With umpteen new businesses sprouting every day, it is clear that there is a lot of entrepreneurial activity happening at the moment. Technology has helped many people to give up their regular jobs and pursue their dreams, fueling what’s often described as gig-economy. Yet, for every new business that is registered, there are a dozen more competing in the same space.
With this in mind, developing a competitive edge over others is a matter of priority for all companies, both old and new. Let us take a look at how you can use technology and internet to your advantage and develop a competitive edge.
Use Technology to Reduce Expenditure
In the last few years, technology has changed dramatically, with a shift toward automation and cloud computing. Even if you haven’t heard much about cloud computing, you probably already use some sort of cloud service already. If you use Google Drive or even just Gmail, you are already on the cloud. Software tools such as CRM, which were once unaffordable for most small businesses, are now available as software as a service (SaaS), a cloud delivery model that helps businesses to use software tools over the cloud.
In addition, more companies are opting to use a professional answering service that meets their requirements. These services help companies to reduce the number of computers and telephone lines that they need to purchase, while being able to access valuable receptionist services. Virtual receptionists virtual receptionists ensure that your calls are not answered by foreign-sounding agents, and thereby protect your brand image.
By choosing cloud computing services and a professional answering service, you will reduce your technology spend, which can be used to enhance your core business activities. Not only will these services provide you with valuable technical advantage, they will also help you divert resources to more critical departments such as marketing and R&D. After all, you should spend as much as you can on marketing and R&D, for that is how you develop a competitive advantage.
Harness the Power of the Internet
Your presence on the internet defines your company. Make sure that your website is responsive and easily viewable across devices, in addition to having updated content. As most people arrive on websites using their smartphones, it makes sense to use a business phone number on your website so that they can call you up immediately. A professional answering service ensures that your calls are attended 24/7. Being always available gives your company an added advantage over your competitors.
Having a great website with updated content is not enough to take on your competitors, who might already be looking for other ways to catch up with you. You will also have to use social media to engage with your audience, and to connect with them and start conversations. These conversations help generate more leads than you might imagine, and automating your social engagement is another way to gain a competitive advantage. Using social automation tools helps you to spread out your posts without having to be online 24/7.
Using a virtual receptionist and engaging your audience on social media will help you to connect with your prospective clients and customers at a more personal level. Connecting with your target audiences at a personal level drives engagement and sales better, giving you a competitive advantage.
Be Passionate
Of course, just focusing on technology and web space is like preparing that perfect omelet, without salt or seasoning. For your business to be truly competitive, you will have to stop being generic and the only way to do so is to be passionate about what you do. Being passionate and dedicated about your business helps you to find creative and novel ways to find your niche, which helps to set yourself apart and find your USP.
Being passionate shouldn’t be limited only to decision makers such as you, but must be instilled in trainees and employees as well. In fact, being passionate and dedicated should be part of your work culture, something that our virtual receptionists are trained in. If their voices didn’t seem passionate to the person on the other end of the call, will the person be even remotely interested in spending money on your business?
Always Focus on Customer Delight
If you observe the most successful companies in the world, such as Apple, Nike and others, they evoke strong sentiments of loyalty in their customers. This is because, these companies invest a lot of time and money in nurturing their customers and providing the best support available. If you wish to compete with existing players, you will need to start treating your customers better than they are treated by your competitors.
The best way to do this is by hiring personnel who are trained to speak in a friendly and informed manner, and customize all communication that takes place between your business and your customers, including phone calls. CRM tools assist in automating these custom messages, while a professional answering service helps to bring that human touch which is always important to build relationships. In fact, our bilingual answering service help you to connect emotionally with a diverse group of customers and clientele … and keep them happy.
Don’t Worry About Competitors Anymore
As you can see, both technology and internet are very important to gain a competitive advantage. Investing in cloud computing and automation can help reduce unnecessary technology expenditure, which can be used for more urgent requirements such as marketing and R&D.
A professional answering service helps you to forego the need for an in-house receptionist. Moreover, the bilingual answering service that we provide will be great for connecting emotionally with a diverse group of customers and clientele.
Finally, if you can ensure that you have an updated website and are socially active, you can rest assured that your business will give your competitors a run for their money.
