Running a startup takes lots of stamina. You have to secure enough funding and keep cash coming in. The team you have in the beginning needs to develop and launch your products and services. And, of course, there are work processes and systems to think through, document, and cement.
This flurry of activities can lead not only to long hours, but to wasted ones. By stepping back and reviewing your processes, you might see plenty of opportunities to streamline your startup’s procedures. Technology and the automation capabilities it offers can reduce waste and boost efficiency. Let’s look at the ways tech can simplify your operations so you can focus on what matters most.
1. Automate Routine Tasks and Procedures
As a small business owner, the routine tasks you complete each day may not seem that time-consuming. However, some studies show that you might be spending hundreds of hours on administrative items like payroll, project assignments, and managing client communication.
CRM applications, small business payroll software, and project management platforms automate many of these repetitive tasks — so you can focus on other priorities. Workflows can trigger order confirmation emails, schedule employees’ direct deposits, and reassign work based on team members’ availability.
Within a couple of mouse clicks, those processes you used to spend hours — or even days working on — will be completed in no time at all. With automation, you’ll save so much time creating, tracking, researching, and following up on all the tedious but necessary tasks that keep your business moving forward.
2. Deliver Customer Service Through Digital Channels
On a global scale, customers’ service and communication standards are changing. Research indicates that 54% have higher expectations than they did a year ago. Millennials are driving many of these shifts and the demand for higher standards. While 83% of Millennials indicate businesses are meeting their expectations, 63% start customer service interactions online. When a company responds to requests and questions on social media, it also raises Millennials’ brand perceptions.
When considering all age groups, 48% of consumers expect a response to social media questions and complaints within one hour. This might be challenging unless your startup has more than one person dedicated to answering requests on social media. However, tools like chatbots and automated responses to common questions can help increase efficiency.
Technology backed by artificial intelligence filters questions that come through after hours and via your website and social media pages. Chatbots can leverage data, such as customers’ names, purchase histories, and contact details. AI-based tools could direct clients to FAQ sections, open trouble tickets, or review service options. Customers will get a response rather than dead silence, and you’ll capture more complex requests for follow-up.
3. Enable Productivity From the Office or Home
In the early days of a startup, you might not have an official office space to work from. However, you still need to share data and collaborate on documents with partners, investors, and team members. Even when you move into an office building or use co-working spaces, accessing shared information and documents is a must. It’s more difficult to pull this off without cloud-based tools and applications.
In fact, a survey of small business owners found that 84% viewed cloud services as essential to supporting their operations during COVID-19. The same percentage reported that cloud services boosted collaboration and productivity. Since cloud-based platforms and tools typically only require an internet connection for data access and collaboration, businesses gain more flexibility. Company stakeholders can sync their efforts from various locations without time delays or disruptions.
Cloud-based services and applications also allow you to store and back up proprietary and sensitive information offsite. Your startup’s cost efficiency will increase since you can scale cloud services according to growth. You won’t have to invest in as much IT equipment, make room for servers, or secure as many data connections.
4. Sync Internal Communications
Nothing stops productivity and efficiency like poor or slow internal communication. Waiting for a response to an email, a phone call, or even a text can prevent projects from moving. Absent or inadequate internal communication results in missed deadlines and mix-ups. A startup venture often can’t absorb the fallout from these errors.
Communication apps that streamline internal conversations and exchanges prevent the slowdown of information. Many of these platforms have several tools you and your team can use to keep everyone in the loop. Video calls, instant messaging, and discussion forums facilitate both real-time and asynchronous communication. You can offer instant feedback on work that’s in progress, brainstorm new product ideas, and clear up misunderstandings.
Another critical aspect of communication platforms is that they document discussions and exchanges of information. You and your team can refer back to the record if you need to refresh your memory. Documented conversations and video calls also prevent cases of finger-pointing and help people who were out on vacation catch up.
Conclusion
Starting a new business is daunting. You don’t want to waste your limited time and resources on tasks that stop you from focusing on the big picture. Technology and applications related to payroll, customer service, productivity, and internal communication can make your processes more efficient. Automating the routine and simplistic tasks will help get your startup off the ground and keep it running smoothly.
