers. These tools can perform targeted advertisements that convert views into sales.
New HR Tech and Remote Onboarding Processes
As more businesses allow their employees to work remotely, HR tech has become a staple in the digital workplace. These technologies allow employees and business leaders to monitor productivity even if they are working from different places. HR tech is more than just monitoring the clock-ins and clock-outs of employees; it can also measure if employees can hit quotas while communicating with other team members.
Aside from new HR tech, onboarding processes for new employees can also be done online. Some programs allow gasified AR and VR presentations that help new employees understand tasks as if they are doing it with their team leaders or trainers on-site. Investing in these technologies can help ensure that employees feel welcome and ready to take on new tasks.
Now that the world has entered a new age of tech, business leaders must be up-to-date with the latest trends. While these tech trends are intimidating and expensive, they can help startups and small businesses become more productive.