I grew up with a bag phone in my car… Seriously I am dating myself, but they did exist! I remember my first computer class in high school, we were learning how to write DOS and the computer was the size of a smart car. I learned quickly I did not excel in science and technology in high school. What I was good at was communication… I could plan the weekend social activities like a champ! I was a natural at sales, marketing, and developed my communication skills on my brothers by getting out of dusting…my least favorite chore growing up in the country!
So how does a non-tech girl end up at a tech company? I understood that businesses who implemented technology would be able to grow, while those opting out would essentially be left behind. So I began downloading white papers from hub spot, following blogs on online marketing, joined our local chapter of Girls in Technology, and locally associating myself with people who knew a heck of a lot more than I did about tech. Moreover, guess what? I developed a love for technology because, it was the fastest way for businesses to get information to customers and users.
Whether or not you are a heavy technology user or not, there are basics that every business owner should have in place. Here is my top 5:
- Website: When is the last time you used a physical phone book? Chances are your customers are not picking one up either! Customers will use your website for simple information such as hours of operation, phone number, and where you are located. If you have a visually appealing website loaded with interactive content, chances are you will be keeping them longer… Even better!
Challenge: Know your Google analytics and take your website mobile.
- Facebook Page: Even if you are a B-to-B business, the answer is still yes! Facebook is about connecting with potential customers and developing trust with them. People buy from people they know, like, and trust. Show them who you are and what the personality of your business is.
Challenge: Add to our social network with Twitter, Linked In, Google Plus, and Blogging
- Smart Phone: Staying in communication with the office is essential! It’s also the tool belt of the business world….camera, camcorder, calendar, notepad, cash register. Understanding how to utilize your smart phone into one device equals enhanced productivity. Just make sure you upload to the cloud should something unexpected happen. Like your 4 year old launches it out the window, you can rest assured you are not following it out the window.
Challenge: Download a new business app that saves you time.
- E-mail marketing: Not old school! Affordable and effective… Conversion rates are still higher than social media, plus it is a great communication tool when messaging your subscriber list correctly.
Challenge: Try segmenting your emails into specific categories of interest
- Telephone System: The #1 frustration that customers have is they want to do business with you, and then they cannot reach you when they want to reach you! How is your current system connecting the caller with the appropriate person that can help them? If it’s 8 steps before you get to talk with someone, it’s time to reevaluate your current system!
Challenge: Set up automatic texting through your website so you’re not missing potential customers.
If you’ve been resisting technology in your business because it is not your “thing”. Well, don’t let that hold you back from having a technology strategy for your business, it’s not stopping your competition! If you’re having trouble getting started or looking for a local provider to walk you through your strategy, pick me! Pick me!
