One of the most significant benefits of living in a highly digitalised world, is that small business can conduct a major portion of their operations using various online tools and software. This eliminates the need for scanners, printers, photocopiers, filing cabinets as well as large storage facilities.
When you look at all these aspects as a whole, it can help you reduce overheads dramatically. When you replace expensive courier services with emails, and apps for web-based marketing programs and social media platforms rather than solicitations and newsletters that can result in considerable cost savings. The primary objective is to reduce the amount of paper that you use in your daily operations.
When you aim to be a green business, not only do you help the environment, but you also save on working capital which can be channelled towards your venture. Aside from this, it also helps improve the efficiency of your business operations which in turn improves the experience for your clients, customers, suppliers, employees, and partners. There is some tips that can help your small business go paperless:
#1 Transition To Electronic Accounting And Payroll
When you take your accounting and payroll functions online, it helps you reduce the number of checks and invoices that your business sends out. Several cloud-based accounting platforms are designed primarily for small business owners. You can use these to track all your expenses, hours worked and to create invoices. Many of these platforms also have mobile apps, which gives you the flexibility to access all of these functions while you are on the go, via your smartphone or any other mobile device.
#2 Opt For A Good Cloud Platform
Once you decide to go paperless, you need to store your documents on a cloud-based platform. While choosing one, it is essential to focus on the security aspect since you will be storing business-related and customer information on it.
#3 Google Apps For Business
Google has an entire suite of apps that can help small businesses reduce the amount of paper they use. For example, use Google Chat or Google mail to communicate online with your clients and staff. You can use Google docs for all internal collaborations, and multiple members of a team can contribute and save spreadsheets and word documents on the system. If you insist that your team move to these online systems, it can help reduce the use of paper and save your company some money.
#4 Reduce The Number Of Fax Documents
If you are still faxing documents to businesses or clients that you work with, it’s a good idea to sign up for a specialised service that converts all your incoming fax into email messages. MyFax and MetroFax are two companies that offer this service. When you need to FAX any document to someone, convert it into a PDF format and then send it via one of these services. The recipient would receive it as regular fax.
Other Ways To Go Paperless
Some of the other things you can do to go paperless is to transition to an online marketing strategy. Not only will this help you expand your reach in the market, but it is also more cost-effective than a direct mail campaign. You can opt for electronic receipts for all your office supply purchases and take steps to reduce the amount of junk mail you receive.
For effective and sustainable cost reduction strategies & efficiencies that will increase your bottom line, contact the experts at Benchmark Cost Solutions at this number – 02 9525 0777. If you prefer, write to us at this email address, and we will revert quickly.
Thanks for reading,
Benchmark Cost Solutions Team
02 9525 0777
