Information technology has transformed the world in many ways. It enables instant communication between people thousands of miles apart, makes much of the world’s knowledge accessible to anyone with a smart device, and has introduced new modes of entertainment.
Businesses have benefitted immensely from this revolution. But while their IT tools let them reach a vast number of potential and existing customers, many enterprises aren’t reaping all the fruits they possibly could from modern technology.
This article takes you through eight ways your business can leverage its IT resources to drive growth.
Automate Processes
There’s a lot that automation can do for your business, including saving time and freeing up your team to focus on more crucial tasks. Things like Content Management Systems (CMS), social media scheduling tools, and email marketing software can help you automate aspects of your marketing campaigns, and make the whole process of engaging leads and customers much smoother.
Improve Collaboration
Cloud-based communication and project management tools can make collaboration between members of your team much easier. Whether you’re using Slack for your business’s internal communication or Asana to take care of team projects, you’ll find these applications valuable for tasks that require extensive collaboration. The same can be said of Google’s document and sheet solutions– things you can train yourself to use more efficiently.
Cut Costs
Cloud storage systems (e.g. Dropbox) help you to hold and store documents at very little cost to you; it’s cheaper than maintaining your business’s data in paper files. Process automation and digitally-enabled Customer Relationship Management (CRM) can also cut the cost of your business’s operations, and virtualization software can reduce the number of computers and other network devices you need to use.
Develop Products
Digital products have become a thing, and this is partly thanks to Information Technology. These products are deliverable through mobile applications and websites, both of which you can build for your business. Some physical products can also be designed with appropriate software, e.g. applications that are used to design product prototypes, whether they are brochures, sportswear, or car parts.
Track Cash Flow
You don’t have to go through the tedium of recording and balancing your financial transactions in physical books. Accounting and bookkeeping software can make this process fairly easy. They will enable you to track your cash flow in real-time, and quickly provide you with the financial data that you need to make important business decisions.
Increase Productivity
If you’d like to increase your business’s output, you can do so by managing your operations with product management software. Tools in this category can help you plan and keep tabs on your business projects, and ensure that deliverables are achieved as scheduled.
Maintain A Positive Relationship With Customers
Most forward-looking businesses have a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) package as a key item in their toolkit. That’s because CRMs support their efforts at nurturing and growing their relationships with customers. By deploying CRMs, such businesses can drive fruitful customer engagements, and ultimately increase and sustain profitable patronage from them.
Go Global
By setting up an online presence (with the help of e-commerce solutions and Content Management Systems), you can move your business from being just a local enterprise to becoming one that serves a global customer base. You don’t have to worry about receiving payments from your international clients either; there are payment channels that can enable you to do that.
Final Words
Information Technology is vital for business growth in today’s world. It can do more than just keep your venture relevant. It’s capable of lifting your business to greater heights of success.
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