Many are tired of believing in the claimed-to-be ‘next big thing’ tech investments that end up being more trouble than they’re worth. Fear not, my fellow entrepreneurs! I am here to guide you on the right way to invest in digital tools, all while keeping your technology costs low and your spirit high.
Technology in Rwanda Business
First, as well put by Deshina Buck; “Technology does not equate to success, except in the hands of empowered people.” We need to stop seeing our investment in all these tools as a replacement to our commitment. Of course, they are to ease our processes, but only if they are the right products. With that in mind, here are a few things to keep in mind if you want your technology investment to return a profit.
Identify Your Needs
Businesses should always identify their needs and, based on those, invest their resources. Be it an automated system, advanced digital marketing, tailored online and functional website with visibility; it is hard and crucial to match these with your business mission. Well, this can be a tricky one. Sometimes you think you need something, and it turns out you actually needed something else entirely. Take an example: I might have thought I needed new shoes, but all I really needed was a foot massage from all those weekly running-arounds I have been doing in some old shoes. At least I always have my mom to ask for advice (God bless her), and she always seems to know – but who do you go to?
“Technology does not equate to success, except in the hands of empowered people,” Deshina Buck, Biz Ops Rwanda, CEO.
We seem not to see it, but the answer is always there in our goals, business problems, or case scenarios. Your business need is to have a loyal customer base? Then you need to create effective communication channels with them. So, take some time to identify your business goals, missions, and situations to align them with the needs, or else you might end up asking your dear mama- yes, she can cook well but she probably will not know ‘the post-pandemic effective marketing strategies’ you need. Leave her out of the business for now!
Evaluate Your ROI
Investing in the right technology can be like finding your soulmate – someone who complements your strengths and helps you grow, someone who is reliable and consistent, and someone who brings out the best in you. “Before you evaluate your return on investment, make sure you actually invested something other than dreams and hopes,” they say. A flashy website or email marketing campaigns filled with some over-promising titles is not all your business need. Technologies that return profits are those that increase efficiency and reduce marketing costs. Additionally, these are the tools that are easy to implement, and clearly show the challenge they are addressing. So, take it upon yourself to invest in digital tools that not only look good for customers, but also contain a logic strategy to increase your sales and profits.
Train Your Staff
Do your business a favor and get your employees up to speed with technologies that you deem productive for the business. Training your staff to use digital technologies can be a challenging task, especially if they’re not that tech-savvy. But fear not, with the right approach, you can turn your analog employees into digital dynamos. Start by hiring a third-party partner who can handle all the technical difficulties more than you. You will have to treat everything as a learning curve and have an understanding that this will take some getting used-to.
Consider Cloud-based Solutions
When it comes to actually investing in digital tools, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, be wary of any tool that promises to solve all your problems for a one-time fee. While it may seem like a steal at first, these tools often come with hidden costs, such as mandatory upgrades or add-ons. Instead, opt for tools with a monthly or yearly subscription fee. Yes, it may seem like a pain to pay for something every month, but it’s much easier to budget for and will likely save you money in the long run.
Investing in digital tools doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. By identifying your business needs, doing your research, and familiarizing everyone with the tools, you can reduce your technology costs while still staying ahead of the game. And who knows? You may even discover the next big thing in digital tools – all while having a little fun along the way.
We’re Always Here for You!
Biz Ops Rwanda is the first of many African locations that makes it easy for businesses to digitize, automate, and compete across borders and cultural lines. Our products range from websites that align with businesses’ environment, and digital business cards to easily match you with your clients and prospects. Our services range from email marketing to system automation.
Get with us today and increase your customer retention while expanding beyond to meet your business goals. We will help you build a strong sales funnel while discovering new opportunities with strategic partnerships. Start, Grow, and Expand with us.
