Businesses have been forced to look at how they handle operations, including moving business processes online, since the COVID-19 pandemic has closed many businesses and forced many others to work from home. As we look at re-opening and ongoing work-from-home scenarios, businesses need to continue to adapt and find ways to allow business to continue with remote teamwork and online sales.
Let's dive into business process options for doing things remotely.
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Businesses definitely do not want their team tied down to a desktop only client like older Outlook versions so that they cannot access and send work email outside the office. Be sure you are moving communication and business processes online by looking at going cloud-based with tools like the following:
Traditional accounting software has often been loaded to a computer and is tied to that computer. That worked fine when everyone was together in an office but not when people are separated and working remote. Due to this, accounting is a key area for moving business online. Tools to consider include:
Sharing digital files whether they are Word Docs, Excel spreadsheets, PDF’s, or images and design files. Teams need ways to share digital files easily without emailing everything and this is where cloud-based file sharing comes into the picture as a key tool in moving business online. Options include:
Assign projects, tasks, and have clear deadlines. Also, ensures a way to keep teammates informed and provides a central place for notes, files, and information on a project.
Tools to help your team manage information on prospects and customers from one central location accessible online is critical. CRM's include additional powerful features for drip marketing and other sales/marketing tools.
Other related tools include tools for email marketing, SMS text message marketing systems, and social media scheduling systems.
If there is one thing that has exploded during COVID-19 it’s the need to be able to meet with team members, prospects, and customers “in person” which is available via videoconferencing. Zoom has been the leader but there are other options!
For presentations and top of the funnel sales efforts. This is “one-to-many” presentation versus a small group meeting with videoconferencing.
It might be time to start selling some products online!
Offer your dealers, distributors, customers and more a more personalized experience and access to materials that were formerly emailed, mailed, or faxed.
Make it easy for people to reach you and get their needs taken care of. This features can help:
For getting information and updates out, social media can't be beat. People are spending loads of time online these days.
Use social as a support tool.
Consider Live video updates. Use tools to schedule posts out. Photos and videos are needed.
SMS Text Message Marketing
An area of growth and expansion today is with using sms text message marketing systems to reach consumers on mobile. People read their texts and so if you can get them to opt-in you can reach them with updates and deals. Check out this loaded SMS text message marketing guide from Jook SMS.
From Harvard Business Review article
You have to find work routines. Put on your work clothes every morning—casual Friday is fine, of course.
If you have childcare or child nap items going on, identify those and put those into the calendar. Alert team members you will not be accessible from 9-10 am for example as you get your kids started on their work.
This is not the time for peripheral projects. Team members should be devoting their energy to top-priority issues. It is not business as usual. It is business in the unusual and we need to focus to survive.
That’s a wrap on key tools and processes for moving business online.
What does your business need to do to overcome gaps in any of these areas so that your business can survive and thrive today? Any questions on moving business online? Let me know!
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