At Instaprise we get many inquiries about cloud migration for small businesses, however after an initial consultation it is more than apparent that the business and/or owner is not in need of or even prepared for a full migration. In these cases we offer some advice on how the business can leverage cloud computing capabilities through different tools and cloud services that you can still leverage to save you time, money, man power, and stress!
Services- XaaS’
ZenPayroll, for example, is a company that offers management and automation of one very time-consuming task: Payroll. Zen payroll files forms so that businesses can forego completing tedious government documents.
By implementing cloud-based service providers such as ZenPayroll, businesses can free-up time, money and human error.
File Management
Enterprises relying on the cloud for file transfers or storage have plenty of options for users to manage data on the remotely and easily. Microsoft’s OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox all offer services for uploading, downloading, and manipulating or sharing files from smartphones, computers and other mobile devices.
Finance and Accounting
The cloud has made accounting software easy to use and understand, and is saving businesses time with the ability to do what traditional desktop software cannot. Many packages allow you to grant access to your accountant, which can help to reduce your accounting bills too. If you already have an accounting system in place, consider moving some of the work to programs like Wave, Sage One,Expensify, TSheets, KashFlow, Free Agent, Xero, QuickBooks Online and Clear Books. They help you create invoices, keep track of income and expenditure, manage your banking and file VAT returns. Most of these tools also give you a better, more up-to-date understanding of your financial standing.
Collaboration and Project Management
Cloud computing is helping teams work together in and outside of the workplace. Cloud services like Smartsheet, Basecamp, Trello, Podio and Huddle all provide virtual workspaces where you can exchange messages, store files, post ideas, assign and track tasks, and more. Depending on our office environment, and how teams work together. For example, some services are designed for teams working on many different projects, while others are intended to address a single, large project.
Managing Growth
Cloud resources are scalable by nature, allowing businesses to increase capacity and support growth and handle busy periods. OpenInsight, explains,
“One of the most challenging aspects of running a small company is predicting what resources your business will need—enough to scale and take advantage of opportunities, but not so much that you overspend. With Cloud resources, rather than having to predict your needs, you can react to needs as they arise and use just what is required to manage your growth and enhance your efficiency.”
Scheduling
With a growing number of clients and team members to consider, keeping track of who does what, and when, can is stressful. Whether you’re scheduling conference calls, meeting, or work shifts, try these awesome tools to streamline the process, saving you time and brain cells for the meetings.
ScheduleOnce– a scalable, comprehensive appointment scheduling service. In its base program, Plus, the service offers one booking page per user and includes, unlimited bookings, Google and iCloud calendar and integration Booking with approval.
YouCanBook.Me– a booking software program that provides businesses with a personalized scheduling page that integrates with Google or iCloud Calendar. Features include reminder emails, the ability to accept online payments for services booked (payment gateways based on subscription level), and custom profiles.
Wireless Connection and VPN
Most businesses perform day-to-day operation via wireless connection. Cisco’s AnyConnect app provides secure, and reliable VPN connectivity for enterprises and for smaller businesses without enterprise-grade funds, SurfEasy app offers a simple and secure option with the same benefits.
Customer Service and Retention
Keeping your customers happy can be a full time job. Make it easier with cloud based tools that help solve problems, provide customer support, and even gauge customer satisfaction.
SatisMeter– A tool that helps you gather customer feedback through NPS surveys. Net Promoter Score surveys are an effective way to gauge how loyal and happy your customers are.
Intercom– Allows businesses to easily communicate with your customers through targeted in-app and email messages, triggered by time or behavior. The tool can be used to collect customer feedback, chat with customers in real-time, create marketing life-cycle email campaigns, and provide support.
Zendesk– A web-based customer support platform. The tool allows you to accept and manage support tickets from a variety of channels—web, email, social, chat, or phone. It also provides the ability to create and manage a Help Center for your website.
Employee Engagement and Appreciation
Now that your customers are happy, what about your staff? There are actually cloud services dedicated to keeping your employees happy, healthy and supported.
TinyPulse– An employee retention tool that allows you to create surveys for your team to anonymously answer each week. It’s a great way to sync up with your employees and make sure they’re getting everything they need in order to be successful in their roles.
AnyPerk– A convenient tool that allows you to show appreciation and offer rewards to employees who go above and beyond in their roles. The tool offers a wide variety of perks that employees can choose from based on their interests—such as travel discounts, gym membership deals, restaurant coupons, subscription services, and more.
Cloud platform solutions come in many shapes and sizes created to tailor to you business size, and how far you’d like to venture into the cloud. If your looking for Independent advice contact Instaprise Solutions today!
