Each year approximately 627,000 new businesses open their doors for the first time. Small businesses typically have limited financial resources. It’s common for owners to work long hours and juggle multiple tasks to get their business started. Fortunately, new software, technology, and resources can ease the workload, help owners streamline operations, and reduce costs.
1. Objectives and Key Results
Objectives and key results (OKR) software is a powerful tool that enables team members to focus on designated goals. Staff objectives are identified. The software uses measurable data to determine if those objectives are met, which means staff knows what needs to occur for the goal to be achieved. One of the primary advantages of using OKR software is that it ensures that every team member has the same focus and clearly defined targets.
2. Digital Signage
Digital signage refers to visual displays that are designed to attract interest. They can include video footage, photographs, text, graphs, and other types of visual content. It can be time-consuming to design effective digital signs, but digital signage software can streamline the process and enable inexperienced designers to create effective digital displays for a fraction of the time they would spend designing from scratch.
3. Accounting Software
Small businesses often have limited financial resources, which is why it is essential that they have effective accounting software. Online resources include budgeting software and systems for handling payroll, payroll taxes, and other financial matters. You can be confident your business is managing its money effectively and looking after all financial obligations with effective accounting software.
4. Screenshot Software
Screenshot tools are resources that allow you to save a snapshot of web content. They can be used to create sales records, document communication with potential clients, save copies of bill payments, or document service requests. Screenshot software can quickly and efficiently be used to preserve any essential information that you feel you need to store.
5. Video Conferencing
There are several video conferencing apps that can be used as visual communications options for talking with vendors, employees, contractors, and clients. Video conferencing allows you to host face to face meetings with people from around the globe. Multiple parties can participate in group meetings. You can also record these meetings for reference if needed.
6. Online Calendars
Scheduling is important for all businesses. You can take advantage of online calendars to set times for meetings, task deadlines, and other important events. You can also use online calendars to coordinate your schedule with other staff. You can maintain flexible scheduling without schedule conflicts when you can access your calendar from any location via the Internet.
7. File Sharing
File sharing systems are designed to allow anyone to transfer documents safely and quickly. Online file sharing options include services that allow you to send copies to other parties or access other people’s documents. Files can be encrypted to prevent unlawful access or theft.
8. File Storage
Computers can crash and physical resources, such as hard drives, can be damaged or destroyed. Online file storage prevents you from losing data stored on a physical storage device. It also ensures you can access your files from any location. Staff across the country or around the globe can also access appropriate documents and information through online file storage systems.
9. Website Builder
A website is one of the most important resources any business can have. Small business owners can use website builders to affordably construct professional, effective websites. Website builders offer quick tutorials and guidance to help you with each step of the process to ensure you produce an effective website without the expense of hiring a web developer.
10. Virtual Private Network
A virtual private network (VPN) uses the Internet to transfer data, but it shields that data from unlawful access. A VPN can be used to upload or transfer things like payment information and financial records. VPNs are not the same as file storage or file sharing. VPNs can enable you to access websites in restricted areas. They can also be used to block your search history. VPNs can effectively protect all of your online activity from unwanted access.
Bonus: Additional Resources
You can also take advantage of project management software to organize and oversee progress on specific work projects. Small businesses can also utilize human resources management software and applicant tracking software to oversee hiring. Your business may also benefit from using email marketing software and social listening software, which tracks client feedback on social media.
Leave a Reply