Small business – Photo by Jeff Sheldon
Running a small business has become more competitive, requiring entrepreneurs to juggle a greater number of tasks and work longer hours to keep up with their competitors. Knowing the latest tools available will ensure that you’re able to stay relevant, attract new clients, and do it all without too much stress. Here are five services that make life easier and earn back precious time for small business owners:
Table of Contents
1. IT And Connectivity Support
Automation is one of the defining traits of business in the modern age, improving productivity radically by removing the need for manual labor when it comes to tedious tasks. Excellent connectivity and small business IT support services can make it easier to provide improved customer service and keep track of incoming leads and inquiries.
Introducing IT services can also improve filing systems (effectively making them obsolete) and simplify record-keeping. A centralized database also ensures you can access essential information on the go from anywhere in the world.
2. Accounting Services
Have you created an effective cash flow system that ensures your income is divided into separate accounts for your profit, taxes, running costs, and non-essential expenses? Small businesses require at least five accounts, with the main used for receiving payments and distributing funds.
An accountant can help you set a cashflow system that works for your business. The way in which you divert the money that comes into your main account is pivotal to keeping you afloat in the long run.
Photo by Firmbee from Pixabay
3. Project Scheduling Tools
Making sure each and every project is invoiced correctly and that all invoices are followed up is another essential practice. Project scheduling tools and workforce management software also ensure that each member of your team remains fully accountable for their input. In turn, this improves the level of service you’re able to offer clients, making it easier to track your progress and honor your deadlines. Project scheduling tools enable you to set up email alerts so that each member of your team knows exactly what is happening and what is expected from them.
4. Serviced Office Spaces
Online businesses with remote staff can enjoy the benefits of having central premises by utilizing virtual office spaces. You’ll get a telephone number, address, receptionist services, access to meeting rooms, and the credibility that comes with having a CBD premises.
All these benefits come without the expensive costs and the need to go into the office each day. Should someone phone through to your dedicated phone line, a receptionist will answer and pass a message along to you or place the call through to you directly.
Photo by Alesia Kazantceva on Unsplash
5. Marketing DIY Platforms
Sprout Social, HootSuite, MailChimp, and Klaviyo are some of the best platforms if you want to expand the reach of your brand but you can’t afford to outsource your marketing as yet. These platforms enable you to plan, create, and distribute your social media content and marketing emails. Platforms like Canva make it easy to create beautiful visuals for your social media channels and emails. This goes a long way towards ensuring that you engage your target market without bringing graphic designers onto our payroll.
Business Is Never Easy, But It Should be Fun
Running your own business is tough because you’re constantly required to adapt to new trends and challenges. Small business owners can never stop upskilling, and one of the most important skills you must learn is resilience. However, you have to admit, it’s fulfilling to embrace the opportunity for self-development and revel in learning new tools and discovering services that promote growth. This is the mark of a true leader, so enjoy the process!
