Business is getting busier than ever. Whether a company’s sales have improved and the company has seen exponential growth or things are slowing down, there is still more to be accomplished in today’s dynamic business world than a decade ago. With the advent of technology and exponential improvements, there are more things to do in a day, and yet there are more programs that can be adopted to streamline business operations. The sweet spot is right in the middle, where a business owner is able to find the best processes available and implement them strategically. Continue reading to learn about actionable items available to make a positive change today.
Automate Business Processes for Efficiency
With the overwhelming multitude of technology, programs, platforms, and add-ons available for the savvy business owner, making a decision can become a roadblock to implementing a better strategy and attaining any desired goals for improvement. Avoid choice overload by utilizing a comprehensive platform like NetSuite Customer Center that can help businesses automate processes and improve efficiency.
Integrated solutions such as NetSuite Customer Center provide customers with a self-service portal to access important account information and view payments, invoices, and orders. This all-in-one platform allows users to manage support tickets and make payments. By having essential business processes in one place, there is no need to toggle between programs only to find an open window at the end of the workday and more work to accomplish before logging off.
Focus on Delivering Excellent Customer Service
One thing is certain in business, especially in today’s always-online world – customer service matters now more than ever. When customers receive good service, it reflects well on a business. When they receive excellent customer service, they post their experience one time to the masses online for all to see, and good vibes are spread around the world about the business.
However, when a customer is not satisfied with the response from a customer service representative or is treated poorly, quiet moments do not follow. No. Customers tend to get loud online, and they usually post more than once about the experience and post on multiple platforms. People follow people and make comments about negative interactions, causing what could have been a low-level situation to turn into a PR nightmare.
Take this into account when training all employees to ensure proper customer service tactics are executed at every turn. Any contact with a customer is a touchpoint and an opportunity to be kind and treat them with respect. If negative press does come to light, reach out to the person who made the initial post to try and understand the motivation behind their complaint. Make every effort to remedy the situation privately and online to rectify the problem and show people how much the company cares.
Reduce Distractions in the Workplace
Distractions abound in any work environment. From ringing phones to chatting with colleagues, there will always be a distraction. There are, however, realistic ways that business leaders can reduce disruptions at work.
Start by assessing the cloud-based messaging apps and collaboration tools currently in use. Ask how many are in play and which ones work the best. Talk to management and supervisors to determine their needs, as well. Next, evaluate available features and tools on each tool to narrow the field and decide which one will be best for the entire team. By reducing the screens and apps, time will be saved when employees no longer need to toggle between different platforms to check messages between co-workers, just as with the previously mentioned Netsuite Customer Center. Streamlining these tools will ensure ease of communication among all team members.
The next distraction is usually the oft-occurring meeting. Whether it is via video conference or in person, there are too many meetings that really could have been an email. Ask why the meeting needs to take place. Who are the attendees? What will this meeting mean in terms of time wasted or used for everyone invited? Can the content be better disseminated via other avenues? Sometimes, meetings are necessary, especially in highly collaborative settings or in emergent situations. When something is low-level and deserves a quick read instead of management talking, send an email.
Watch this video to learn how that meeting should be an email first.
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Use this information to streamline business processes starting today. By taking proactive steps to engage customers thoughtfully and respectfully and communicate effectively with co-workers, businesses can reduce unnecessary busy work and meetings and focus on reaching new goals. Embrace productive technology platforms for comprehensive all-in-one solutions and start working smarter, not harder.
