Efficiency is a powerful word. It involves maximizing productivity with minimal waste of resources. In other words, being efficient doesn’t just mean producing the most results. It also consists of doing so with as little output as possible.
This two-part definition means you can be more efficient in multiple ways. You can maximize output and reduce resource consumption — and in both situations, you’re being efficient.
Business owners must strive for efficiency in all areas of their business. This helps them maintain momentum and grow over time. While it’s great to get what you can out of what you already have, sometimes achieving efficiency requires investing in something first.
With that in mind, here are a few different types of tools that you should consider using to create efficiencies within your business this year.
1. Automate What You Can
Running a business takes a lot of effort. It doesn’t matter if you’re overseeing a hundred-person operation, working with a lean, mean team of a few professionals, or operating as a solopreneur. If you have a business, you’re pouring time and effort into the process.
That’s why one of the quickest ways to become more efficient is by automating any activities that don’t require you or your team to maintain. This used to be a complicated process that applied to a limited number of things. As technology has developed, though, countless third-party companies have created apps to automate different areas of business.
Another useful tool can be Form creators. As a business, you might need to generate many forms for different purposes, for example, the 1099-NEC form, which is used for reporting non-employee compensation (NEC). Filling up this form can consume a lot of valuable time, but thanks to online form generators, which can help you generate a 1099-NEC form, which automatically fills most of the form, all you need to provide are a few important details.
For example, you can use a marketing automation platform to create email sales funnels. When these are triggered, they can begin to auto-send content to new customers. If you’re like most businesses, you are also trying to create an endless stream of content for your social media profiles. Many automation tools can take things like scheduling and curating content off your plate.
If you have a website, you can also install affordable chatbots that can serve as a 24/7 front line of your customer service. These tools are sophisticated enough at this point to receive inquiries, answer basic questions, and redirect customers to the right representative to help them.
You can even take things a step further by implementing conversational AI. This cutting-edge tech can interact with customers through both voice and text and provide unique responses in real-time.
2. Get On the Same Page
A healthy business is a connected business. Teamwork is part and parcel of the entire business experience. Naturally, then, if your team isn’t on the same page, your efficiency will suffer.
Keeping your team connected and focused on the same things has always been something management must address. However, it has never been a greater concern than in the present. Many companies are using remote work to avoid pandemic shutdowns and access global talent. This means they need to find ways to keep their scattered employees on the same page every day.
Fortunately, there are many tools to help with this process. The first ones to consider are basic communication tools. For instance, video conferencing software is a common way to have remote meetings. Text-driven business communication platforms can also keep your team connected as they go through the day.
Collaboration is another factor that you should consider. Even if your team is staying connected, how are they going to work together on the same projects? Many workflow platforms can help with this issue. They provide central, cloud-based virtual workspaces where you can upload and monitor assignments, projects, deadlines, and shared docs.
Calendar apps are another helpful connectivity tool. Creating shareable calendars that your team can access helps everyone remember important events and activities.
Finally, remember that communication is a two-edged sword. Encourage your team to use tools like a Pomodoro app or the “Do not disturb” function on their phones when they’re focused on deep work.
3. Outsource Thoughtfully
One more way to improve efficiency rapidly is by outsourcing selective activities. This doesn’t mean you need to pour funding into setting up a call center in India. Instead, tap into the massive network of freelancers that have become available over the last few years.
You can hire a freelancer for anything these days, from a virtual assistant to a chief marketing officer. The important thing is that you take a good look at your current business operations and find the weak areas.
For instance, say you are running a candle business. You’ve mastered the art of candle-making and you’ve got a solid understanding of shipping and handling. You’ve even got a good idea of how you want to market yourself. This may seem like you don’t need help.
If you take stock of your day-to-day activities, though, you might find that you’re spending too much time doing things like posting on social media or writing content for your website blog. If that’s the case, you can hire a freelancer to help take some of the time-consuming chores off of your plate.
As a final tip, whether you’re outsourcing things to a freelancer or hiring a new employee, also look for ways to streamline the onboarding process. There are many human resources SaaS solutions that can automate much of the work that goes into bringing a new member onto your team.
Running a business takes a lot of work. The last thing you want to do is spend even more time, effort, and resources doing things that you don’t need to. By using things like automation, communication and collaboration tools, and freelancer power, you can create efficiencies that can help your business thrive in the year ahead.
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