The Challenges of Running a Business and How the Right Tools Can Help

Guest post by Sarah Bull of Economy Mom.

Running an effective retail operation involves learning how to integrate many systems. These systems are crucial in the business’s day-to-day operations. For instance, maintaining proper inventory has a direct effect on warehouse operations. If one area of the business lacks, it impacts your bottom line by driving up operational costs.

Poor inventory management opens up the business to many challenges. It increases warehouse and labor costs while affecting your ability to fulfill orders on time. Errors cost you both time and money. Automating the inventory system protects your business from issues like running out of stock.

There are many other apps and tools you can use to streamline your business operations. In this article, we will show you how to utilize business-related apps for maximum returns!

Track your inventory

The hallmarks of a good wholesale ERP software: purchasing, inventory, distribution and more. Platforms like Quickbooks deliver these in spades. The platform is best suited for a business that requires continuous product tracking, facilitating quick and simplified asset tracking. Integration with major ecommerce platforms then makes order picking and general inventory management easy. You can create PDF catalogs of your products depending on the updated inventory levels.

Aside from automation functions and easy mobile barcode scanning, it also allows for centralized vendor records, so you have more visibility on supplier contracts and pricing. This makes it easier to identify inefficiencies and overspending, which is a great way to protect your profits.

Dial in your marketing

Marketing is a critical component of any successful business, and finding the right tools to boost your marketing efforts is key. This starts with a well-designed website. If yours is older, missing certain features or isn’t mobile-friendly, it’s time for an upgrade. Remember, this is where you give your first impression, so your website and branding need to be on point. The same applies to your social media as well as any digital marketing efforts. For help updating your website and digital marketing strategies, turn to Ted Vieira Consulting. You’ll come away with a stellar WordPress site that’s optimized for brand awareness, and a site that you can maintain yourself. 

Once you have your website dialed in and a campaign in place, incorporate new techniques to increase your web presence. For example, get creative with website banners and social media posts through design apps like Adobe Spark. This platform offers a professional-grade banner maker with customizable templates and other design features to help you create dazzling designs in mere minutes. 

Boost sales

Speaking of sales, Salesflare is an intelligent CRM designed for small and mid-sized B2B companies. It provides tools and features you need to enhance the sales process and manage your pipeline. The software has data input tools that automatically gather customer data to save time. Using Salesflare, you’re able to track customer engagement by collecting information. It can be from platforms such as emails, social media. 

Salesflare allows you to make timely follow-ups. It intelligently lets you know what needs action and gives you the information you need to fulfill the same. You can keep track of your team’s interactions with customers to increase collaboration. You can also easily share files and collaborate on projects.

Salesflare can integrate with every CRM, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and other systems you use to serve customers. For instance, it pairs well with Gmail, iCloud, Microsoft Office 365, PieSync, and Exchange. Salesflare comes with iOS and Android apps for easy access while on the move!

Stay productive

Asana is a collaborative project management software designed to improve task management. It generates real-time updates on tasks and has custom fields. Also available are Progress View and Portfolios to equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.The Activity Feed includes every project, task, and subtask. You can arrange vital information and documents within tasks, projects, and teams. This makes it possible to tag your team members who will use the information. 

Asana is effective in managing all project types and processes, such as marketing campaigns and product launches. It helps you brainstorm, communicate the plan, individual tasks, and deadlines.Asana enhances business collaboration and cooperation by automating and tracking tasks. You can create and discuss workflows on one shared platform.

The tools mentioned here barely scratch the surface of what’s available. Remember, you want to work smarter and not harder, so look for platforms or services that help streamline your operations so you can focus on the bigger picture.