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There are so many facets to running a small business that sometimes even minor tasks chew up valuable time. Thankfully our digital business world provides many solutions to traditionally time-consuming activities. Sure, outsourcing certain tasks is an option, but many entrepreneurs are DIY mainstays so they’re often looking for digital tools to help run their businesses. If you are a do-it-yourself small biz owner there are five tech tools that you should include in your arsenal.
Business Plan Tools
To be successful and manage growth effectively you should have a written business plan. Whether you need a business plan template or fully-interactive business plan software, many of the options available should provide all the necessary components to get a startup off the ground or help get financing for existing businesses. Most of the software programs provide calculators help compute important figures such as break-even point or tax calculations.
Document-to-Cloud Scanner
As data storage moves from local servers to the cloud, filing printed documents has gotten easier. There are several digital filing products available that can be used to scan receipts, invoices, and other paper documents. To store digital copies in the cloud requires a service such as Google Docs or Rackspace. At the office you’ll need a scanner to convert printed documents and upload the digital version to a cloud storage provider. Cloud storage of your paper files saves space and provides easier document management.
Webinar Services
If market education is part of your marketing strategy, webinars can be very useful to engage your prospects. Small companies can deliver a large impact through the use of webinars. With the ability to present materials and engage with a global audience, small biz owners interact with their markets more efficiently and effectively. Several of the highly-rated webinar providers allow audience members to provide feedback that can be used to develop future webinars.
Virtual Meeting Host
Today’s small businesses interact with clients, partners, and other stakeholders in distant locations. Travel costs can be avoided by conducting meetings online. Webex, GoToMeeting, and other virtual meeting hosts provide screen sharing, VoIP, data sharing, and other interactive features that put you in front of stakeholders and allow seamless verbal and digital communications.
Project Management
Efficient file sharing capability can be essential for small companies that use remote professionals like programmers, website developers, and virtual assistants. Files can be shared through cloud storage providers for non-regulated businesses or onsite servers for companies that must follow regulatory guidelines. Planbox and other software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers help small biz owners manage work flow, assignment distribution, and task progress. Some programs also integrate social media and private messaging.
Today’s small biz owners have advantages that allow them to compete with larger competitors. Although implementing these tech tools may require a learning curve when first using them, once you’re comfortable with these tools, you’ll spend less time managing routine activities and more time thinking of ways to grow your business!
Disclaimer: Motoza does not represent nor endorse any of the products or services mentioned in this post. We encourage readers to investigate available options prior to purchase.
