Keeping up with the modern world can be overwhelming at times, especially if you are also trying to run a business.
Today, businesses can’t afford to fall behind when it comes to technology. Once they do, it only becomes harder and harder to catch up.
Whether you’re a small business or large corporation, you need to make sure that your technologies are all up to date. Not only are your competitors updating their tech, but so are consumers and hackers, and you need to prepare for all of it.
Read on and we will walk you through 5 ways to upgrade your business’s technology so you can stay on top of the competition.
1. Move to Cloud Software
Cloud software is everywhere nowadays, and there are many benefits of using it. Back before the cloud, when businesses would install software, that would be the software they used for years and years because it was often too expensive to continue upgrading.
Cloud software has changed all of that. Now, installing new software for your business is a lot like installing it on your phone.
It updates automatically whenever an upgrade is available and costs significantly less overall than having to constantly buy each new software.
Cloud software also offers storage space.
This allows you, your employees, and your customers to access information remotely as opposed to using a physical hard drive.
2. Upgrade Your MICR Solutions
MICR is a technology often used by banks and payroll companies.
It uses encrypted technology to prevent fraud and is better than a barcode because humans are able to read it. There are many types of MICR solutions out there, so you want to make sure the technology you choose for your business is going to be effective, safe, and affordable.
3. Incorporate Centralized CRM Applications
CRM, which stands for Customer Relationship Management, is the process of businesses converting leads into paying clients. CRM applications use modern technology to allow business owners to be completely on top of everything that’s going on with their company and sales.
Thanks to CRM technology, salespeople are able to follow quality leads, calculate the company’s most valuable customers, and assess any system issues immediately. It also allows supervisors to keep tabs on their employees, giving them the ability to more easily praise and reward those who excel.
4. Use Agnostic Content
If your company is handling large amounts of data, that data may be compartmentalized and stored in different proprietary systems. Unfortunately, though this may seem like an efficient and organized solution, it doesn’t allow your technologies to communicate with each other.
This is when agnostic content comes in handy. By using a single database as a service (DBaaS), you are able to access various content including inventory, client and employee information, and digital assets across a variety of systems.
5. Switch to Hosted Email
Email is still one of the most popular forms of communication. Sending important messages from a hosted email address can help you bring in more paying customers. By using a hosted email, you are sending correspondence from an address that is customized to you (such as me@mycompany.com). This adds a significant amount of legitimacy and professionalism to your emails.
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It is also helpful because you no longer have to try dozens of variations of someone’s name until you find an available email address. Plus, this offers a branding opportunity, as the name of your business will be seen every time a potential client opens their email.
The Bottom Line
To be competitive in any market, you have to be able to adapt. These 5 tech upgrades are a good place to start, but things move fast – never stop doing your research and continuing to stay tech-savvy!
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