Spring entrepreneurs can modernize their services by integrating emerging technologies

In today's fast-paced world (oops, I mean *right now*), even experienced business owners feel the need to keep up with the times. Things are changing quickly, from the tools we use to run our businesses to the things we carry around with us. I know that "modernize" can sound scary, like you have to change everything. But who says you have to find a new way to do things? This is especially true if you can start with the basics and add new technologies to your services over time to keep them relevant and, most importantly, successful. Here are five ways you can do that.

Use Solutions That Are Based in the Cloud

Having a cloud computer is like having a new best friend. It's not just for tech savvy people it's something your business needs to run smoothly and grow. You might have heard of Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace which are services that let you work from anywhere with an internet connection. I swear to you this isn't just tech talk. You and your team can work together easily when you use cloud solutions. At times it can even seem like magic. You won't have to worry about someone having old spreadsheets or files that are stuck on one computer at work. In real time all updates happen. To learn more about how the cloud is changing the way businesses work read this whole article from TechRepublic.

Have you ever wished there were more hours in the day? Automation can change how you feel about that. This doesn't mean that robots will take our jobs no. It means that you and your team can focus on the most important things because technology can take care of tasks that need to be done over and over again. Zapier and Automate.io are two tools that connect apps and keep your CRM up to date when someone fills out a survey. They also keep your calendar organized by setting up meetings. It might not seem like a lot of time saved but it adds up over time.

Make the dull things automatic

Have you ever wished there were more hours in the day? Automation can change how you feel about that. This doesn't mean that robots will take our jobs no. It means that you and your team can focus on the most important things because technology can take care of tasks that need to be done over and over again. Zapier and Automate.io are two tools that connect apps and keep your CRM up to date when someone fills out a survey. They also keep your calendar organized by setting up meetings. It might not seem like a lot of time saved but it adds up over time.

Business owners are finding out that even simple automation can boost production by a lot. Chatbots are important too. You can use Facebook Messenger or Drift to answer simple questions from customers. It's like having a virtual assistant who is always there for you.

Find out more about AI

AI sounds like something out of a sci fi movie but it's real and it's changing the way businesses work. AI driven analytics can help you figure out how customers act and AI tools can help you make marketing campaigns that are specific to each customer. This could change how you talk to customers. Don't think of AI as a complicated machine think of it as a useful tool that helps you choose. Want to know? The Harvard Business Review has some interesting articles about how businesses are using AI in smart ways.

Check out your phone. How many apps do you have? Now think about the people who buy from you. They're just as mobile if not more so. Every company should think about how to make their plans work on mobile devices. You can add mobile payment options like Apple Pay or Google Wallet to your website to make sure it works well on phones and is easy to use. These aren't just extras they're what people want.

Use strategies that work well on phones and tablets

Check out your phone. How many apps do you have? Now think about the people who buy from you. They're just as mobile if not more so. Every company should think about how to make their plans work on mobile devices. You can add mobile payment options like Apple Pay or Google Wallet to your website to make sure it works well on phones and is easy to use. These aren't just extras they're what people want.

For both marketing and running a business mobile strategies are very important. Starbucks and other businesses have used mobile apps for loyalty programs and payments to keep customers interested and coming back. Do what they do. Customers are more likely to stay loyal and businesses can grow when they offer mobile options that are easy to use.

Learn about the Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT sounds like a lot of technology but it just means that devices that are connected to the internet can talk to each other. For instance there are smart thermostats health tech that you can wear and even cars that can connect to the internet. IoT can help business owners keep track of their inventory automate inventory management and use data from connected devices to make customer service better.

Smart sensors can help you keep an eye on the health of your crops even in fields like farming. Some business owners will save money with IoT while others will make more money with it. If you're interested the IoT Institute is a great place to find out more.

Updating your services doesn't have to be scary or hard. Think of each step as a small but important part of the whole thing. You know more about your business than anyone else. Don't see these new technologies as problems see them as ways to make what you already have better. Begin with small things so you can handle them. Learn about the technology that will help you reach your business goals at your own pace. And remember that it's always about giving you and your customers value.

You will make mistakes sometimes and there will be a learning curve. But keep this in mind failing is often the first step toward coming up with new ideas. So go ahead and do it. As new technology grows your services will do well. Here's to more success in the future!