By Matt Sandford
It’s a great time to be in business – and an even better time to be a small business. Digital communications technology platforms, are helping smaller players to compete with larger organisations like never before.
Today many business people are discovering that digital technology is helping them to level the playing field with accessible, portable and relatively inexpensive technology that can help their company or organisation to become more efficient, reach new markets and so boost profits.
PUNCH BEYOND YOUR WEIGHT
As the technology is simple to use and set up, smaller players can get the functionality they need to grow.
Much of this functionality used to be expensive and difficult to deploy, so it was usually only the big guys that could gain the efficiency benefits.
In the past small businesses had to align with larger companies and pay for software licences and upgrades, hardware (purchasing and maintenance), power costs, plus consultants’ fees.
These expenses meant that only larger firms could afford to invest in their efficiencies via IT while small businesses generally waited until they could afford market-standard technology. And this had a dampening effect on the competitiveness of smaller companies.
Today, an exciting range of digital communication technology is helping SMBs overcome some of the traditional obstacles to growth.
BENEFITS ABOUND
Technologies like cloud computing, mobile apps, social media, online payment options (ecommerce), financial management software, collaboration solutions, websites, data analytics, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) are all helping small business to address everyday challenges. And by improving your efficiencies you can take on the big boys.
Just think about all the efficiencies digital technology allows. There’s online banking, invoicing and purchasing, let alone online market research about your competitors and new developments in your industry.
Here are some of the other benefits digital communication technology can bring to your business.
CASH FLOW
MARKETING
Marketing could be costly before the Internet changed all that. Digital marketing can be a great way to find, target and engage prospects and customers leading to greater sales through tools and platforms like eDMs, social media and online advertising. Other benefits include:
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Cloud and mobile technologies mean your business can improve collaboration so you can be more responsive to customer needs. Customer-related information can be more easily found online which helps with your business efficiencies and assists with customer service improvements and customer retention.
HUMAN RESOURCES
When your business is equipped with mobility devices and online apps this can lead to a more efficient team who work on the go.
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