Editor’s Note: Here at Dispatches, we are always looking for ways to help our readers do things. For some of our readers, that means helping navigate the working world, for others, it means assisting in the ever challenging question, “what’s for dinner?” For still others, it means figuring out how to balance family life with everything else. In an effort to aid in all of these endeavors, we have collaborated on this article written specifically for our readers.
Take a moment to think about the first time you got the idea in your head about starting a business and working for yourself. The excitement, the inspiration you had, the motivation to make that dream a reality. Taking the plunge may now seem like a distant memory to you, but the one thing we can all agree on is that you can’t stop taking those chances, pushing the boundaries and trying new things. Otherwise, your business stays stagnant.
Recycle old methods and try new things
There is no right way to do things, which is why your business will be unique. Communication methods, storage, servers and hardware options. These things could be explored and be streamlined. It might be worth looking online at a budget VPS (virtual private server) and also cloud services. This can help you have one hardware access point and give you access to relevant software systems. Making the use out of it could then see you upgrading your package.
Chatbots and emails are the way forward
Maybe the way customers can get in touch with you needs to change. You only have to consider your own lifestyle and how you do things to see that this could be of huge benefit to you as a business. Sometimes we want information fast. Or it isn’t necessarily convenient to speak to people over the phone. This is when chatbots and email services could transform your business. Answering those frequently asked questions and generally pointing people in the right direction on your website. It could free up time for you to then focus on other areas of the business.
Making your social media engaging
Any business owner knows the value of social media marketing these days. (and if you need help, contect us!) After all, as an example, at least 70 percent of people who have a Facebook account will check there feeds at least twice a day. That is a lot of potential eyes that could be on your business if you have the right campaign in place. But what a lot of businesses do is remain too serious with it, and this can then cause your content to be less engaging. You may want to put some focus back on your content and to try and add an element of fun sometimes. Or even show off your personality in a professional way that makes sense for your business.
Placing a value on your time
Finally, as a business owner, you are every job title, but that can mean that you spread yourself too thin. You may want to work on placing a value on your time. Considering when something may be more worthwhile outsourced than using up your time. Which could then be put to better use? Have you valued your time and input into your business recently? Could you do anything to make that better?
Change is never easy but it can be the difference between growth and status quo.