As a business owner, I’m always looking for ways to improve my efficiency. One of the best things you can do is create systems that allow you to focus on the most important (and profitable) aspects of your business.
If you are looking for technology management tools to boost your productivity and sales, here are 5 to consider:
1. Project Management
Once you start developing teams to help you manage various aspects of your business, it makes sense to get project management software. Rather than constantly needing to check in, and develop systems for your team members, you can use project management software like WorkFlowMax.
There are a number of software programs out there that can help you manage your time and projects. Even getting everyone on technology management tools like Google Docs can help you improve your company’s workflow.
2. Content Management Systems
Content production is one of the most important aspects of your business, but it’s one that is easy to fall behind with. Many business owners aren’t interested in making sure their blogs are updated and other content is produced. But on the Internet, these are important tasks.
Reduce the time you spend with content creation and management with a tool like ClearVoice. There are plenty of other content management systems out there as well. These systems connect you with writers and editors who can ensure that you keep the content coming.
3. Email Management
If you feel like your email is getting out of control, you need an email management system. An email marketing platform like GetResponse can be very helpful in helping you build an email list and then stay engaged with your customers, including setting up autoresponders. Another tool that can help you with automated email management and retention is Rejoiner.
Email marketing is far from dead; in fact, it’s still very effective if done right. However, it can be time-consuming and tedious if you try to do it all on your own. A good email management system can take some of the pressure off you, allowing you to focus on areas where you are stronger.
4. Customer Relationship Management
Don’t forget about customer relationship management. This goes beyond just bolstering your email list and sending out promos and the latest news. If you are hoping to generate leads and follow them up, as well as keep track of what is most important to your customers, a customer relationship management program like Salesforce can help you keep everything organized. Additionally, the analysis and data you receive can help you tweak your offerings so that they are more attractive to your customers. Figuring out the right implementation for your plan is an important part of growing your business and succeeding.
Don’t forget the importance of invoicing, either. Technology management tools like Due can help you maintain better relationships with your clients and ensure that you are paid on time.
5. Social Media Management
One of the most tedious things to manage as a business owner is social media. I struggle with it, and I know many others do as well. Social media done right can take up a lot of time you’d rather use doing something else. I’ve started using a virtual assistant to help me with my social media management.
However, I also make it a point to use a management program. Social media management programs like Oktopost and HootSuite can help you use social media without being on all day. On top of that, you receive metrics that can help you fine-tune your strategy.
Don’t try to do it all yourself. Technology offers a number of tools for the business owner that are designed to help you create systems that reduce how much time you spend on mundane tasks so that you can focus on the things that really matter to your business.
