7 IT Solutions for Your Small Business Growth Strategy

Successful business owners understand that long-term success relies on strategic choices. Ensure that you have enough time to plan and develop a growth strategy. Your strategy will inform decision-making in all areas of your business.

IT solutions can help you overcome small business obstacles like limited money, resources, time, expertise, and security. We have compiled 7 IT solutions that, if implemented correctly, will drive your business towards sustainable, long-term, growth.

List all the requirements you have now and think about what you could need as your business grows. Changes may include the following:

• More users
• More data
• More features
• Greater security requirements

1. Cloud-Based Services

Small businesses looking to implement a growth strategy should consider cloud-based services available to them. Businesses can pay for services on a monthly or annual basis rather than purchasing equipment and software licenses upfront.

If you’re still using physical servers, you may want to fully depreciate their asset value within the accounts first. However, scaling with Software-as-a-Service (Saas) apps allows you to increase your usage much more easily as your business grows.

SaaS apps allow you to operate flexibly from different locations and time zones. They can be used on various devices including Macs, Windows, and smartphones. Remote or distributed teams can collaborate with their colleagues, customers, or other stakeholders much more easily.

Another key advantage of cloud-based software is its security. Software suppliers invest heavily in robust security systems and protocols to protect their clients’ data. This includes encryption, firewalls, and regular security audits. This means you don’t have to pay for expensive data backup devices and software licences. Instead, you can use lower-cost, cloud backup facilities for around £3 per employee per month.

Microsoft 365, Dropbox, Google Workspace, and Azure provide scalable, flexible, and cost-effective cloud solutions. A reliable IT support provider can swiftly deploy these options, allowing you to focus more on strategy.

2. Project Management Systems

A solid project management system helps you work safely with your team, talk to partners, and better serve customers. It also helps by giving key management information on which projects and customer accounts are working efficiently compared with those that are less profitable or even loss-making..! When selecting a project management system, evaluate scalability, user-friendliness, and security features. Ensure that it helps you to deploy your growth strategy.

Trello, Monday.com and Asana are well-known project management systems with proven scalability solutions for small businesses. Each service differs in price, user-friendliness, and security features.

Trello is remarkably simple to use however can therefore struggle to manage more complex projects. Monday.com offers a step up in its capabilities but suffers from integration limitations. Asana boasts extensive integration abilities but lacks key time-tracking features present in competitors.

3. Strategic Customer Relationship Management

A well-chosen Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system will improve business operations. Find a system that sufficiently meets your business needs. These needs will vary between industries, however, think about the needs of each of your stakeholders when deciding. A CRM is not just what the Business Development Manager needs but actually, anyone who is customer-facing should use the CRM and keep it current and accurate.

How valuable are insights to your organisation? Will your chosen CRM integrate well with your existing applications?

HubSpot, Zoho CRM, and Salesforce are well-trusted, award-winning, systems used by numerous small businesses globally. Each system offers distinct advantages. HubSpot excels in user-friendliness and integrates seamlessly with email applications, while Zoho CRM boasts high customisability. Salesforce, being highly advanced and scalable, provides valuable AI insights for informed decision-making. Another CRM that’s getting good reviews, especially for its entry-level pricing, is Pipedrive.

4. HR Support for Growing Businesses

HR is a complex but necessary area of business that all business owners will need to address at some stage. After all, all businesses consist of people – for now! Recruitment, onboarding, performance management, training and reporting are just a few important factors to consider.

Specialised tools like Citrus HR, Breathe HR, and Zoho People can make HR management a breeze. Citrus HR stands out for its user-friendly interface and in-house legal support. Breathe HR offers a cost-effective core HR plan, while Zoho People is highly customisable and integrates well with various applications, making it ideal for international businesses.

If you need an outsourced HR service, we can recommend the company we use – Bespoke HR.

5. AI Digital Marketing Tools

A content creation renaissance is taking place! Small business marketers are using new AI tools to create content quicker than ever. AI is predicted to have a $15.7 trillion impact on the world’s economy by 2030.

Be sure to implement AI marketing tools into your marketing strategy. Pictory, Otter.AI and 2ndbrain are three tools you should try out now:

• Pictory uses the power of cloud computing to create compelling video content quickly based on simple prompts.
• Otter.AI is a transcription service that summarises video and audio calls in handy notes and calendar updates.
• 2ndbrain creates expert AI-driven chatbots that deliver real-time customer support. The setup process is simple, and the results are highly effective.

6. Streamlined Accounting with IT Solutions

Accounting was the first department to be computerised and is arguably the most important piece of software for small businesses. Today, cloud accounting systems like Xero, QuickBooks and Sage are used by small businesses globally for financial management.

These systems are hosted on remote servers and accessed through the Internet. This makes the accounting process safer, more secure, and quicker, all for a reasonable price.

Quicker reports and more reliable payments will alleviate stress, allowing you to focus your efforts elsewhere. Cloud-based accounting software systems can offer you more strategic insights, and better inform your decision-making process.

7. Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

All businesses are susceptible to cyberattacks however they can be especially detrimental to smaller businesses. Safeguard your business from cyber threats with robust cybersecurity protection. Implement firewalls and protect against malware and viruses to mitigate risk.

As you grow your business and trade with more businesses, you are sure to encounter an increasing requirement for information security. Initially, you’ll be tempted to DIY but we’d recommend you start as you mean to go on. Get your employees to understand the danger posed by phishing attempts and the importance of cybersecurity. Build good practice by implementing training videos like Knowbe4 and consult an IT professional to be sure of what measures you should be taking.

Growth requires strategy. Strategy requires time and careful planning. Outsourced IT services give small business owners more time and space to focus on decision-making. Receive support from IT experts for a fraction of traditional internal staffing costs.

Cubit Technology offers a fixed-cost solution with unlimited support. For seamless management, and a team ready to support your growth, get in touch today.