Have you ever walked into an office and felt like you just stepped into a time warp? The thick scent of old coffee, the clatter of typewriters, and a computer that looks like it might well have played a part in the moon landing? Okay, most of us probably haven’t experienced anything that bad, but it is fair to say that there are still an awful lot of companies that are trapped in a time warp and have not been able to move with the times.
This might not seem like a big deal if they are functioning okay, but sooner or later, they are going to get left behind by the competition, and that being the case, below, you will find some key signs that your business is still living in the past, so you can do something about it before it is too late.
1. You’ve Never Heard of “The Cloud”
No, I’m not talking about those fluffy things in the sky. If the word “cloud” only conjures images of rain and thunderstorms, then it might be fair to say that you are still stuck in yesteryear when it comes to business tech at least. Cloud computing allows you to store, manage, and process data over the Internet, and get cheaper phone networks via a VOIP phone service too. It’s like having a magical file cabinet that you can access from anywhere which is ideal for remote working. Still using floppy disks? Houston, we have a problem.
2. Your Office Is a Jungle of Wires
If you look around you and all you can see are cables, cables, and more cables, then you have another problem. Not only do cables not look great in the office, but they can also cause a significant trip hazard, and they are much more likely to break and cause an outage for your computers or manufacturing equipment. For example wireless technology has been a thing for a long time now, so if you haven’t already, show your staff a favor and upgrade because they don’t want to be working in a jumble jungle.
3. Social Media? What’s That?
If your business’s idea of being social is a bulletin board in the break room, it’s time for an update. Social media really is where it’s at when it comes to staying in touch with customers and clients, to marketing your goods and services, to letting your employees know what is going on in the office.
If you are not on all of the biggest social networks from Instagram to Linkedin, then you are most definitely living in the past and you are going to want to take a giant leap into the present by signing up and creating compelling content, like right now!
4. Your Website Looks Like a Geocities Page
Ah, remember the early days of the web? If your website is still rocking animated GIFs, auto-playing MIDIs, and a visitor counter, then it is a definite sign that you need to give it a more modern makeover. Yes, many would argue that websites back then had more personality, but they can hardly be said to give off a professional air or make it easy for the customer to navigate the site and find what they want, let alone make a purchase, so out with the old and in with a new, minimalist, fast working site that does the business.
5. Paper Everywhere!
If you’re drowning in a sea of paperwork and filing cabinets are multiplying like rabbits, then you are truly living in the past and the digital revolution boat has sailed right on by your office space. These days, it’s all about the paperless office, so don’t be afraid to embrace document digitization right now because, not only will it save you from the stacks, but it will also make your company much more efficient. You will be able to look up any document in an instant instead of having to root through file after file of paper to find what you need.
6. Customer Service Happens Only on the Phone
Phone support is fantastic, but if that’s your only way of helping customers, you’re missing out not only on greater convenience for your company, but also for the customer too. Live chats, emails, and social media support are the new power trio you need in your life. Get on board, or get left behind.
If you spot any of these 6 signs of living in the past, your business needs an urgent upgrade!
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