Today, companies are using robust communication solutions to increase efficiency, promote productivity, simplify IT management, stimulate employee motivation and achieve customer satisfaction. Consequently, the business world is gradually becoming smaller, and digital interaction is now the order of the day.
That said, not all enterprises have fully harnessed the power of modern communication. Small businesses, in particular, have been struggling to keep up with the pace. Nevertheless, it is impossible to ignore the numerous benefits of proper communication tools.
Below are some utilities that every small business should be using, to streamline operations and stay ahead of the competition.
Table of Contents
Email:
Arguably the most prolific communication tool, email can be a valuable business resource. In addition to the fast exchange of information within your enterprise, you can use email to reach a broader clientele and receive feedback at any time of day. Email also allows you to send and receive different types of files as attachments to messages, and can, therefore, be an effective way to distribute information and collaborate on projects.
Instant Messengers:
IMs combines the convenience of email with the instant, synchronous nature of mobile phone communication, which results in faster, easier, and more direct conversations among professionals. If you have several employees in your SME, you can get an SMS API that provides real-time notifications to you and your staff to enable functions like checking an employee’s status, exchanging files instantly, and creating impromptu video conferences.
Web Conferences:
Conference calls have long been an integral aspect of business communication, but thanks to the Internet, small businesses can take the use of this tool even further. With Web conferences, you can collaborate and exchange ideas with your employees and other business owners through online portals, which allow participants to share desktops or videos in real-time. And because most of these tools have presentation features, your sales team can also use them to make pitches to clients.
Social Media:
Social networking sites are proving themselves as valuable communication tools for business. A free Facebook or Twitter account is all you need to increase exposure for your small enterprise. Moreover, proprietary communication channels within these websites allow prospective customers to reach you immediately, at any time. Many companies are using social media to inform their clients about upcoming sales and special promotions, which boosts exposure even further.
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP):
VOIP takes the age-old telephone technology and turns it into a tool for high-quality yet cheaper connectivity. A VOIP adapter breaks voice conversations into digital data that can be transmitted across the internet. Using this technology, therefore, you can effectively cut ties with your phone company and eliminate the monthly bills.
Additionally, Internet-based communication allows you to listen to voice messages, view call histories and re-route calls from any computer, anywhere in the world, which translates to seamless and affordable communication with your remote employees and international clients.
Conclusion
Nowadays, business communication tools go far beyond telephones and fax machines. If you’re not making the best out of the solutions above, now is the best time to start. Your competitors are probably already doing it.