Anyone will agree that technology is revolutionizing the way businesses are offering their products and/or services. And this happens on a constant basis regardless of the business’ size. From coffee shops using sophisticated point-of-sale systems to process orders to boutique hotels using guest service management software to manage guest-related tasks, there is an edge to using technology.
In fact, it is almost impossible for businesses nowadays to neglect the existence of technology. Their day-to-day operations frequently involve it. But if you are more of a traditional type, you are certainly missing a lot. Technology does not only help you in providing top-notch customer service, but it also offers you a plethora of processes that make your entire operation efficient and seamless.
Here are ways technology is helping businesses to achieve greater sales conversions and effective customer service, among many others.
#1. Better Customer-Related Tasks Management
One would say that revamping a business’s customer service is often a matter in most huge companies. But that is not how it works these days. Now, start-ups or small-sized organizations need to bump up their customer service in order to retain customers and acquire their loyalty. As a matter of fact, most small business owners are fond of using customer relationship management (CRM) software.
The technology, by essence, helps them come up with a meticulous plan to help with every interaction related to customers – and this process is recorded in real time. As a result, you get to have an overview of what the needs, wants, complaints, etc. are. For instance, you own a boutique hotel. You are able to understand what processes or guest-related tasks need to be done in an organized manner. By doing so, you are able to provide quality and prompt guest service.
#2. Helps In Making Smart Decisions
Yes, that is right – technology is able to help business owners come up with informed decisions every now and then. Let’s say you are using the ITSM software. Basically, the latter can transform your service delivery exponentially. And since it allows all players in the company to join altogether with variables such as problems, incidents, and incidents, just to name a few, you get to be on top of the game. Now imagine doing all of these things in a traditional method, say, using papers or documents.
But make no mistake – it does not mean you have to go paperless (though it is likely to be the scenario in the future). After all, many companies still rely upon this method for copy and data storage purpose, among others. The point, however, is that you are able to double each process and, at the same time, provide quick and efficient service. And as you gain knowledge about these many variables, you are able to make smarter decisions in the long run.
#3. Manage Your Finances Superbly
Most software is all about managing a business’ finances, from accounting to documentation to payroll, etc. As you keep a close eye on the income and cash flow of your company, you become better in terms of managing your business. And remember: this one right here is an integral part of any company – a single mistake could mean harmful. This is especially true if you do not have a seamless way of running a finance process.
With the right technology, you will have a better grip on how to manage your finances, where the figures should go, and understand what area needs to be dealt with immediately. Of course, these are just a few of the many advantages of using a finance-related technology. A general rule of thumb is to go with one that is intuitive, easy to use and comes with interesting features.
#4. Changes Your Business Communication
Remember the days when you need to inform someone, you have to literally walk into his/her cubicle just to let him/her know about it? Sure, there were phones (until now) but you have to burden yourself with the task of entering or dialling the phone number. With technology like communication apps, and Pipedrive Mailchimp integration you can update a team or group of people in an instant. This, along with the arrival of smartphones and social media sites, communication within a business has gone to a whole new level.
Let’s say you are trying to update your team about an upcoming project. Instead of informing them one by one or as a whole physically, you can do so while in your seat. You can do it via phone or on a desktop. You can even engage with your team members with other important officeworks, regardless of you or them being outside or within the company’s premise.
#5. Makes Business Operations More Productive
This is without a doubt the biggest advantage of using technology. You are introduced to a variety of tools, all of which are designed to overcome a plethora of challenges. And mind you, these challenges are often the ones you have to face strategically daily. It enables managers to keep track of their team members’ work progress. The workforce, on the other hand, could better serve customers like answering inquiries or handling complaints.
There are a number of technologies out there, and it is hard to pinpoint which one is better than the other. Still, it is advantageous to use a platform that better suits your business. For instance, you want to improve your customer service by adding chat and email support. Find a technology or software that lets you do these processes all at once. Or perhaps you want to give your human resource department a means to improve their hiring process. Go for software or platform that lets them narrow down candidates in a simple yet comprehensive process. Again, this depends on the kind of business area you want to improve or support.
With everything that is said, it is almost impossible for a business to succeed in this competitive world without technology. And even if you are just starting up, you should immediately consider using one. Only then will you see satisfactory results in whatever area you want technology to be applied to.