Game-Changing Technical Skills That Will Help Grow Your Business
It’s hard to believe that it was just about 30 years ago that people really started to use the internet more frequently. That may seem a long time ago to some, but for us Gen X’ers and late Millennials, that wasn’t that long ago. Tech has moved at a super pace – Google Chrome was only introduced in 2008, Zoom in 2013, Slack in 2014, TikTok in 2016, ClickUp in 2017, and ChatGPT in 2022. And countless more tech apps and tools have been launched since this time.
Even if some of the aforementioned apps don’t seem familiar, strong chances are that you already have some solid tech skills if you’re reading this. The question now to ask yourself is: are you growing your tech skills to your advantage?
Tech is becoming smarter and quicker – which is fantastic for business owners. These fast-evolving tools are helping entrepreneurs make smarter decisions and become more productive and accurate while saving time and money. Here’s a look at five game-changing technical skills to help grow your business.
1. Project Management Software Skills
Effective task management is the backbone of any successful business. Project management tools like ClickUp and Asana streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and boost productivity. They help professionals manage tasks, set deadlines, and track progress in real-time, ensuring that projects stay on schedule and within budget. This reduces the risk of missed deadlines and miscommunication and helps entrepreneurs and teams stay organized and focused, leading to higher efficiency and better results.
The bottom line: Knowing how to use and integrate project management software can exponentially improve workflow and communication, leading to faster project completion, higher-quality deliverables, increased client satisfaction, and resulting in more repeat business and referrals.
Start here: Check out these 5 top free project management tools.
2. Digital Marketing Skills
The term “digital marketing” really encompasses various areas of reaching potential and existing customers. This may include website management, SEO best practices (Search Engine Optimization), social media content, graphic design, and email marketing, among many other areas. Having a robust online presence is essential for attracting and retaining customers and can establish your brand as an authority in your industry. While many companies outsource their digital marketing, it’s common for business owners to have some understanding of how it all works so they can make the best marketing decisions for their specific business.
The bottom line: Effective digital marketing strategies can lead to increased website traffic, higher conversion rates, and improved brand recognition. By leveraging these tools, you can attract new customers, build loyalty, and drive sales.
Start here: If the idea of digital marketing makes your head spin, start with the basics. Google via Coursera offers a free Foundations of Digital Marketing and E-commerce course for the beginner.
3. Communication Platforms
Communication is key to any successful business operation. Nowadays, instant messaging (IM) platforms are not like the ones of yesteryear (R.I.P. MSN Messenger). Communication apps like Slack provide a centralized space for easy team communication in different channels, file sharing, and collaboration, making it faster to stay connected and informed. It reduces the need for lengthy email threads and meetings and helps facilitate quick decision-making for increased productivity.
The bottom line: Communication platforms help teams communicate more efficiently and effectively, which help cut down on time-sucking emails and meetings and lead to better project outcomes, and a more cohesive work environment.
Start here: New to Slack? Check out these 5 tips for getting started.
4.Data Analytics Skills
Understanding consumer trends and customer behaviour is vital for making informed business decisions. Data analytics tools help businesses collect, analyze, and interpret data to gain valuable insights. It provides a clear picture of what works and what doesn’t, enabling more strategic planning and resource allocation.
The bottom line: By leveraging data analytics, businesses can tailor their products and services to meet customer needs more effectively, improve marketing strategies, and increase operational efficiency. This leads to better customer satisfaction, higher sales, and ultimately, business growth.
Start here: Coursera via Google offers a free course called Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere about data analytics and analytical thinking.
5.Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming work landscapes everywhere by automating tasks, enhancing customer service, and providing advanced data insights. AI for businesses can handle repetitive tasks, analyze large datasets, and provide personalized customer experiences. It frees up human resources for more complex tasks and improves overall efficiency.
The bottom line: Integrating AI can improve productivity in businesses, reduce operational costs, offer enhanced customer experiences, and lead to better decision-making and a stronger market position.
Start here: Check out AI for Everyone, a free course about AI, or jump right into it and start using the popular content creation tool ChatGPT.
Developing these five technical skills can significantly contribute to your business’s growth. Doing so not only helps streamline operations and enhance productivity but also positions your business for long-term success in an ever-evolving marketplace.
Not sure how to integrate this tech into your business? We can help. Book a consultation.