Do you remember the game show "The Weakest Link"? A group a people answered questions in turn and at the end of the round the person with the least amount of right answers (the weakest link) was eliminated. Your business is no different. It has weak links. Something or someone that is causing slowdowns, delays, inefficiencies or the inability to grow.
Don't think you have any weak links?
How much has your travel cost increased?
How many hours in missed or inaccurate billing to you have a month?
How many clients, customers or patients missed their appointments because they forgot?
How much do you overpay employees due to inaccurate time recording?
How long does it take you to fill staff shortages?
How many potential customers called your competitor because you weren't able to answer their call?
These are just a few examples. You know your business better than anyone. What is your biggest pain point?
Now that I've identified our weak link(s), what's next?
There are a number of technologies out there to solve small business problems. It is up to you to identify the biggest time waster(s), problem(s), issues(s), cost(s) that your business is facing. Sometimes there are free tools or applications to solve the issue, sometimes there will be an upfront investment. The return on investment (ROI) may be 2 months or 2 years.
Now that you have identified your small business problem, Google it with the word technology after it or call your trusted technology advisor. There are going to be many possible solutions. Do your research, obtain cost/time estimates and calculate your ROI. Implement strategies first that have the highest ROI and are the easiest or quickest to complete. Second, knock out the projects that will take a little more time and require more resources.
Conclusion
There is always room for improvement. Ask your employees how they would improve processes. After all, they are the ones on the front line. Take steps to automate as many daily task or functions as possible. The less manual work, the more efficient your business will run.
Share you weakest link and technology strategy to strengthen your business.
NonStop Networks, LLC
Cisco Unified Communications Solutions
http://www.nonstopnetworks.net
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Focused on solving problems for small and medium sized businesses who are frustrated that their communication systems are letting them down, worried about security and concerned with rising technology cost. Helping businesses communicate in real-time with customers and staff - anytime, anywhere.
There is no warranty in the information listed. It is always recommended that your seek the advice of a trusted professional.