Video conferencing saves time and money and also enables better collaboration among workers in remote locations.

By Mike Roberts

From the ways in which we communicate to how we travel, technology is continually transforming the world around us. If you’re running a small business, being able to adapt to and take advantage of the new systems and equipment available is vital. It can make the difference between success and failure.

Here are just a few of the ways that as a company, you can use technology to drive change.

Move to more flexible forms of working

In its recent ‘Imagine This’ infographic, TalkTalk Business revealed the findings of a survey that found nearly a quarter of respondents (24%) predicted that within 10 years, they will be participating in and attending virtual events and conferences. This highlights the growing trend towards more flexible ways of working. People in many roles can now work remotely without this impacting on their productivity or ability to get the job done.

[amazon_link asins=’097856720X’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’succeedingi0d-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’1a63234f-a47a-11e8-b444-a9525a588cf2′]Depending on the type of business you run, giving your personnel the opportunity to choose where they work from at least some of the time could benefit them and your company more broadly. Using quick and reliable web-based systems, employees often find they can work more efficiently when they’re away from the distractions of the office. And because it frees them from their twice daily commute, it can help employees to strike a better work/life balance.

Improve collaboration

Technology can be used to facilitate better and freer collaboration between colleagues. For example, video conferencing solutions can bring people together across multiple sites to allow them to have meetings without spending time and money traveling to different locations. Also, systems such as Google Drive allow people to read, edit and make comments and suggestions in shared documents and spreadsheets in real time. This means whole teams can work remotely on proposals, plans, presentations and more.

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Increase efficiency

New technologies could also help to make your company leaner and more efficient. Highlighting this point, the TalkTalk Business poll found that 32% of employees believe artificial intelligence and automation have the potential to make them more efficient in their jobs. In addition, 11% of employers saw benefits in automating elements of their workforce. The survey also revealed that one in 10 workers would like to use virtual assistants like Alexa or Siri more often in their roles.

By finding the best possible technological solutions for your company, you might find you can cut your costs, increase productivity and raise your profits.

Staying ahead of the curve when it comes to tech could help you to protect your company’s competitive edge and secure your long-term success.

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Mike Roberts is a creative writer sharing his thoughts about the latest business ideas and tech innovations. He loves spending time with his friends while exploring new travel destinations in his free time.