Efficiency is one of the most important terms in business regardless of your industry or experience. After all, optimising the venture to maximise its key assets will aid productivity and profitability.
Given that time and money are two of the most important resources at your disposal, it’s vital that you pay extra attention to them. However, only a clear and comprehensive strategy will unlock the desired results. Focus on the 10 points below and you won’t go far wrong.
#1. Keep The Business Running Smoothly
It is hard enough to run a successful company at the best of times. Sadly, the challenge will become infinitely tougher when you encounter problems that cost you time and money. So, it’s essential that you prevent downtime by monitoring machinery and scheduling maintenance out of office hours. Having backup power is another key step for success.
In addition to internal issues that cause downtime, you must protect the company from attacks. A cyber breach could cost you a fortune and leave the business out of action for a long time. The harsh reality is that over half of all SMEs that fall victim to this will stop trading within months. So, you must put the right cybersecurity features in place.
Preventing theft of stock and intellectual property should feature on your agenda too. Aside from saving yourself from the recovery process, it allows you to operate with confidence.
#2. Use Automated Tech To Accelerate Tasks
Modern technology continues to change business landscapes at speed. Therefore, it’s vital that you incorporate it in any environment in which it can save time and boost efficiency. When done well, you’ll boost productivity and reduce human errors, which also saves you time and money in the long run. Crucially, it keeps you ahead of the competition.
The use of invoice processing software is a particularly wise move. Aside from saving time for your employees, the automated messaging helps you get paid sooner. Automated stock management and ordering will speed up processes. You’ll also avoid the threat of upsetting clients due to delays. Accounting software and SMS reminders are popular choices too.
If nothing else, having the right tech features in place allows the workers to spend more time on innovations and client interactions. Perfect.
#3. Master Recruitment & Onboarding
A strong workforce is truly the greatest asset at any company’s disposal. Whether it’s a startup or a multinational company, the right employees will drive your business to success. However, it’s not enough to simply find good candidates. You also need to do this in the most efficient way while also cultivating an environment for workers to thrive.
One of the most effective options is to outsource recruitment. Experts in this field will find candidates with the personality traits to support their skills. They can also promote a smooth onboarding transition. This enables new employees to perform at their full potential right away. Naturally, this will also cause less disruption to the existing workforce.
Crucially, finding the right employees at the first attempt will save you from having to repeat the process. The long-term time and cost savings will be huge.
#4. Support Employees On A Human Level
The impact of automated tech on employee productivity has already been discussed. Likewise, the firm will almost certainly invest in the right machinery, equipment, and software for employees. If you truly want to unlock the full potential of your team, though, you must support them on a human level. Happy employees will perform far better.
Some of the simplest steps to consider include adding a hydration station and coffee machine. It can actively boost energy levels and alertness while also showing employees that they are appreciated. Good break room facilities are another useful option. Creating feedback loops and outlets for them to raise any issues will work wonders too.
For long-term results, you should also create clear paths to promotion. This incentivises workers to remain productive while also reducing staff turnover rates.
#5. Invest In Communication
Every great company is built on a foundation of strong communication. But the current landscape can pose some challenges. This is due to remote workforces and teams being split across multiple locations. Thankfully, there are also plenty of tools and tactics to help you regain control for better efficiency. In turn, this translates to a saving of time and money.
Team messaging apps allow you to connect with individuals or groups instantly. Meanwhile, project management software injects clarity to enhance workflows. And remove the threat of duplicated work. Customer relationship management tools allow you to manage client interactions with increased confidence. Not least because past interactions are seen.
When supported by VoIP tech and chatbots, you will find that interactions with customers are greatly improved. Things will get done more quickly while satisfaction levels will soar.
#6. Remove Unnecessary Tasks
As a business owner, you will always be looking for ways to complete tasks more efficiently. In reality, though, it’s likely that you’re guilty of wasting time on unnecessary tasks. Losing them from your schedule can free up time and money to be invested elsewhere. Better still, it’s a simple move that will prevent the risk of distractions.
While communication is a key feature, team meetings are often needlessly long. Following in the footsteps of Google with 20-minute meetings is an ideal upgrade. Likewise, it’s vital to avoid the inclusion of unnecessary staff members. Their time will be better spent elsewhere, and even one hour saved per week for 40 employees would be like gaining a new worker.
Trusting employees to make decisions can also remove unnecessary steps linked to approvals. Besides, the extra responsibility will work wonders for morale.
#7. Let Customers Support Your Growth
Marketing is naturally an essential piece in the jigsaw of building a better business. Still, you should remember that it isn’t simply a case of securing more customers and sales. You must also do this in a timely and cost-effective way as spending £1 million on ads to generate £700k of sales is a false economy. Existing customers are the secret weapon.
Testimonials are one of the most effective features because most users now conduct online research. Meanwhile, affiliate marketing schemes motivate customers to bring new clients to your door. They will secure a commission in return for their efforts, but only after the sale. So, any money paid out on this strategy is counteracted with increased profit.
In many cases, promoting your business will also see the affiliate spend more frequently. This is a direct result of their positive words about your brand.
#8. Know Your Audience
Existing customers do play a key role in building your brand. Nonetheless, you will still need to create engaging ad campaigns to boost brand visibility and appeal. While most business owners want to reach the biggest possible audience, very few companies can appeal to all. Understanding your place in the market is a major breakthrough that improves everything.
Once you have built your target consumer profile, your budget can be spent more efficiently. The use of targeted ad campaigns ensures that PPC and social media ads are shown to the right people. You should also find it far easier to choose the right tone of voice, colour schemes, and logos for the brand. If it resonates with your audience, success is assured.
When combined with data analysis into client behaviours and responses, you can make continued upgrades.
#9. Use Tracking Software
As already mentioned, a whole host of tech tools can be used to improve your business. However, tracking systems are often overlooked. In truth, this can have a telling impact on the supply chain and order fulfilment management. Productivity speeds and accuracy will soar, allowing you to meet client demands for faster deliveries.
The use of RFID technology is particularly useful in warehouses. All stock will be accounted for automatically without manual scanning. When coupled with the benefits of using real-time data, business efficiency will soar. On a side note, fleet management tools to track positioning and re-route where needed can save time and money.
In addition to the direct benefits of improved management, you’ll know that all decisions have been calculated.
#10. Focus On Task Management
Whether looking to improve your approach to workflows or your team’s scheduling doesn’t matter. A conscious effort to avoid multitasking and complete jobs in a logical way should be your goal. When energies are focused on one task, it can be completed far quicker. Better still, it allows employees to prioritise the most important tasks.
As well as scheduling tasks and removing distractions, various techniques may be used. The 20-minute rule of dedicating your full attention to the task can work very well. Time blocking is another very popular choice for workers across multiple industries. Adding small windows to refresh the mind with a walking break, for example, can aid the overall daily output.
Finally, taking the time to always get the best deals from suppliers will save money. It also saves time in the long run as you won’t need to keep seeking better options.