It takes a lot to run a business. There is a lot of plates spinning and for most of them, you don’t need to spin yourself. Read on for our picks for the best problem-solving solutions for businesses.
Passwords and security
Smart technology is making security affordable to everyone. No longer is fuzzy CCTV relied on to ID someone after they’ve done something dodgy. Employers are now embracing keyless security with staff IDs that double as access to the building and the software. Keys can be lost or stolen where something as inconspicuous as a keycard can be stored in a wallet.
Smart cards will grant access with the swipe of a card and store information while they’re at it. By accessing the system’s data, you can see who accessed the room, when they accessed it, and for how long. It can be personalized to the staff member and their role, for example, it can give access to the warehouse while blocking access to the till.
Smart camera systems will connect directly to a device, allowing remote access and control. They will alert the police if programmed to and will alert you if someone has got too close to the property.
Smart cards can also be used as password badges so that passwords are no longer lost, forgotten, or shared. Instead, they allow access based on who you are, rather than if you know the code.
Packaging
Packaging is an often overlooked aspect of selling products. Once you’ve got every aspect of your product finessed into perfection, and it’s marketed enough that everyone wants it, your next issue is getting it to the customer. You can either give every package the TLC you’d want, with extra personal touches to make the customer want to come back, or you can outsource the most tedious aspect of selling products.
Companies like BluePrintAutomation.com can make packaging your products easy and affordable. The process on their website allows you to make designing your packaging from A-Z. Choose from a dozen packaging shape options like cartons, pillow bags, cups, and trays, then in what container they’re transported in, and how they are arranged.
Employee training
If you are looking to train your staff to expand your business, there are a number of training and distance learning courses online.
LinkedIn has a learning department and a certification program. They offer expertly produced courses that are aimed at entrepreneurs. You can teach your entire team with one of the 17,000 courses that are focused on topics like business and technology as well as various creative topics.
You can also look at Skillshare, which has a more open range of niche topics so that you can find something more relevant to your industry. It is a subscription-based platform offering Skillshare for Teams. Any one of the 35,000 courses on the site comes with support and a team plan to keep track of everyone’s progress. You can learn anything from business analytics and leadership to photography and baking.
Communication
With so many people still working from home, the world has finally embraced online meetings. Even if you’re not working from home, it’s less likely you’ll insist that a manager that lives cities away come to you for a chat.
Clients, employees, and consultants can all be brought immediately into the boardroom without the lengthy journey with an online phone system. Working out cheaper than owning a landline and using dozens of phones, these systems consolidate all your contacts into one place, available from any device.
Google Voice offers video, messaging, and phone calls, all from one number. You can make one-to-one calls or host video meetings. Its AI transcribes voicemails automatically and will filter spam calls. It will also connect with Google Meet and Google Calendar so that everyone in the business is organized and not interrupting an already-in-progress meeting.