The pandemic has brought significant changes to businesses, such as the need to digitise your business. This means turning your pre-pandemic daily operations, business travel, in-person meetings, and paper-based transactions to be done online. Without such, your business may not thrive during the pandemic.
While some companies have already begun their digital transformation, some haven’t. If you belong in the latter, then here’s how you can start digitising your business:
1. Moving Towards Cloud
It’s no secret that the myriad of cloud-based services paved the way for convenience and accessibility. Regardless of which Software as a Service (SaaS) you use, cloud-based programs have brought businesses more approachable for clients. Cloud-based SaaS software is powered by servers that transmit data from various divisions and pass it on to its central database known as cloud managed service provider (MSP).
By moving towards the cloud, your business can improve operations, enhance flexibility, and give way to more efficient workflows. In addition, being cloud-based gives your business constant access to essential data—retrieving the information whenever you need, wherever you are.
Thus, you can operate your business even when your brick-and-mortar office or establishment is closed.
Perhaps the only thing stopping many businesses from transitioning to the cloud is the potential disruption of current workflows and processes. And add to that is the fact that transitioning into the cloud is no easy move. It’s somewhat intimidating and challenging, but that doesn’t change its necessity.
But like anything else, there will be no opportunity for growth without the willingness to take on challenging situations. With such, here are the top two tips you need when you’re moving towards the cloud:
- Selecting the Right Cloud Provider: Picking the right cloud partner boils down to your business needs and how much you’re willing to spend. Most importantly, choosing the right cloud provider means working with vendors who have knowledge and experience in your sector. Different industries require different strategies to make the transition easier. So, your vendor should be able to comprehend what sets your business apart from others.
- Employ Experts: Although cloud transfers are secure, transitioning can still be difficult if you’re not working with the right people. There are several services out there that guarantee seamless processes like Corient and similar companies. Hiring these experts who can accomplish the task for you is still the better choice and would even help you save time and money.
2. Utilise Collaborative Tools
Digitising your business has never been easier, thanks to collaborative tools. Such software keeps information flowing from all members of the team.
Whatever your business is, you must maintain good communication with your team members. They need to be able to reach you quickly and vice versa to avoid potential miscommunication. That’s why having a collaborative application where you can discuss anything and tackle misunderstandings is crucial. This also sows the seeds for open and proactive communication even when you’re miles apart.
With such, here’s a non-exhaustive list of the most popular collaborative tools:
- Google Workspace: Google workspace is by far the most popular collaborative program. It has multiple office-related apps such as Docs, Calendar, Keeps, Gmail, and more to address your operational business needs. It also has a video-calling service so you can communicate with your team anytime, anywhere.
- MS Office: MS Office 365 offers a top-of-a-line project management suite where you can manage, collate, and send documents, spreadsheets, and other files to your team members. It also provides various productivity and collaboration apps such as Teams and Outlook.
- Slack: Slack is a work management software often used by businesses in remote work setup. Slack allows you to create multiple channels for different projects or departments. It also allows accessible and direct communication with specific people from your team. On top of that, Slack allows you to integrate with other project management software to access the data you need quickly.
3. Digitise Customer Servicing to Your Clients Through App Development
Developing mobile apps for your business is another way to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, regardless of what industry you’re in. Since most people nowadays use smartphones, developing an app that allows customers to access your services is the best way to engage them.
You can easily connect with clients, provide a more positive experience, and make you more memorable with an app. Depending on the industry you’re in, you can create an app where your customers place an order or book a service. With Corient, you can hire app developers that can personalise the app suitable for your business.
An app is also an excellent way to market your business since clients are more exposed to your logo. They can see your brand logo whenever they scroll through their phones which increases customer retention.
In addition, here are some industries that would benefit from having an app:
- E-commerce: E-commerce is continuously growing day by day. Within the last few years, most of the growth in retail was brought by e-commerce, and it’s still anticipated to double in size in the coming years. This is no surprise since most customers now prefer to make purchases in the comfort of their homes.
If you’re in the e-commerce business, developing a mobile app increases customer satisfaction. Additionally, more than 70% of customers are motivated to do more business transactions for companies with outstanding customer service.
What’s more interesting is to add a call to action button on the app so they can easily talk to your agent. To make it even better, deploy a live support system to help your clients navigate through the app.
- Home Delivery Services: Most customers prefer to order online, especially since pandemic protocols have limited people from going out. With an app, you can make customers quickly scan through your products or services without worrying about long lines.
And since online delivery apps act like your business’ digital storefront, it contributes a lot in determining customer engagement. This means that you should have an intuitive app where customers can place orders without hassle.
- VoIP Telephone Systems: Telephone services have moved from being limited to on-premise systems to cloud-based services. Customer representative agents can now communicate with customers and vice versa using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calling apps. What’s more is you can make and receive calls regardless of where you are for a fraction of the price.
The Bottom Line
By doing the tips above, you can continue operating your business regardless of a pandemic. You no longer have to rely on a brick-and-mortar business because you can digitise your processes using the cloud, collaborative tools, and apps. What’s important is to start now, hire Corient, and employ the tips above.