A new year brings new opportunity – new chances to alter your organization’s budget, policies, and more. And while 2020 was surely eye-opening for many businesses, it’s time to use what we learned last year to make 2021 the best year yet.
While you’re setting new goals for yourself and your business, consider revamping your tech. Investing in, rolling out and implementing new technology can be intimidating, so we’ve broken down resources and tools your team may consider in this new year, all to help you #ThriveInThePandemic.
Our breakdown includes:
- How to choose tech for your business
- Free or low-cost tech resources
- Resources for offices working remotely
- Tech resources BBB uses
Overwhelmed with options? Instead of integrating a bundle of new tech resources, consider adding one per quarter. This route will keep your business’s tech manageable and training simple.
How to choose tech for your business
When shopping for new tech resources, here are some questions to consider:
- What are some of the struggles your company faced in 2020? Consider how these problems can be solved with technology in the new year.
- What is your team’s budget for new resources?
- What goals does your business have for 2021? Consider how new technology can help you reach those goals.
A Forbes article further dives into finding technology tools for businesses, and gives this advice:
“‘If you have a nail, then look for a hammer.’ This translates to seeking out tools that solve a very specific issue your team faces in the current moment or will soon face.”
While it is important to keep your organization’s budget handy during your research, don’t be discouraged by product prices. The tech answer to your company’s current woes doesn’t have to break your budget.
Free or low-cost tech resources
Tech doesn’t have to be expensive. Many paid resources have free trials or pricing options.
The Balance Small Business lists 12 low-cost technology solutions for small businesses, including:
- Online business training
- Open-source software
- Landline alternatives
- Teleconference services
- Time tracking tools
- Online invoicing services
- Remote desktop applications
- Screencasting tools
- Online file conversion
- Screenshot tools
- Help desk applications
- Online appointment scheduling
If you would rather remain no-cost, read PC Mag’s article, “21 Free Tools Your Small Business Should Be Using Today.”
Resources for offices working remotely
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the United States, some offices are making the difficult decision to remain or move remote for safety.
To work remotely and maintain company productivity, culture, and communication, consider implementing new tech, like Microsoft Teams or Slack, for time management and easy collaboration. The best part of these resources? Even if your team returns to the office, many of these resources will remain useful. Check out TimeCamp’s list of remote work resources to decide what is best for your business.
While you’re working to thrive in the new year remotely, watch the video to see how BBB’s transition to remote work was made easier by tech:
Tech resources BBB uses
Whether in the office or remote, there are some tech tools BBB staff use to remain on track.
Social media resources:
- Sprout Social for social media scheduling (Paid)
- Linktree for Instagram links (Free, paid version available)
- Canva for creating quick graphics (Free, paid version available)
Communication/Team collaboration resources:
- Microsoft SharePoint for file sharing/storage
- Outlook for email and calendars
- Cisco Webex/Zoom for virtual meetings and events (Free, paid versions available)
The bottom line
While technological changes and implementations can be overwhelming, consider making it a recurring quarterly goal, to help move your business further into the digital space. And you’ve probably heard or read that goals should be realistic and attainable, so make them just that. For example, maybe you start with moving your accounting completely digital to QuickBooks online. Then, in the 2nd quarter, set up checkpoints to make sure the rollout and use of Q1’s tools are working and move into implementing the next.
In this elongated and ever-evolving “season” we’re in, keep dreaming, working, implementing and moving your business to the next level. You’ve survived, now make 2021 your year to #Thrive.