Tip Five - Making the Most of Technology
Welcome to the last in our short series of recession busting tips. I hope they've brought a little ray of sunshine in these times of doom and gloom. We're ending this series with a look at the huge difference technology can make to small and mid-sized companies, especially in a recession.
Can you afford to be left behind?
According to a recent survey, around a quarter of IT directors in SMEs are planning to increase their technology spend in 2009, despite the recession. And we understand why. Today's clever technology, including your software and the internet, can help your business to work smarter and cut costs. It can mean you stay ahead of the competition, use your resources more effectively and improve customer service. So has there ever been a better time for you to take a look at your IT strategy?
- Spread the word.
The internet can be your best communication tool. So take a fresh look at your website. Does it say the very best about you and your company? (Read some great advice here) Adding an online ordering function or catalogue could help you tempt new custom. And integrate that function with your accounts system to save time too.
- Reach out
Sage have started posting their videos to YouTube. And they have created an 'advice' website around CRM. Think about what you could do. Maybe start online blog, as a low-cost way to raise your profile and reach out to prospects and customers alike. Talk like an expert and people soon start to listen...
- Save, save, save.
There are many ways that technology could save you money. Could VoIP reduce your phone bills? Use an online comparison site to see if you're paying the best prices for stationery or travel. You could even reduce company travel with a tool like Webex for online meetings or by introducing video conferencing facilities.
- Network and socialise.
Love them or hate them, social networking sites are still growing in popularity. Could Twitter or LinkedIn help you? Why not join or even host groups which match the markets you work in? Then share your knowledge with a wide audience. Take a look at the Sage Train Your Business Brain group as an example.
- Smiley, happy customers
Make sure your software helps you deliver the very best customer service. Can you easily see who's buying what and talk to those buying less than before? Are you in control of your stock levels? Can anyone who answers the 'phone to a customer give the right answers fast? Don't hold your information in silos across your business. Share. Share. Share.
|
.
|
|
Todays technology doesn't need to be expensive and difficult to implement or maintain. And yet it can bring enormous savings at a time when we're all tightening our belts.
An upgrade to Sage 200 could offer you amazing opportunities to streamline your business and save time. Wouldn't you benefit from a system that spans your organisation, meaning an end to data re-entry and departments holding pockets of information? Or could you develop a clever customer management programme with our Sage 200 CRM software?
As an existing Sage customer, you could get some great discounts for upgrading to Sage 200 or adding additional modules? For example, for a Sage Line 100 customer with 4 commercials users, an upgrade to a similar Sage 200 system could cost as little as £1000 + VAT. This is an amazing saving of £8000 + VAT. (Please build in training and implementation to help you make the most of the software).
Find out more about how Sage 200 could help you please give us a call on 01386 883800
There's never been a better time to embrace technology.
I wish you the best of success...
Ian Dally
The Sage Smarter Business Team
PS Here's a chance to read our previous tips:
Tip 1 - Give a little love
Tip 2 - Clever cashflow control
Tip 3 - Smarter stock control
Tip 4 - Don't fade away
|