Episode B.017 Stop Using Horsepower and Use Technology Smartly

Author's Notes
We are introducing a new format to our Show Notes and Broadcasts. We received feedback our podcasts are too long (average 26 minutes). The shows have been restructured into 13 minute segments - each with a specific objective. Segment 1: What the show will cover and why it is important. Segment 2: What do you need to know to take action. Segment 3: How do you apply it and the tools available, and Segment 4: Tips and Insights from our experience. Thanx for the Feedback and keep it coming.

What are Today's Topics & Why is it Important?​
The company uses technology as leverage for improvements and increasing productivity. In the past technology for small business was about what you could afford. Now it is about being smart and finding the right solutions. With the combination of SaaS (Software as a Service) and web applications, there are many great affordable solutions. The challenge – which ones?

• Financial Processes
• Customer Relationship Processes
• Project Processes
• Production Processes
• HR Processes

Knowledge to Take Action
Most small businesses today will either start with Problems:

• Not enough funding – owner bootstrapping or not enough investors
• Physical infrastructure can be a large capital investment
• Software license can be hidden cost

​Not enough time – having technology means maintaining technology

• Servers and networking devices will require maintenance. 
• Takes time to troubleshoot problems and issues
• As a business owner, your time is better spent elsewhere

Not enough expertise – technology used to be complex, but not anymore

• In a field that is forever changing, some people are scared that technology is far too complex
• Server application connections, Programming APIs, networking and switch routing, security and encryption, and the list goes on 

What You Need to Do
Financial Processes

• Comprehensive Solution: ZOHO
• Individual Solution: QuickBooks, Xero

Customer Relationship Processes

• Comprehensive Solution: ZOHO
• Individual Solution: Salesforce, Hubspot, Streak

Project Processes

• Comprehensive Solution: ZOHO
• Individual Solution: Streak, Homebase, Worketc

Production Processes

• Comprehensive Solution: Monday.com
• Individual Solution: Time: TimeCamp

HR Processes

• Comprehensive Solution: Zenefits, ZOHO
• Individual Solution: G Suite

I am not recommending any of these options, only sharing a list. Currently we are using Streak in combination with Slaask to manage customer relationships. Streak and Slack for production and projects, and G Suite for HR. Our accounting platform is Xero because of its ability to track individual costs. Simply do a "Best XXX 2020" and review features vs. price for your best choice. One last note - make your decision based on a 3rd criteria - connection. Make sure that your choices all talk to each other - remember this rule - enter data ONCE.

Next Show: Upgrading Your Offer