No matter what type of business you own, whether it’s a small start-up or a nationwide name, you need to be focused on:
- Modernizing your business
- Building it for the future
It sounds easy to do on paper – but isn’t so straightforward in practice. This is especially true for old-school businesses that are stuck in their ways.
Not to worry, though, as this handy little guide is here to talk you through some important steps. If you complete these steps successfully, you’ll be able to modernize and future-proof your business. Not only is this great for you as the business owner, but it’s also great for your employees and customers. When you think about it, it’s a no-brainer!
Let’s start with step 1 and take it from there.
Use ‘Cloud’ Technology
By now, you’ll know what cloud technology is, but are you currently using it?
Businesses use cloud software and apps for all kinds of different reasons, including:
- Data storage
- File sharing (which is especially important for employees)
- Security
Popular software as a service (SaaS) and cloud apps at the moment include Office 365, Salesforce, and Amazon Web Services. In reality, though, there are thousands of SaaS and cloud apps to choose from. The ones you pick for you and your team will entirely depend on your business model and needs.
When you enter the world of cloud computing, it’s a good idea to use a cloud media asset management system by Brandfolder. Doing this will enable your business to truly maximize the benefits you receive from cloud computing, from internal and external file sharing to useful analytics. No matter where your employees are, they’ll be able to access their cloud-based DAM from any location, providing they have an internet connection. This is especially useful if you have teams of employees that work from home!
Adopt a Hybrid Work Model for Employees
Speaking of working from home, has your business joined the ‘hybrid work’ revolution that has taken over countless industries since 2020?
What is Hybrid Work?
A hybrid work model is a flexible model that combines office work with remote work. If an employee works two days from home and three days in-office, then this would be an example of a hybrid work model.
According to Zippia, 74% of U.S. companies currently use a hybrid work model or are planning to use one in the future. This makes one thing clear: hybrid work is the future! Even the likes of Apple and Microsoft (two of the biggest companies on the planet) allow certain departments to work remotely from home. However, Apple is currently trying to get employees to spend more time in Apple Park (the head office).
Benefits of a Hybrid Work Model?
Whether your business is in the web design or marketing industry, it’s a good idea to adopt a hybrid work model. You’ll then be able to give your employees more flexibility and potentially cut office costs. Not to mention, you’ll also have the opportunity to hire remote employees from completely different cities and states from where your business is based – not bad, right?
Join the eCommerce Explosion
Over the past decade, the eCommerce industry (the selling of products online) has gradually taken over. Now, it’s reaching a point where many brick-and-mortar retailers have closed their stores to become online exclusive. In the future, thousands of businesses will continue to launch without any physical stores or footprints; instead, all of their products and services will be sold online.
Currently, your business doesn’t need to go exclusively online just yet. After all, eCommerce accounted for 19% of worldwide retail sales in 2021, which shows there’s still a little while to go for the takeover to complete. However, in preparation for the near and long-term future, you should be looking to boost your online sales, whether it’s through your own website or a pre-established platform such as Amazon or eBay. This way, you won’t be scrambling around in the future when the majority of business sales are earnt online.
Go Green
Lastly, go green! In other words, you need to make your business eco-friendlier. Not only does this help the environment, but it also ensures that your business is future-proof. From going paperless to sourcing products and raw materials from green suppliers, there are lots of steps you can follow to go green. Remember, the greener your supplier chain, the better your business will be, and the more you will be approved by your eco-conscious consumers.