3 Ways to use Technology to be More Productive

Computers and technology allow for faster processing of data, easier retrieval of information, and in some cases – automation can reduce or replace physical employees. When people perform tasks by hand, it can be time consuming and full of human errors. When technology is used for repetitive operations, mistakes are reduced or eliminated, and the time it takes to complete the task is greatly reduced.

Web Based Project Management Systems
Due to the mobile nature of many modern businesses, it doesn’t make sense to maintain paper-based files and calendars to keep track of information and to-do lists. There are hundreds of web-based project management systems, which can be accessed from any laptop, tablet computer, or mobile device with an internet connection.
You can choose simple web based project management systems that simply create to-do lists for yourself that you can access wherever you are to stay on task, like BrainDumpage; or a system with a complete suite of management tools like a calendar, projects organized by client, to do lists that allow multiple users to receive tasks and assigments, time sheets to track time spent per project or per client, and even systems which allow password access for each client to view progress.

Automate Tasks to Save Time
Think about how you currently do business. Are there tasks that you do over and over again, that you could automate with technology? For example, internet businesses often generate newsletters to people interested in their products or services. It doesn’t make sense to write a new email to welcome each person as they subscribe to your mailing list – so you would write your welcome email, and use a newsletter service to automatically send the letter when someone new subscribers.
Different types of technology can help your business maximize efficiency and productivity, decrease expenses and increase profitability. Don’t use technology just for the sake of using technology, though. Consider how your business operates and determine which technologies will benefit your organization in terms of saving time and increasing your bottom line.

Marketing
Technology has freed small businesses from the restrictions of prints ads when it comes to reaching new and existing customers. Internet marketing ranges from a simple informational website, to advertising on search engines, to online product sales. Email marketing is an effective and low cost method to reach a large group of people with a newsletter, coupons or business updates. Mobile marketing is a relatively new frontier that reaches people through text messaging, advertising on mobile applications and offering branded applications that tie customers into what is happening with the business in a fun and entertaining way.