Why Right Now Is the Best Time to Lean on Technology

lean on technology

Running a business is no easy task, especially during a global health crisis such as the situation we have most recently been faced with. However, there is no need for businesses to panic, as owners can lean on technology to lessen the impact of any crisis.

Luckily, with the advancement of technology, businesses are now, more than ever before, recovering from these hardships. Here are a few different technology tools that companies might want to consider implementing to help carry out their everyday business practices.

Human Resource Software

The rise of COVID-19 has been especially difficult for human resource departments to handle. As more companies convert to completely remote workforces, remaining connected to your human resource team can be difficult. Working fully remotely would have been nearly impossible 20 years ago, but with the advancements of technology, it is entirely doable to lean on technology to solve these issues today. If your HR department has been spread too thin during this difficult time, look into purchasing some human resource tools and software.

HR software will put all of your tasks under one convenient dashboard and can help your team in many different ways, including:

  • Hiring
  • Onboarding
  • Time tracking and scheduling
  • Compensation review
  • Employee satisfaction
  • Performance management

When working with international clients and shareholders, your schedule might be a bit different from most. Online HR management is great for companies that do not work a strict nine-to-five schedule. It will allow your management to track how productive your business is, even when working remotely.

Internal Communication Tools

As every business owner knows, proper communication is essential to running a successful business. When certain issues arise, simple things such as communication can become increasingly difficult, especially if the situation requires remote working. Online communication can help your business navigate through these times.

Some internal communication tools to lean on are:

  • Slack
  • Zoom
  • Basecamp
  • Campfire
  • Google Hangouts

Each of these communication platforms can help your business effectively communicate across multiple channels. Keeping up with communication is crucial. Remember that every conversation does not always have to do with business; having a quick slack poll, or a zoom happy hour with your team can really boost staff morale.

It is worth noting that these tools can cost a pretty penny to implement. This doesn’t mean that you should hold off until you save the funds. Companies that are set back financially, especially due to COVID-19, may consider other means of funding for technology that can keep their company afloat during these times.

Small business loan providers have been supporting businesses with quick turnarounds. It’s advised to consider those that, credibly, have a quicker turnaround time for funding and fewer requirements for getting approved. This can be extremely beneficial when it comes to getting your hands on some cash while you’re in a crunch, making it accessible for you to be able to lean on technology without any worries.

External Communication

Staying connected with your team is very important when it comes to navigating a crisis, but keeping up your customer communications is even more important.

When approaching customer relations during this troubling situation, be sure to remember that they are suffering too. Be a positive part of their day, not a negative one. When communicating online, try these four tips to captivate your customers.

  • Show that you care – Compassion goes a long way with consumers. If they see that you care about the world around you, they will be more likely to trust your business.
  • Be positive, but not ignorant. Offering some humor, positive messaging, or a feel-good story could do wonders for your brand’s identity. Just be sure you do not sensationalize a sensitive subject.
  • Have open conversations with your customers. Being transparent is one of the best ways to win over customers. People will appreciate your honesty, even if it isn’t great news.
  • Be open-minded to what others are going through. Everybody has been impacted by this crisis. If a customer has an expired coupon, take it. If a customer shows up one-minute after you have closed, let them in. Being compassionate and understanding can create an emotional connection for years to come.

Remember that caring for the customer is always the most important element of running a successful business.

Without your customers, you are nothing. Be sure to let them know how much you care about them and the community you serve.

Stay Organized

Working in a global environment, it can be extremely difficult to stay connected with people around the world. With conflicting time zones, languages, and work practices, it’s vital that you ensure you remain diligent in communicating with your global shareholders and clients.

Communication is key. Establish times when all the people you work with will be available so that you can get an optimized schedule down. You will want to be available to as many of your customers and clients as possible without overworking your employees.

If you are communicating virtually with people who speak different languages, you may need help translating documents, reports, marketing materials, and more. If your business has an increased need for business translation services, feel free to reach out today. BeTranslated is here to provide you with high-quality, reliable translation in many languages from French to Japanese.

Get in touch for more information or a free, no-obligation quote.