Small businesses may not have the finances to justify huge tech investment, but that doesn’t mean that smaller entrepreneurs need to be Luddites. Even the most advanced technologies in the world have been turned into useful tools and resources that can be used to optimize even the smallest local business alongside global corporations.
Whatever your industry or your growth plans, there are some simple to access technologies that you can use to help grow faster while improving productivity. Never assume that tech is only for the biggest enterprises. Here are the most vital technologies that small business owners should be integrating into their business.
1. Cloud-Based Tech
There are now more cloud-based platforms than ever before, and they can be an incredibly advantageous resource. With platforms like Microsoft Azure making it easier than ever to get more value from cloud services, small businesses can easily become more agile whatever sector they work in.
It couldn’t be easier to learn more about it. You can now get Azure Fundamentals Certification through hands-on, practical experience. That means you’ll be able to get more than ever out of this high-value resource.
2. Human Resources Tech
Most small businesses don’t have a dedicated HR department, and now they don’t need one. There are so many examples of high-quality HR software available that even the biggest brands in the world are starting to take notice.
HR software can be a huge help to small businesses because tracking employees and their needs have become significantly more challenging in the light of more remote working and the growing gig economy.
From improved engagement to a more centralized approach to even the most distant members of the team, HR software is fast becoming a tech must-have.
3. Shopping With Technology
Smartphone tech, eCommerce, and mobile scheduling are quickly becoming standard practice for small businesses. That tech-based consumer experience is now close to becoming a baseline expectation for those customers, with retail and the food industry seeing the most obvious impact and the fastest adoption rate.
If you’re in either of those sectors, then there’s a good chance that you’re already using some forms of tech-assisted shopping. The key thing to remember here is that this isn’t a form of shopping that’s going to go away. It’s here to stay, so looking at your options is critical.
4. Social Media Influencers
Of course, social media is still of vital importance for small businesses. The problem is that many are still using social media in the same way that they were five years ago. The social media landscape has transformed dramatically in that time, which means serious changes to how you market your small business.
Influencers, who often get a negative response whenever they’re mentioned, are being used by professional marketers for one simple reason: they work. They can be very cost-effective, too, especially if you focus on nano-influencers that reflect your business’s size.
Small businesses have access to more tools and resources than ever, and that tech is helping to level the playing field. Now, even the smallest business can compete side-by-side with the biggest names in any sector. Never overlook the latest tech trends when it comes to improving your business, and you could be growing faster than ever.
