It is no exaggeration to say that technology has revolutionised the way we do business; in fact that’s pretty much a cliché these days.

Only a few short decades ago there was no email, no internet or smartphones or online banking. Communication was by phone, correspondence through the mail system, unless it was really urgent and then it was sent by fax. And of course, the cheque was always in the post (I can’t be the only one who misses using that excuse whilst waiting for payday to arrive?)

Fast forward to the 21st Century (and boy, it was very fast) where technology in business has rendered centuries old business processes redundant and where 75% of the contents of a 1980’s office is now obsolete.

Innovations in technology have given us instant communication, and literally an entire world of information at our fingertips. Small local businesses have the power to become global enterprises without leaving the office, never mind the country.

A mobile phone is no longer a novelty or a luxury; it is the small business owners' and employees' lifeline, and not just for staying in touch whatever the location. Smartphones mean you have 24 hour access to the internet, email, banking and any number of business applications.

Text messaging and social networking isn’t the exclusive domain of the young; these advances in communication now keep small businesses connected to their customers and colleagues.

Using technology in marketing allows businesses to reach a massive audience through numerous formats. A company website and e mail marketing are the obvious examples, but advertising on search engines, social media sites and mobile applications quite literally put your business in peoples pockets. Video marketing is becoming an increasingly effective tool, with YouTube receiving more than one billion unique visitors every month and an average weekly audience of more than 20 million people in the UK alone.

And technology can raise customer service and interaction to new levels, offering online chat/help facilities and 24/7 access to products and services.

Just as online shopping has gone through the roof, and online banking is now the norm, technology is making it possible for every industry to run their business online, allowing products and services to be available when customers want them.

One Haverhill business tapping into this opportunity is local accountancy firm 1 Accounts Online Limited. This award winning online accounts company is providing an invaluable services to small businesses, limited companies, sole traders, business start ups and partnerships enabling them to access their accounts 24/7 from any location they choose.

With 100% HMRC compliant software and systems, all the stress associated with keeping the tax man happy is lifted.

Fixed monthly fees mean no scary bills and a wide range of packages, including payroll services, means there will be one to suit your business needs.

Please click here for more information about 1 Accounts Online Limited.

Another Haverhill company that recognises the benefits and convenience to customers of running their business online is Moore (UK) Ltd. Supplying a huge range of products designed to assist those with limited or restricted mobility, it makes perfect sense for them to ensure their customers can contact them 24/7 from the comfort and convenience of their own home.

Moore (UK) Ltd also recognise the benefits of video not just as a marketing tool, but as an additional aid to their customers by producing a series of guidance videos, available to view on their profile page here on thebestof Haverhill and on YouTube.

Moore (UK) Ltd take orders online, payments online and send invoices online, and even use an App for Paypal on the phone to take credit card payments.

Please click here for further information about Moore (UK) Ltd in Haverhill.

Customer service still reigns supreme

And if customers of either of these businesses should fear the lack of a human touch, then fear not. Both Paul Donno, proprietor at 1 Accounts Online Limited and Paul Moore at Moore (UK) Ltd still provide the personal touch and can be contacted by phone or online. Indeed the speed of the internet and e mail mean they can respond to queries in double quick time, blogs on their websites allow customers personal and professional insights in an informative and entertaining way and their presence on social media sites mean everything is bang up to date.

So if you are a small business, or are thinking of starting one, remember that if you don't have an online business presence, you could be short changing yourself and your customers!

Technology? That's a scary word!

If technology is out of your comfort zone, why not contact The Design Office or Rachel Watson Web Design through our Business Services pages? These two Haverhill companies have the skills and knowledge to get you online and show you how to make technology work for you and for your customers.

Please click here for further details about The Design Office.

Click here to find out more about Rachel Watson Web Design.