Modernizing a small business is never easy.
One, money doesn’t grow on trees. Unless you’re one of those guys with deep pockets or tons of investors, you can’t exactly spend freely.
Two, implementing new technology takes long. If you’ve been running your business for a while, you probably know by now that time isn’t a luxury you have.
In this article, we put together some quick solutions to prepare your company for the modern world. Now, this isn’t one of those overly detailed lists that seem like too much to handle. In fact, we wanted to make sure that everything here was as cheap and easy as possible.
Here are three quick tech fixes for small businesses.
High-Quality Printers
The average office worker uses roughly 10,000 sheets of paper every year–or the equivalent of 4.48 trees!
Looking to cut down (pun not intended) on paper and ink used? Consider upgrading to a multi-function printer or scanner with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities.
Simply shifting from a traditional printer to a more modern multi-function one gives you the option of going paperless. That way, you won’t need to consume paper unless absolutely necessary.
Office Automation
What is office automation?
Office automation is the “application of information technology to the typical clerical and secretarial tasks such as communication, correspondence, documenting, and filing” (Business Dictionary). Simply put, it’s using machines and software to streamline office processes and reduce manual labor.
The impact of office automation is tremendous. Research has shown a number of benefits including saving time, increased customer engagement, more timely communications, and increased opportunities.
No wonder 63% of companies are able to outgrow their competitors through automation.
Not sure which tasks to automate?
Find repetitive tasks and do a quick search on how to automate them. Often, you’ll find that there’s an app or machine for practically every task imaginable.
Just ask JJBender.com, one of the early leaders in office automation.
Telecommuting
In recent years, we’ve seen a boom in telecommuters and work-from-home types. And it isn’t hard to see why.
Studies show that work-from-home programs save businesses an estimated $2,000 per employee annually. Not only that, telecommuting professionals were able to increase productivity, reduce stress, and improve health.
Although many companies are still reluctant to adopt telecommuting practices, the ones that have are reaping the benefits–and outgrowing their competitors.
If you aren’t ready to commit completely to telecommuting, consider coworking. Allow employees to work in locations close to them. Chances are, there’s a well-designed coworking space nearby.
Conclusion
Of course, technology isn’t the end all and be all of the good business. Good business is and always will be the result of great ideas, sound practices, meaningful relationships, and a little bit of luck.
Technology is just a vehicle to help get you there.