20 Things Your Business No Longer Needs to Do In Person
If you are looking to run your business as efficiently as possible (and who isn’t?) then you need to start looking at the things you do in person and whether you really need to keep doing them that way. Quite often, the need to carry out tasks in person means more waiting around, more time consumed, and more productivity lost, which is not good, I’m sure you will agree!
These days, tasks that you once had no choice but to carry out in person can now be done over the internet, saving you time and money, and increasing efficiency in the process. Sound good? Let’s take a look at some of them right now.
1. Signing Contracts: PDFs to the Rescue
Gone are the days when you had to print out a contract, sign it, scan it, and then email it back. Now, we have PDFs and e-signature tools that let you sign documents with the click of a button – just look at PDF SDK to see what is possible. It’s faster than Superman on a caffeine buzz and saves trees – Mother Nature says thank you. Plus, you avoid the awkwardness of deciding whether to go for a handshake or a fist bump after signing.
2. Team Meetings: Virtual Gatherings
Remember when you had to commute to the office for a 15-minute meeting that could have been an email? Well, no more. Video conferencing tools like Zoom, Skype, and Teams have revolutionized meetings. You can now discuss quarterly targets or brainstorm marketing strategies while sipping coffee in your kitchen. Just remember to mute yourself when the dog starts barking or your toddler decides to start their opera singing career mid-call.
3. Training Sessions: Hello, Webinars
Training sessions no longer need to be in a stuffy conference room with stale pastries. Webinars have entered the chat. You can train employees, host workshops, and even do full-scale conferences online. Participants can join from anywhere in the world, making it as inclusive as an all-you-can-eat buffet.
4. Networking: Digital Schmoozing
Networking used to mean awkwardly mingling in a room, juggling a glass of mediocre wine and a plate of canapés while trying to remember names. Now, LinkedIn and other social media platforms let you network without the risk of spilling your drink on a potential client. It’s like speed dating for professionals, but with less anxiety and more opportunity.
5. Hiring Interviews: Talent Acquisition Goes Digital
The hiring process has transformed too. No need to have candidates trek to your office when you can conduct interviews via video call. It’s easier for everyone involved and lets you peek into their home life (judging their taste in wall art is optional). Plus, you save time, which is the most precious commodity next to coffee.
6. Customer Service: Chatbots and Support Tickets
Customer service has also gone digital. Chatbots, support tickets, and email services mean you can solve customer issues without ever having to see their “I’d like to speak to the manager” face. It’s efficient, keeps a record of interactions, and saves your customer service team from developing an eye twitch.
7. Product Demos: Virtual Show and Tell
Demonstrating your product can now be a virtual extravaganza. Create video demos or host live streams to show off your product’s features. It’s like QVC but cooler and without the overly enthusiastic host. Customers can watch from the comfort of their homes, in their pajamas, which is how all shopping should be done, frankly.
8. Employee Check-ins: Say Goodbye to the Watercooler
Remember congregating around the watercooler for daily check-ins? Well, now you can do it virtually. Quick Slack messages or emails can keep everyone in the loop. It’s like passing notes in class but for grown-ups and with less risk of getting caught by the teacher.
9. Document Storage: Clouds are More Than Just Fluffy Things in the Sky
The days of filing cabinets and lost documents are a thing of the past. Cloud storage systems like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive allow you to store all your documents online. It’s like having an infinite filing cabinet in the sky, minus the metal clunking sounds and risk of paper cuts.
10. Accounting and Bookkeeping: Digital Dollars and Sense
Even accounting has gone online. With software like QuickBooks and Xero, you can manage your finances without a single paper ledger in sight. It’s like having a virtual accountant who doesn’t judge your questionable coffee expenses.
11. Project Management: Virtual Post-Its Everywhere
Project management tools like Asana, Trello, and Monday.com have revolutionized how we track projects. They’re like virtual post-it notes that don’t fall off the wall. You can assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress without ever having to leave your desk.
12. Brainstorming Sessions: Ideation in Isolation
Even brainstorming sessions can be done online. Tools like Miro and Stormboard let you collaborate on ideas in real-time, with virtual sticky notes and whiteboards. It’s like a mind-melding session where no one has to share their snacks.
13. Sales Presentations: Pitch Perfectly Online
Sales presentations have entered the digital arena. Why travel miles to woo a client when you can charm them via a slick Zoom presentation? Tools like Prezi or PowerPoint allow you to create engaging, interactive pitches. It’s all the drama of a sales pitch, minus the sweaty handshake.
14. Feedback and Surveys: The Digital Suggestion Box
Collecting customer feedback and conducting surveys can now be a fully online affair. Platforms like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms make it easy to gather valuable insights without ever having to accost a customer with a clipboard. It’s like having a suggestion box that people actually use.
15. Team Building: Virtual Bonding
Team building doesn’t have to mean awkward trust falls or cringe-worthy icebreakers. Virtual escape rooms, online quiz nights, or even multiplayer gaming sessions can forge team bonds from afar. It’s the fun of a team outing without the hassle of coordinating everyone’s schedules.
16. Company Announcements: Broadcasts Over Boardrooms
Gone are the days when company-wide announcements required gathering everyone in the boardroom. Email blasts, intranet posts, or even a well-produced video message can deliver news efficiently and engagingly. It’s like having your own company news channel, without the need for a fancy suit.
17. Invoicing and Billing: The End of Paper Trails
The invoicing process has also received a digital makeover. Online invoicing systems allow you to send bills directly to clients via email, track their status, and even receive payments online. It’s like having a virtual cash register that never needs a “Closed” sign.
18. Performance Reviews: Digital Appraisals
Conducting performance reviews online can save time and paper. Video calls or dedicated feedback software can provide a more flexible and relaxed environment for these important discussions. It’s like having a heart-to-heart, but with helpful screen sharing.
19. Office Parties: Virtual Celebrations
Okay, so you might not want to do this all the time, but it is worth mentioning that you can even have office parties virtually, which is great if a lot of your employees are off int he field, or they are working remotely but you still want them to catch up. From online quizzes to virtual discos, anything is possible.
20. Document Approval: Instantaneous OKs
Waiting for a physical document to be passed around for approval is not only really annoying, but it can hold up all of your best laid business plans, and…well it’s pretty old fashioned too, isn’t it? The good ness is, digital document workflows are here, and what’s more, they allow for instantaneous approvals with a trail of accountability. It’s like playing hot potato, but everyone wins.
It’s clear, as you can see, that the business world is no longer confined to four walls and a water cooler. Embracing the digital landscape can not only streamline your operations but also bring a new level of dynamism to your work environment. So, let’s keep our business suits in the wardrobe a bit longer and enjoy the digital revolution!
Photo by Arlington Research on Unsplash
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