We have become dependent on smart devices and cloud technology to bring convenience into our everyday lives. Integrating technology into your business is equally important because of the efficiency it brings to the workplace. From cloud-based bookkeeping systems simplifying your day-to-day bookkeeping to CRM tools that automate your sales process, integrating technology into your business strategy can drastically improve efficiency and help you achieve business success.
With new technology emerging almost on a daily basis, it can seem overwhelming for small business owners to keep up with the change. Here are some effortless tips to help you keep up with the pace of technology change!
Stay Curious
Staying curious and inquisitive about new technology makes it easier for you to keep in touch with what’s new and relevant. New technologies often provide streamlined solutions for issues identified in our businesses or lives. If you find yourself unable to find a solution for a problem, or if you find yourself spending a great deal of time on a relatively simple task, do some online research on tools or apps that can help; chances are, there is someone having the same headache as you.
Stay On Top Of The Trends
The easiest way to keep up with trends is to subscribe to technological publications. News publications such as The New York Times or Wired Magazine have dedicated sections that cover technological trends. These articles provide readers with the broader picture of upcoming technological trends and their potential impact on our industries or societies. Similarly, online technology news sites such as Tech Crunch and Fast Company publish the latest technology news every day. Taking a few minutes out of your day to scroll through these publications is a great way to keep yourself updated on the latest technology news and trends in bite size!
Use Social Media - Twitter, Youtube, Reddit
Social media platforms such as Youtube, Twitter, and Reddit can also be useful sources for updates on the latest technologies. Youtube Channels such as Marques Brownlee and Unbox Therapy offer tech reviews on the latest gadgets and their functionalities. These platforms are especially helpful for learning about the pros and cons of each gadget, as well as competitor and alternatives. Twitter is also another great channel for keeping up with the latest technologies from tech companies. If you find yourself habitually browsing through social media to find out what your friends have been up to, you could easily find out about the latest tech news on there at the same time!
Attending Industry Events
Conferences like Xerocon and Quickbooks Connect aren’t just for networking. These conferences showcase new technologies adopted by Xero and Quickbooks and provide the opportunity to meet app partners and see live demos of their new tech features. The best way to understand technology is through experience. Attending these conferences will give you the opportunity to personally try out new technology relevant to your industry, hear from industry leaders, and interact with different stakeholders in the industry. You get to kill two birds - networking & learning about new tech - with one stone!
Everyone has a different way of keeping up with technology - there is no right or wrong way. When you find something that works for you, keep it up as a habit! At Enkel, we believe in working with the best technology available to help you grow your business. Contact us to learn more about our technological solutions.
How We Select and Evaluate Our Recommended Software
We thoroughly research and test the apps we include in our regular workflow for Client bookkeeping services. After deciding on criteria for evaluating the software and then researching the app itself, we tested the app, noting its strengths and weaknesses. We then work with the app for at least a few weeks before deciding whether to recommend it to our readers. We use the software as it was designed for its intended tasks. For a detailed walk-through of how we select and evaluate software, please see the details of our process.
