If you’re putting off investing in technology that could enhance your practices, the time has come to reconsider.  These days, there are tools available within every small business owner’s budget, and frankly, doing without will eventually catch up with you.  Either you’ll lose out to your competition because you can’t keep up, or you’ll experience a data loss that takes things to a grinding halt – and perhaps undoes your company completely.  Read on for practical solutions that keep you relevant, secure, and thriving.

Why you need a data loss prevention program

If you never experienced a data breach, thank your lucky stars.  As CPO Magazine explains, hackers are hungrily targeting small businesses these days, stealing personal data like bank account information, credit card numbers, and email addresses.  This can leave you with a heap of trouble.  Not only could it ruin your day, it could ruin your company.  Some statistics indicate 60 percent of small businesses close within 6 months of a cyberattack.  Even if it doesn’t put you under, it’s lost income, with data breach costs coming in between $84,000 and $148,000.

This is where a data loss prevention program, or DLP, comes in.  Basically, DLP is establishing protocol and tools for managing your sensitive data to prevent loss.  In the event there is a breach, it guides how you’ll respond to minimize damage.  Not only can DLP help keep your company viable, it can equate to adhering with government regulations.

If you don’t have a cybersecurity expert on staff, it’s important to research your options and get a program in place.  Think of it as an investment to not only keep you current and compliant, but also protect your company from failure.  To learn more, you can read through this guide from Digital Guardian.

How to streamline productivity

Keeping your small business safe from hackers is just the tip of the iceberg.  When it comes to projects within your team, technology can take productivity, organization, and communication to the next level.  With that in mind, consider adding task management tools to your small business’s repertoire.

Task management tools are online project management platforms that allow you to assign work, track time, set deadlines, and so forth, from whatever device you choose.  There is everything from drag-and-drop capability, to snapshots of team members’ progress from anywhere, and at any time.  It means reducing meeting agendas and shortening turnaround time, so you can ultimately take on more clients and raise your bottom line.

Rethink marketing strategies

Marketing changed dramatically in the last decade.  As explained by The Guardian, the effectiveness of print advertising is eroding tremendously and being replaced by digital marketing strategies.  You should carefully examine how you’re conducting customer outreach and how you can expand sales.  By going digital, you can expand your options, boost engagement, and lift brand recognition.

One of the more effective digital marketing options for small businesses is email.  While nobody with a significant customer base has time to type up a note to each customer individually, there are email marketing services that can do this on your behalf.  They can even target specific segments of your subscriber list, then tailor content to appeal to their needs, tracking and adjusting what is opened so recipients stay interested in what you’re offering.

Social media is another digital marketing option worthy of your exploration.  Beyond basic posts from your business page, you can delve into advertising to specific demographics, customize posts, and sort responses, ensuring you’re catching followers’ attention instead of being dropped to the bottom of their newsfeed.  It means staying relevant, eye catching, and ultimately boosting sales.

Investing in technology is no longer a luxury for small business owners.  DLP, task management tools, and digital marketing options are keys to your ongoing success.  Make sure you invest in a few appropriate services and tools, before your company is left behind.

Article Contributed by
Gloria Martinez