Does your business need to update its technological tools? You may be hesitant to make a switch, especially if you've become accustomed to your current system, but if you don't have up-to-date solutions that can make your operations more efficient, you may be wasting your already limited time and resources.
"Using the latest technology to better run your company is what gives many business owners a competitive edge while giving them more time back with their families," said Jamie Sutherland, U.S. president of online accounting software provider Xero. "As we head into 2015, it's a perfect time to reassess how you can switch to the latest business apps and online tools to work smarter so you can spend more time doing what you love."
To help business owners decide whether they should invest in new tech solutions, Xero created a list of five scenarios that could indicate the need for an upgrade. If any of the following apply to you, it's a sign that your business could use a tech overhaul. [How to Choose the Right Technology for Your Small Business]
There's no separation between your work and personal life. Small business owners are often expected to work around the clock to keep their businesses moving, but that doesn't mean there's no place for work-life balance. There are numerous apps, Internet phone systems and email organization programs available to reroute incoming work communications when you need time for yourself.
Your accounting system is a spreadsheet — or worse, a shoebox of receipts. Local spreadsheets with numerous tabs and file versions may not be the most effective way to keep track of your business finances, especially if you're always on the go. Cloud-based financial tools give you less of a headache when tax season rolls around and make it easy to manage your data from wherever you are.
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