JUSTICE OKAMGBA writes on some of the tech tools that startups need to start exploring to enhance their operations
For startups and small businesses, leveraging the right technology tools can be a game changer, enabling them to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and scale efficiently.
Whether it is project management, customer relations, or data analysis, the variety of tech tools available today can cater to diverse business needs. Here, industry professionals share their insights on essential tech tools and their benefits for startups.
Automation tools
Automation is becoming increasingly essential for startups looking to optimize their resources.
A seasoned copywriter, Aga Jeczyk, emphasised the time and energy savings that automated tools offer.
“Let’s be honest, how much time do we spend on sending newsletters, gathering data from analytics, publishing social media posts manually, filling out Excel sheets, etc.? Too much,” she noted.
“These are tasks that automated tools can handle with ease, without ever getting tired, bored, or frustrated.”
Jeczyk highlighted that there are automation apps for almost any business need—from email marketing and social media management to customer support and HR tasks.
For example, Jeczyk mentioned the use of chatbots for handling simple customer inquiries such as “How can I reset my password?” or “When will my order be delivered?” This allows human agents to focus on more complex issues, improving overall customer service.
“Your agents aren’t overwhelmed with hundreds of tickets to handle and can spend as much time talking with a customer as they need to solve an issue,” Jeczyk explained.
The copywriter also pointed out the benefits of automating social media management.
“With an app like Kontentino, you can spend far less time manually publishing posts and monitoring performance metrics. Instead, you can focus on engaging with your followers.”
Kontentino allows users to create posts for multiple social media channels from a single dashboard, either publishing them immediately or scheduling them for later.
“Less time spent on manual tasks means more time for growing your business and making your customers happy. That’s what automation is all about,” Jeczyk added.
Managing teams
A small business owner, Rica Solomon, shared how she utilised the Connecteam app to manage her food truck business.
“It is very effective for my small business,” she says. “The app helps me organize my team and their work, making operations smoother.”
Solomon’s experience highlighted the importance of finding the right tools that cater specifically to the unique needs of your business, especially when managing a smaller team.
For user interface designer, Lucy M., the choice of tools is all about aligning with specific business needs, budgets, and industry requirements.
“It is important to thoroughly research and evaluate each tool before adopting it to ensure it aligns with your objectives and workflows,” she advised.
Many tools offer free trials or limited-feature free versions, allowing businesses to test them before committing to a subscription.
Lucy recommended some popular tools for startups, such as Trello and Asana for project management, Slack for team communication, and Microsoft Teams for collaboration within Microsoft 365.
“These tools help teams organise, prioritise and collaborate on tasks, enabling better productivity and communication,” she explained.
Cybersecurity
As cyber threats grow more complex, businesses require advanced cybersecurity tools, including endpoint protection, intrusion detection systems, and multi-factor authentication, to safeguard their data and systems.
Enterprise Resource Planning Systems
Platforms such as SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics facilitate integrated management of core business processes in real-time, using centralised databases maintained by a database management system.
Insights
Software developer Kanhaiya Pandey emphasised the role of Customer Relationship Management, project management, and business intelligence software in enhancing business operations.
“CRM software helps you track customer interactions, manage leads, and close deals, which improves customer service and boosts sales,” he noted.
Project management tools, on the other hand, are crucial for organising and tracking projects, collaborating with team members, and meeting deadlines.
“This can help improve productivity, reduce stress, and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget,” he added.
Pandey also highlighted the value of BI software in making data-driven decisions.
“BI software helps collect, analyse, and visualise data, enabling better decision-making, trend identification, and business performance improvement,” he explained.
This kind of insight can be invaluable for startups as they navigate the complexities of growth and competition.
Cloud computing platforms
Services like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure allow businesses to host data, run applications, and use advanced analytics tools without the need for extensive on-site infrastructure.
Caveat
While technology can significantly enhance business operations, it is crucial to balance automation and digital tools with the human element.
“As much as we automate tasks, the human touch remains irreplaceable, especially in customer interactions and creative processes,” says Jeczyk.
Successful startups understand that while technology can streamline processes and improve efficiency, building authentic relationships with customers and stakeholders is equally vital.
In an era where technology evolves rapidly, startups must stay informed about the latest tools that can support their growth.
By integrating the right tech solutions, businesses can not only improve their operations but also foster a work environment that is productive, efficient, and adaptable to change.
As the experts suggest, the key is to choose tools that align with your business needs, experiment with different options, and always be open to learning and adapting to new technologies.