Embrace digital tools
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that digital transformation is too hard: it adds precision, uncovers opportunities and grows your bottom line.
If you use an entertainment streaming service, a navigation app or a voicecontrolled digital assistant – Siri, Alexa or Google Home – you’re already immersed in the world of artificial intelligence (AI). Data science is a heady mix of algorithms combining data with AI, machine learning, natural-language processing and voice recognition. Digital tools are already making your everyday life easier so every SME should focus on bringing these capabilities into their business – or risk being left behind.
The government’s Small Business Digital Taskforce last year found that while most SMEs blame not taking advantage of digital tools on a lack of time, businesses should realise that going digital can in fact save time, increase flexibility, reach new markets and protect their company. The taskforce prepared 11 case studies, including a hairdresser, plumber and pool-supplies company, who’d all grown their businesses by using digital tools. The report noted that an overwhelming amount of information and a lack of knowledge on where to look and who to trust had also delayed the uptake of digital tools in many small businesses.
Starting with a tool or service that’s widely used is a good way to test and learn. Deputy.com is a homegrown automated rostering app that’s a global hit, serving businesses as big as Amazon and as small as a local bistro. Its aim is to set humans free from the often nightmarish task of scheduling shifts, holidays and finding fill-ins; the algorithms crunch the numbers and notifications go directly to staff. The app has dozens of bells and whistles to suit all manner of staffing situations and is integrated with numerous payroll and performance-management systems.
By definition, ecommerce businesses know the power of digital. If that’s your game, ensure you’re exploring the latest AI tools. They can enhance personalisation so the right message is getting to the right person, fine-tune your marketing budget and track leads and convert them to sales. Smart chatbots let you provide instant customer service around the clock. When deploying something new, test it first to see if it’s right for your business – you should be able to control how assertively your tools behave. Most offer free trials with a no-obligation period so try a few before you dive in.