As a small business owner, you have access to more technology now than ever before. Technology is changing the way we do business, and offers small business owners like you more opportunities to streamline your business, reach out to your customers, and increase your profit margins.

Embracing technology matters. It’s a competitive world out there for small businesses, and anything that can give you a competitive edge or help your business run better is a boon for you. Technology can help your business in many different ways, from marketing to your online presence to how you manage your employees.

However you look at it, it all adds up to running your business in a more effective way. Not to mention that if your competitors are reaping the benefits of better technology, you could be left behind if you don’t explore what technology can do for your business. To get you started, here are 5 ways you can excel at doing business in the 21st century.

More Flexible Working

Technology makes it easier for your employees to work flexibly. Telecommuting is on the increase, whether that means working from home some days, or simply being able to do more while out and about. Flexible working is good news for your business, allowing your employees to stay up to date and work on projects without the need to be at their desks. Flexible working is also better for employee morale, letting your team know that you support a healthy work life balance.

Streamlining Processes

With the power of technology, there is so much software that can aid in the streamlining of processes. From statistics software, to customer journey mapping software, there is basically infinite solutions that are easily implementable. For people who have little experience with this kind of software, an overview of Multivariate Data Analysis can be found on the CAMO website, which may help your understanding of how this software is implemented into modern day businesses.”

Better People Management

From HR software systems to automated payroll, technology lets you manage your people better. Managing a team of people is no mean feat, and technology can help make that process easier for your Human Resources team. You can keep employee data current, keep track of training or appraisals, and make sure your scheduling is correct at all times. That means less time lost to keeping track of everyone, and happier employees thanks to everything being kept in order.

Less IT Infrastructure

From databases to computers to phone lines, IT and communications infrastructure can be costly and hard to manage. Most physical infrastructure comes with a steep learning curve, not to mention the time and cost if something needs repairing or replacing. Companies such as 1E can help you with updating, and migrating your business software, to make sure you’re making the most of what you have. Cloud-based technology can also help you can manage a lot of your business applications and data backups in the Cloud, a solution that isn’t just easier, but more cost effective too. Better Customer Service

Technology can provide a boost to your customer service. For example, you could use customer relationship management software to keep track of your customers and their dealings with you. Phone technology such as automated attendants or “find me” technology will make it easier for your customers to reach you, cutting down on time spent on hold or waiting for call backs. Social media is also excellent for customer service, allowing you to keep in touch with your customers and answer their queries quickly.