Running a small business is tough work. With so many moving parts, you can find yourself drowning in projects and papers. From dealing with employees, pleasing customers, and handling finances, life can become a little stressful. But, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel! As a 21st-century business owner, you have hundreds of tools and technology at your fingertips. Make opening shop every day exciting with these 6 tools to keep your business running smooth!
1. Customer Relationship Management System
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems will take your small business to the next level. Investing in CRM software will boost your revenue as well as customer relations— what could be better? CRM systems offer you and your employee’s countless data on a variety of logistics. Included in most CRM systems are information on repeat customers, sale trends, customer loyalty programs, and sales management tools. Check out a few of our favorite CRM systems that will increase your productivity and profitability:
- Salesforce CRM: This system allows you to view all customer history to garner more leads and improve sales.
- EngageBay CRM: This is a simple, affordable, integrated, all-in-one marketing, sales and service automation platform with a free CRM, built to grow small businesses and startups.
- Hubspot CRM: Use this system to market your products to a larger audience that educates you not just on the “how,” but the “why” with each decision they recommend you make.
- Freshsales CRM: If you’re tired of switching between multiple kinds of software, use Freshsales. This CRM system has an easy-to-use interface that has everything you need under one system.
2. Business Software
Every small business is different. Whether you own a coffee shop, small legal firm, or floral shop, you need business software that will streamline your operations. For example, if you started a small HVAC company, look into software for small plumbing businesses. Or, if you can’t find a software that meets your company’s needs, create your own custom software.
Custom software is highly adaptable, safe and secure, and is more scalable. If you want your small business to flourish, taking time to invest in technology and software will set you apart from the rest of the competition.
3. Social Media
Heads up— Gen Z is now entering the workforce and economy. What does this mean? It means selfies, Instagram, and Kylie Jenner. Social media is one of the easiest ways for small businesses to share their brand story and attract more unique customers. Social media users love when their favorite brands communicate with them through Tweets and replies on Insta. It increases longevity and grows sales through word of mouth.
If you want your small business to get on board the social media bandwagon, find the right platform(s) for your business and begin posting! To manage and schedule your posts, utilize social media management tools to ensure your posts are scheduled at the right time to reach the largest number of customers. Be fun on social media, too! Have your followers complete #selfiechallenges that represent your brand with a chance to win some swag!
4. Human Resources Management
Being a small business owner means you may not have the resources to hire a full HR department. Instead, take matters into your own hands and take advantage of HR software that automates your admin work. HR software such as Zenefits and Bayzat offer HR solutions and insurance so your employees remain covered and happy with a lovely benefits package. Improving your HR doesn’t have to be difficult with useful systems like these!
5. The Cloud
Ahh… the cloud. What even is it? Is there a physical cloud where everyone’s data just floats around or is all in thin air? Who knows. Leave understanding how the cloud works to the coders who built it. What we do know is that Cloud computing can do wonders for your small business.
Are you tired of walking into an office that is cluttered with receipts, documents, records, and everything else? Utilizing cloud hosting services will free up space in your office and consolidate all of your files in one place. No more missing documents and forgotten-about customers. Additional benefits of cloud hosting include higher security, reduced risk of accidents, and easy accessibility.
6. A Calendar System
Having all of your tasks, to-do lists, and events organized on an online calendar system is a must-have for small businesses. Local business owners can’t afford to slip up and miss an important deadline or forget about a customer when their main goal is to grow their brand. Invest in management services that organize you and your employee’s tasks that allow you to track your time and better manage your tasks.
The Bottom Line
Running a small business can be overwhelming at times. Investing in tools our lovely world has to offer will save you time and headaches. Grow your business today using these 6 must-have tools!