How Technology Can Help Your Small Business Grow

 Chelsea Lamb (Guest)     27-01-2022

Photo via Rawpixel

It can be hard to grow your business as a solo entrepreneur. A lot of your time is likely tied up in daily administrative responsibilities. How are you supposed to find the time to grow your business and expand your skills? This is where technology can help! Outsourcing some of your business tasks to automation tools and freelance professionals will save you a lot of time so you can finally implement those growth strategies you’ve been brainstorming. Use the following advice from Invent High Technologies to launch your venture to the next level!

Tech for Professionals

As you build your business, look out for other tech tools that can help you out. For example, video conferencing software like Zoom Meetings and Google Meet can help you communicate with your clients remotely. You can also take advantage of a variety of organizational apps for scheduling meetings with suppliers, sharing documents, and managing payments. Some great examples include Calendly, Evernote, and Paperbell.

Tech extends to the payment systems you provide to your customers. Having an app, for example, that’s responsive and easy to use is essential. You can also pair this app with software like Plaid’s Balance API, which allows your customers to see if they have the money available to complete a purchase. In turn, this helps you avoid costly credit card fees.

When to Hire Help

Tech tools can provide assistance for business owners across many industries, but sometimes you need help from a real human. It’s important to recognize when hiring help will save you money — or serve as a valuable investment in the future of your business. For example, if you find yourself turning down clients because you’re bogged down by administrative tasks, hire a freelancer to free up your time.

You can outsource almost anything these days! For example, Priority VA recommends the use of virtual assistants to outsource inbox management, scheduling, research, and more. Companies like Invent High Technologies can even help you establish your online presence and land more clients through website development, SEO, and social media management.

Navigating the Hiring Process

There are a number of steps involved in hiring people to help with your business. First, you’ll have to outline the tasks and projects you intend to outsource so you know which freelancers to target with your job ads. Once you have a better idea of who you want to hire, post your job online, start reviewing applicants and interview your top picks.

If you intend to run background checks on your potential hires, make sure you adhere to the rules set by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). According to Complete Check, you must tell your potential employees that you plan on running a background check as part of the hiring process. Most importantly, make sure you understand the specific rules of your state. In some states, for example, you cannot run a background check until you have made a conditional job offer.

Besides conducting interviews and running background checks on your candidates, you may also want to test their skills with a paid assignment. This is particularly useful when working with writers or designers. Not only will a paid test assignment ensure your freelancers know what they’re doing, but it will help you determine if their creative ideas match what you have in mind for your brand.

Who Should I Hire?

Not sure who to hire? Several different types of freelancers can help your small business. Depending on your specific needs, consider hiring the following freelance professionals to take your business to the next level:

• * Web developers to build or upgrade your business website.
• * Influencer marketing services to secure new business leads.
• * A great copywriter to convert those leads into paying clients.

In the age of vast technological development, solo business owners have access to an abundance of tools that can save them time and money. Whether you're looking for the perfect app to organize your schedule or a rock-solid freelance web designer to build a gorgeous website for your business, everything you need is out there for the taking!