It’s been a long-standing myth that innovative technology is out of reach for small businesses but since the introduction of cloud-based systems, the need for a hefty upfront investment on technology is history. Now, smart systems are available for businesses of all sizes thanks to online technology.
You may be thinking it’s too hard to move your invoicing, quoting, payment collection or job scheduling online, but think again! Here are four tech trends from our tradie specialists that are worth embracing to help stand out from your competitors and drive your business forward in the new year.
Implement cloud systems
The first step to improving your business efficiency is to implement cloud systems. Not only will it save you time, but it allows you to store all your important documents in one place. If you’ve already got business systems in place, then great! You’re already one step ahead, but when was the last time you upgraded? With the advancement in technology, there’s no need for you to be using outdated programs.
Using apps designed for tradies puts you in control of your business whether you’re on the job, or in the office. These apps help handle quoting faster and more accurately with access to materials pricing on the spot. And because you can see profit as you go, you know where you’re making money so you can focus on the work that matters to help build a healthier bottom line.
They help take the headache out of scheduling so calling and texting your team to tell them where to be and when is a thing of the past. You can get better visibility of progress on work, manage larger, more complex jobs and even send work orders to subbies. And because they integrate with accounting software, like Xero, they can save you from rewriting notes from your diary, with jobs sheets, and invoicing software. Everything’s at your fingertips, giving you a smarter way to run your business.
Be social on social
Attract new customers and retain existing ones through the power of social media. Setting up an account is free and easy to manage. Facebook and Instagram are both great platforms that you can use to promote your services to an uncapped audience. Look into online communities and job-seeking platforms, as you may be able to find your next job on there.
If you want to be really smart, dig deep into the audience insights to find out who your customers really are. Where are they located? What are their interests? When are they online most often? Knowing these stats can help you to shape powerful digital campaigns that can help drive your business to the next level.
Invest in smart people
Often becoming a smart business starts with your people. The biggest improvements can come from recruiting the right people, who are aligned with your values along with training your workforce to do something different to what they did yesterday.
Technology can help attract and retain new apprentices and Gen Z workers who have grown up with smartphones and want to work in an environment that is innovative and aspirational. And by encouraging your team to embrace technology to help them work more efficiently they can see the benefits both personally and for your customers.
Use digital training to upskill your employees
Whether it’s through webinars, an online training institution or through video tutorials, there’s so much information on offer, at just a click of a button. With so much flexibility and online support, digitally upskilling your employees will improve your business productivity and profitability.
How a virtual bookkeeper can help you
If you’re strapped for time, a virtual bookkeeper could be just what you need. Carbon offers a full suite of bookkeeping services, from setting up your business systems to lodging your business activity statements and providing tailored growth strategies based on your business insights. Get in touch with us to get started.