This is probably one of the best times to run a business. The advancements in the digital arena and a progressive outlook of the employee forces have enabled many entrepreneurs to win the race. But, at the same time, the increased competition and high demand from customers create new challenges for business owners.
In this landscape, hanging on to the tech tools is the best anchor you can get. The trained and motivated staff coupled with innovative systems could help companies reach their goals. Once trained in how a good business process works, an average employee knows how to succeed.
A Gallup study shows that only 15% of the employees worldwide feel motivated. It also found that unmotivated employees can cost $550 billion per year to the companies.
Technology and training are the two best tools to ensure smooth business operations. In case you are willing to leap and adopt innovative ways to run business operations, you are on the right page. This blog lists five tools you can use to improve your business processes.
Let’s scan these together:
1. Trello
A project management tool like Trello is the best armor you can get to kill the chaos. It enables you to plan and organize the whole project. For example, you can make cards for each task and assign those to the designated employees.
You can assign a deadline on these cards, add comments, and track progress as the employee works on the task. In addition, it has an easy and intuitive UI to manage the projects and teams. Some benefits of using this app are as follows:
- Maintains focus – It helps an employee to focus on the task until it reaches completion
- Deadlines to increase efficiency – It allots specific time to the users, making it easier to keep eyes on the target.
- Increases accountability – It allows you to know what and when your teams are working, making them accountable for the tasks.
Trello brings joy to the team by making projects transparent and shareable. Users can tailor the Trello to have fun while they work. They can change the theme, use emojis, stickers, and so much more.
Also Read: How to make money for yourself if you are Unemployed
2. PandaDoc
PandaDoc is an application that lets you track, build, and sign all your documents at the same portal. As a result, you can automate your workflow. It also brings an insight into analytics, helping you to know what sells.
Handling paperwork is a hassle. By using PandaDoc, you don’t need to print out the papers and do your signatures. Instead, you can keep all docs together and digitally sign where needed. With everything streamlined in one tool, the time spent managing documents dramatically reduces.
Some favorable aspects of this app are:
- E-signature is handy. You can also forward permission for it, making it even more helpful.
- Drag and drop builder. You can create templates and documents while staying within professional bounds.
- The analytics are helpful, and you get the notification that client has opened a proposal.
Meanwhile, you can use your free time to unlock other professional achievements.
3. Freshbooks
As per a National Association of Small Business survey, the number one challenge of running a business is economic uncertainty. Unfortunately, finances are a tough nut to crack unless you get the best tools like Freshbooks in your corporate armor.
Freshbooks accounting software is a safe and user-friendly way to manage finances. You can track expenses on this tool, manage invoices, and maintain the books. It offers a simple system to manage finances. Besides this, accounting becomes fast and secure.
The app offers a well-rounded and attractive double-entry accounting experience. Some perks of this application are:
- Helps to create customized invoices
- You can maintain detailed client records
- It supports projects and proposals
- It automates mileage tracking
Freshbooks started its journey as an invoicing solution. Over the years, it expanded its scope and has grown into an online accounting service for small to large-scale companies. Now, it adheres to double-entry accounting, which is the industry-standard account-keeping software.
4. ZenDesk
ZenDesk is a cloud-based help desk management solution. It offers customized tools to create a customer service portal.
Following are the features that it brings to the table:
- Various ticketing options and integrations
- Custom forms and reporting
- A deep knowledge base
This is based entirely on knowledge and enhances online communities. Customer service, if done right, goes a long way to serve the business. Shep Hyken, the customer service expert, stated on Twitter:
“Make every interaction count, even the small ones. They are all relevant.”
ZenDesk is your rescue from frantic customer complaints. It ensures all customers are satisfied with the business interactions. This tool allows you to get in touch with customers from anywhere –chat, email, social, or phone. It all happens on one dashboard.
5. MailChimp
MailChimp is one of the best apps for diverse business cases. It has dominated the email marketing arena for a long time. It seeks to continue this trend by expanding into the ecommerce arena. This has enabled the merchants to create online stores. These steps have consequently evolved the platform into a multichannel marketing hub.
This app allows you to create professional emails and send them to your fellows. You can also set automatic email sending and track the campaign. All you need is to develop and organize the drive once. The app later handles the entire process.
The pros that tag along with MailChimp include:
- Great template editor – It sports a clean interface but a powerful editor
- Thorough reporting – It gives you geo-tracking, social media data, and Google Analytics to make informed decisions
- Freemium plan – Most of the tools are there on the free version. Plus, you can send around 10,000 emails to 2,000 subscribers. This is not a bad deal!
Hand over the email task to MailChimp while you may hit the sack. You can later get back and check out if the campaign was a success.
Parting Thoughts
An entrepreneur wears a lot of hats. Giving a few of those to digital helpers is a wise choice. All you need is to do your research and find apps that seem to be the most relevant for your business.
Also, don’t forget to tell us when you find a suitable app. Good Luck!
