Here's how you can use technology to advance your Small Business career.

Embracing automation has always been key the consistency, quality assurance, and effective time management for any role I've held during my career. You don't need a fancy program to learn and develop short cuts. Look at what technology your company is currently using and learn how to better use it to automate repetitive tasks. For example, you can create template blocks in Word. You can customize your Word and Outlook dictionaries to create shorthand that will expand into spelled out versions of longer phrases or text. Also, once you maximize current technology, look at what gaps need to be filled by other software. Figure out your repetitive tasks & steps, and then use the right tool to automate those steps for you and your team.

When considering digital marketing, it's crucial to understand that marketing is all subjective. If a company is promising you the world, realize that those promises are likely empty. Beware of "metrics" that show you numbers, but don't actually have any meaning. In your marketing efforts understand that real numbers are how many people/business interactions are actually converted to sales. In general, it helps to be consistent, relevant, and provide value add for those who engage with your content.

Cloud computer can be a huge help for accessibility, but you have to remember that it also comes with certain security risks. Take the time to understand the actual terms and conditions of use and what the cloud computing provides and does not provide. Ensure that you have a backup system as well as property security measures in place. Simply trusting the cloud is not enough to provide cyber resilience for your business.

Data analytics is essential for smart business decisions, allowing informed choices based on current data and patterns and making future predictions. It's crucial to check metrics regularly on a cadence that makes sense for what you're tracking. For instance, if you're promoting a book on Amazon, you should review weekly whether your marketing spend is yielding returns. If you notice a decline over a few weeks, this data suggests you might need to adjust your strategy to target the right audience. Waiting too long can waste time, money, and effort. Stay proactive with your data to optimize results and drive success.

Use tools like Trello, Asana, or Notion (a favourite) to keep track of tasks, deadlines, and team collaboration. Streamline workflows and improve productivity with a clear overview of ongoing projects, status, blockages and expected completion. These tools help organise your team and workload. They ensure everyone stays on track and meets deadlines.