2020 has been a year of unprecedented challenges for businesses across every sector. As we start to adjust to a ‘new normal’ and we look forward to living in a different world, it’s crucial for companies to adapt and embrace new ways of working. Technology has played a critical role in keeping businesses going during the pandemic, and it looks set to play an even bigger part in our day to day lives in the future. If you run a business, and you’re looking to bounce back, evolve and thrive in the coming months and years, here’s a handy guide to help you benefit from technology.
Communication
Millions of us have been able to get involved with meetings and hang out with friends and family during lockdowns as a result of technology. Without phones and computers, business would have ground to a halt when physical stores, offices and call centers closed. Thanks to innovative solutions, we started taking part in virtual meetings, teleconferences and online chats with colleagues and customers.
Communication is key, not only between businesses and customers, but also for individual employees and teams. With video calling, live chat and instant messaging, departments can work together, morale gets a boost and group projects can be tackled coherently and cohesively. Interaction between clients and customers is also vital. At a time when customers are more likely to have questions or reservations than ever before, stepping up customer support and taking the time and effort to reach out can make all the difference.
As we navigate a new landscape, utilizing effective communication techniques is an excellent way to enhance and protect your brand reputation, improve client retention rates and generate more leads and increase sales. Use your website, social media platforms and email communications to engage with your customers, let them know what you’re doing to move with the times and offer reassurance. As an employer, investing in communications technology can facilitate efficient, productive ways of working even when a team is split between several different locations. Remote working can benefit employees who enjoy a more flexible schedule and it can also save a vast amount of money.
Image credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-on-a-video-call-4226140/
Health and Well-Being
The pandemic has shone a spotlight on health and wellbeing, and many of us are now taking steps to look after our bodies and minds. If you run a business, being aware of changing attitudes to mental and physical health can benefit you in a diverse range of ways. Firstly, as an employer, you can utilize modern technology to encourage your employees to adopt healthier lifestyles. Many people are working out at home and there has also been an increase in demand for wearable technology, such as fitness trackers. Take a look at this article to learn more about the advantages of wearable tech and the difference it can make to individuals https://www.intellectsoft.net/blog/wearable-technology-in-healthcare/.
Oh, and let’s not forget that wearable technology is just plain fun. For example, your employees could set up challenges with their coworkers for bragging rights about who logged the most miles walked during a week or a month. You could even get in on the action by offering prizes, like ultra fast charging cables and other accessories, from https://mobilemob.com.au/.
Another benefit of paying more attention to health and wellbeing is adjusting your product range or the services you offer to cater to new trends. If you’re looking to develop a new product or service, and you want to tap into a growing market, you might be interested in working on something that helps to improve physical or mental wellbeing, for example. If you manufacture food or drinks, you could expand your range with new healthy products. If you develop software, you could design and build an app that monitors fitness, provides access to guided meditations or tracks calorie intake. If you sell clothes, you could consider branching out into activewear. Your business may not be directly linked to health and wellness, but being agile is critical for survival, and it could also open doors.
Picture from https://pixabay.com/photos/cold-weather-winter-hoodie-jacket-2557518/
Cost-Saving
The pandemic has hit finances hard for many businesses, and as a result, companies are looking for ways to tighten their belts and save money. Technology often offers a means of improving customer service and boosting efficiency at the same time as lowering expenses. Consider the cost of funding state-wide or international trips for sales representatives, buyers or brand managers in comparison to investing in software, which makes video calling seamless.
An hour-long meeting at home replaces an overnight stay in a hotel in a different country, flights and multiple hours out of the office. Technology can also save a vast amount of money when considering labor costs and it can provide an effective solution when manpower is reduced due to social distancing measures. You can also use technology to adjust the products and services you sell to take advantage of new, emerging opportunities and you can increase sales by engaging with new customers and creating leads online.
Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/money-pink-coins-pig-9660/
Customer Service
Customer service is more important than ever, with statistics suggesting that around 90% of people check reviews before buying. With face-to-face contact limited at the moment, technology plays an increasingly integral role in customer service. As a business owner, you can interact and engage with your clients through your website, social media and live chat, responding to queries swiftly, getting to know followers and virtual friends better and keeping customers in the loop.
Take advantage of social networks and use feedback and reviews to identify potential weaknesses and make improvements. With advanced technology, such as answering services and chatbots, you can promote your business, reply to questions and provide information about the services you offer long after you’ve logged off or shut up shop for the day. To find out more about the benefits of chatbots, check out this article https://www.forbes.com/sites/stephanieburns/2020/08/05/how-to-use-chatbots-to-grow-your-business/#40fff2302dab.
Image courtesy of https://www.pexels.com/photo/blank-card-chat-colors-1111369/
Most of us have become even more reliant on technology during the pandemic. As a business owner, it’s beneficial to understand the importance of tech and the opportunities it will provide in the future. Technology facilitates hassle-free communication, strengthens customer and employee relations, saves money and boosts efficiency, and it opens doors. New trends are emerging and investing in technology enables business owners to adjust and adapt and to utilize their agility and flexibility to attract more customers, increase sales and promote health and wellbeing.
