Have you just started your own startup? Are you an owner of a small business? If you fall in any one of those categories running your venture can be challenging at times. Fortunately, there are various tools and resources on the internet scheduling tools for appoinment those small and medium business owners to take advantage of to make it easier for their businesses to get started.
The internet is also the gateway for a new range of opportunities to assist small businesses to access knowledge, tools and even employees. Online services have not only become user-friendly in recent days but they’re playing a major role in reducing overhead costs and maximizing growth potential. Small businesses should make the most of the internet by using open-source software and cloud-based tools and services. These open-source software and cloud-based services, some of which are free are cost-effective and will make small businesses more competitive.
Where Should I Start?
One of the major problem facing small business owners regarding using online tools and services is that they don’t know where to start. Many are facing issues and complications about determining which tools and services are right for the businesses given that there are an insurmountable number of online tools on the internet. Some business owners are also skeptical about the usefulness of the internet and how it can benefit their businesses. Well, this article will help clear the air. Here are my top tips:
7 Ways To Introduce Your Small Business Remotely With Online Tools
- Efficient Office Space
Web-based office applications such as Google Documents or Google Spreadsheets have made managing your small business remotely. This enables employees all around the world to edit, proofread, or contribute to a shared document or spreadsheet created hundreds of miles away eliminating the need of a traditional office space in various locations. Storing and sharing documents with coworkers, clients or customers is also easier, thanks to online storage providers like Google Drive or Dropbox. When a file is uploaded, the latest version of the files becomes accessible on all devices including PCs, Macs as well as mobile devices. These online office tools and services have redefined the global office set-up enabling real-time, effective remote working.
- Staffing A-Team
It’s not practical and efficient for a small business or growing startup to hire full-time personnel to solve issues faced by the company that doesn’t occur all the time. Online employment platforms like Upwork, Elance, or Fiverr allow businesses to hire talented temporary workers for various tasks such as fixing a coding problem on your website, translations, designing a logo, or writing a business proposal. Hiring freelancers who work remotely is an excellent way in minimizing your overhead costs as well as increasing your workforce quickly on demand.
- Communications
Internet voice-over networks (VOIPs) such as Skype, Google Hangouts, or Whatsapp deliver voice communication over internet protocol networks, which is a good way to reduce your phone bills. Some Internet voice-over networks such as Skype or Footalk offers to make free calls worldwide at reduced rates. Some services also offer free video-conferencing irrespective of location as well.
- Managing Brand’s Identity
When it comes to startups or small businesses it is necessary to have a strong visual brand identity. In addition, it is also imperative you offer exceptional user-friendliness and professionalism to make your business to stand out from the rest in a crowded market. Impressive leadership qualities, as well as blogs and websites based on easy-to-use publishing platforms such as WordPress, can also be a great way to showcase potential customers you’re ahead of the competition.
- Sales and Marketing Online
In today’s era of digital marketing, traditional marketing channels such as television, radio or newspapers don’t get much traction. Online-based press office services like Prezly or MyNewsDesk enables small businesses and startups a platform to host news announcements, press releases, and show customers the potential of the business in the future.
- Social Media
There is no denying that social media is a powerful tool spreading marketing messages and advertisements to a larger audience. Big names in social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn are being used successfully by online marketers and content marketers for lead generation for many small businesses. It is also worth mentioning that social media is a two-way street. Companies won’t be successful by just churning out news and press releases. Social media posts should be able to engage with their target audiences.
- Online Scheduling
Proper workforce management is a must for increased employee productivity. In addition to enhanced productivity, it is important to keep things organized in startups and small businesses, and online scheduling tools and software play a vital role in that department. Online scheduling tools play an important role in talent retention. Companies are ditching pocket calendars and sticky notes and taking advantage of various appointments scheduling software such as Planday, Deputy, and HotSchedules to digitize the managing process associated with the attendance and assigning tasks to employees and staff.
