While it is true that technology can streamline business processes, it can also create major problems.
Our Director, David has done some research and found there are 10 common mistakes, not necessarily in order, that small business makes in IT. As a local Perth accountant, chat to us now about some of the technology and communication tools we can assist with to strreamline your business!
- Not investing in training
Sufficient training is crucial for staff to do their job, but it is often overlooked in favour of a “work it out as you go” approach. Staff that are educated in the ins and outs of the software they use on a daily basis are more confident and therefore more productive. Plus you don’t need to send staff off for full day or week courses – so many courses are online these days.
- Using too many communication tools
Communication tools can be helpful and dangerous. Examples include Trello, Slack, Hipchat, Google Hangouts, Skype, Smartsheet, Yammer, twoodoo, Glip —all are useful, but if you are using a range of messaging software it can get out of control. It is better to choose a couple of methods you think will work for your business, and stick to them rather than trying a new one each time something launches!
- No social media strategy
Randomly chucking posts up on Facebook will get you nowhere. If you take building your online presence seriously, you need to have a strategy. Using Facebook’s built in analytics to identify peak times to post will give you more reach and engagement with your followers, and attract new ones.
- Not taking security seriously
Even something as simple as network sharing can comprise your business security. Have a regularly scheduled date to ensure everything is updated and secure, and it will benefit you both day-to-day and in the long run.
- Not utilising two-step authentication
Two-step authentication is not just for bank accounts; Google and Twitter and numerous other online services also have the option of requiring two-step authentication. As well as needing a regular password, you also need to enter a code sent to your mobile number, email or a security token issued by the provider to access your accounts.
- Forgetting to back up data
Backing up is so easy to put off until something terrible happens — and you lose all your data. Set a reminder in your calender, on your phone, wherever you need to. Commit to making backups part of your regular routine and you’ll never have that sinking feeling of despair in the pit of your stomach again.
- Email chaos
What definitely doesn’t work, however, is having thousands of unread messages. Find the time to cull 50 per day. Unsubscribe from mailing lists, change notification settings on social media and chip away at that pile until you can breathe a sigh of relief. You’ll be less likely to miss important emails, and your inbox will thank you!”
- No actual tech support
While it may be tempting to simply get the most tech-savvy member of your team to look after any problems as they arise, a proficiency in Call of Duty is no guarantee of actually knowing what is best for your business. It is simple and surprisingly affordable to outsource proper IT support, and its importance cannot be understated.
- Slow internet
This is a great tool to check your speed online and compare options. Don’t put up with snail pace internet if you don’t have to! It’s worth spending a little extra to get the fastest internet possible in your area — you’ll see an improvement in everything from staff morale to an increase in productivity.
- Not upgrading regularly enough
Invest in new equipment on a regular basis. And while not advocating that business owners should get into debt, if your printer cartridges are obsolete you should probably move on, rather than ordering them from eBay!
Follow a few of these tips, and you will see a more efficient workplace! If you want any advice or tips on technology – contact us now!