Use the Power of Digital Innovation to Grow Your Amherst County Business

Digital innovation has revolutionized the way businesses operate. It has leveled the playing field, making it possible for even the smallest businesses to compete with the largest corporations. But to take advantage of all that digital innovation has to offer, you need to understand how it works and what it can do for your business.

This guide from the Amherst County Chamber of Commerce offers a few tips on what you need to know about digital innovation and how to use it to grow your business. You’ll learn about the different types of digital innovations and how they can help you reach your goals.

Use Data Analysis to Optimize Processes

Using data analysis to optimize processes is a great entry point when you want to add digital improvements. Spyrosoft explains that by collecting data on how your business is running, entrepreneurs can identify areas where they can make changes or improvements. For example, if you notice your employees are spending a lot of time on menial tasks, you could use data analysis to redesign your process so that those tasks are automated. This would free up your staff's time so they could focus on more important work.

Work In the Cloud

The cloud is a great way to store and access your data from anywhere in the world. It also makes it easy to share files with others. When you're ready to tackle this process there are a few things to keep in mind. The first step is to decide what type of cloud service you need. There are three main types: public, private, and hybrid. Public clouds are offered by companies like Amazon and Microsoft, and they're the cheapest option. Private clouds are hosted by your company or an external provider, and they offer more security than public clouds. Hybrid clouds combine the best features of both public and private clouds.

Once you decide on a type of cloud service, you need to choose a provider. There are many providers to choose from, so do your research before making a decision. The final step is to migrate your data to the cloud, and most providers offer tools that make it easy for you to transfer your data.

Lean Into AI

Businesses are starting to realize the potential benefits of artificial intelligence (AI). AI can help businesses automate processes, make better decisions, and improve customer service.

• Process Automation: One of the biggest benefits of AI is its ability to automate processes. AI can be used to automate tasks such as scheduling appointments, responding to emails, and filling out forms. This can save businesses time and money and allow them to focus on more important tasks.

• Decision Making: AI can also be used to help businesses make better decisions. By analyzing data, AI can identify patterns and trends that humans wouldn’t be able to see. This allows businesses to make informed decisions based on facts rather than intuition.

• Customer Service: Another area where AI can be beneficial is customer service. AI can be used to answer customer questions, resolve complaints, and recommend products. This not only saves businesses money but also provides a better experience for customers.

Go Mobile

In today's world, it's important for businesses to have a strong presence on mobile devices. According to McKenna Consultants, creating a mobile app for your small business is a great way to engage with your customers and encourage them to keep coming back. Make sure that your app is well-designed and offers value-added features such as loyalty programs or exclusive deals. You can also use push notifications to keep your customers up-to-date on new products or services.

Stay On Task with Project Management Apps

Project management apps can be a great way to stay on task and keep your business organized. By using an app to manage your projects, you can ensure that all the tasks involved are accounted for and that everyone involved is aware of their responsibilities. There are many different project management apps available, so it's important to find one that fits your needs. The most popular app is Asana, which allows you to create projects, assign tasks, and track progress. Other popular apps include Wrike and ProofHub

When choosing a project management app, make sure it offers features that are important to you. For example, if you need to track budgeting information, make sure the app has a built-in budget tracker. If you need to collaborate with others, make sure the app has a messaging system or chat feature.

Protect Information with Cybersecurity

Digital innovation offers many great opportunities for business to grow, but it also opens vulnerabilities that businesses didn’t previously have to consider. These threats are real and should be treated as such, so your first step should be to hire a cybersecurity company to install firewalls and dual-factor authentication to your primary systems. 

You should then train your employees on security best practices. Offer training on identifying fraudulent emails and phishing schemes, and enforce the need to create complex passwords that are updated regularly. You can also teach them the importance of password protecting important files, too. Look for a tool that combines PDF files and then teach your staff how to use it to merge related documents together. Then, once the files are combined, they can add a password by locating Protect under the Tools menu. Then, find Encrypt with Password under the Encrypt menu. The file now has an additional valuable layer of security.

Embrace Innovation Safely

Digital innovation is vital for businesses of all sizes, but especially for small businesses who are looking to grow. By taking advantage of the latest digital tools and technologies, entrepreneurs can streamline operations, optimize processes, improve customer engagement, and more. But don’t underestimate the risk of cyber fraud. Implement system-wide protections and train your employees on best practices, like password protecting documents and screening emails. Together, these practices will help your business grow and thrive in the evolving digital age.

Looking for business support in Amherst County? The Amherst County Chamber of Commerce champions our community’s economic and cultural growth through networking, events, and advocacy. Become a member today!