You’ve read Part 1 of our blog series on the importance of automating some processes for your small business. Here are a few more reasons automation can be helpful to you:
Human Resources
Make the hiring process smoother and more time efficient with automating the steps that make sense. Naturally, you’ll want some sit-down time with your new recruit, but a lot of onboarding needs can be done automatically. Calculating tax information, providing details on benefits and healthcare packages, and explaining basic rules and regulations of your company can be done through an automated process. You can create check lists for your employee so you know when everything is completed. You can add vacation requests here for easier scheduling processes, too. Personal information will be kept confidential in a good automated system. Some trainings can also be done through automation services, and the method of tracking the completed trainings will provide you with peace of mind that you are current on all required trainings for your business practice. Although a personal connection is important at this time, it doesn’t mean you have to do all of it in person.
Data Analysis
Start tracking your business’ performance from day one. By tracking performance you can quickly see where you’re falling behind, where you’re most profitable, what’s working best and what’s not, and where to implement changes to be more effective and successful. Automatic analyzation of data will not only be more accurate, but it will make it much easier to implement any changes necessary. If you start this from the very beginning, you’ll be way ahead of the game in a short amount of time.
Customer Service
Small businesses must have flawless customer service, especially at the beginning. You’re marketing will depend a lot on word of mouth or social media recommendations, so keep customer service at the top of your list. If you and your employees are less stressed by not having to perform mundane, behind-the-scenes processes, it will translate to more patience and workability with customers and clients. Your staff will have the time to actually help them without feeling rushed. Customer service items such as call forwarding solutions, categorizing important incoming emails, sales incentives and discount codes, ease of checkout or researching on your site all count towards good customer service. Save time and frustration by sifting out tedious requests so your employees can be alert and ready to help when it’s needed.
Communication
In-person communication will remain the most authentic way to discuss issues or ideas, and coworkers should have a good working relationship with each other as well as a desire to be personable with clients and customers. However, wasting time with unnecessary meetings or zoom calls creates burnout and unhappy employees over time. You’ve seen all the memes about how “this should have been an email.” Automate things like tracking project statuses, reminders or prompts to employees, event scheduling, sales needs, and more. Some things will need a face-to-face but keep those moments to when it’s necessary so everyone feels their time is being respected.
Automating your small business is a smart choice for making sure you’re working as efficiently as possible.
