We live in a highly technological world- it moves incredibly quickly. This can be both a good and bad thing as a business owner, new software makes running a business increasingly simple and efficient, but it can also be a struggle to keep up. Here are some of the programs you need to ensure you’re utilising as a business owner to keep up with your competition.
CRM Software
When you give people a more personalised experience when they shop at your company, it makes them feel valued and can result in more custom. While you can’t know all of your customers personally, customer relationship management software gives the impression that you do. Features like emailing voucher codes on customer’s birthdays and wishing them a good day, or recommending products based on their previous purchases all help you to achieve this. You can get CRM software designed specifically for your industry, for example, if you were in property you’d get software related to real estate CRM.
Human Relations Software
HR involves everything to do with your employees and involves hiring, firing, bullying and harassment, absence and much more. You won’t be able to replace your department with software, but you can give them the right programs to make their job quicker and more efficient. No need for paper diaries or vast files of information, with HR software everything is all in one place.
Cloud Online Backup Software
Cloud-based software protects the information on your network by encrypting data. It sends it to secure servers which are away from your office. That way, whatever happens to your computers or original copies (fire, flood or theft) you have a safe version. If you have employees that work remotely, they’re able to securely access the information they need from any computer they use.
Legal Software
Legal advice is costly and therefore something that can be problematic for smaller businesses. However, you’re able to avoid some of these costs by using good legal software. This enables you to create legally binding documents, and it can also give you general advice too. Much cheaper than consulting a solicitor every time.
Accounting Software
When you run a business, it’s essential that you keep proper accounts. Get it wrong and your tax return will be wrong, and if you underpay you can land yourself in serious trouble. You will still need an accountant to complete your return for you manually, but accounting software keeps your daily records neat and organised, and with less for your accountant to do it will work out cheaper.
Live Chat
Live chat is something that customers love. If they have questions when browsing your website, they can get an immediate answer by speaking to a real person. Not everyone will go to the hassle of phoning up, but live chat is quick and easy. It could well be enough to sway them into making an order, as opposed to clicking off or shopping with one of your competitors.
