How to connect your business IT solutions to ROI

Connecting your business IT solutions to return on investments (ROI) is crucial for optimal growth and longevity. But how can you truly leverage your IT networks to unlock business value and recurring profits?

As an SMB leader, you know the importance of increasing productivity, delivering top-notch customer services, and eking out efficiency throughout your organization. If you can’t do those things, you won’t last long in a competitive market. But a shocking number of companies understand these core concepts without knowing how to apply them to their business IT solutions.

Your IT tools should help you get more done. They should make you more productive, from the top of your org chart to the bottom. And they should help you find, communicate with and retain customers.

With that in mind, here are some ways to effectively use your business IT solutions to boost ROI.

How to increase performance across multiple departments

Ideally, your IT services should be configured to help both onsite and remote employees get their jobs done with as little hassle as possible. There are automated processes that remove human error and speed up repetitive tasks. If you’re not harnessing that power, you’re missing out.

Not only that, but a well-configured network has the potential to increase productivity and performance across the board, as well. For example, unified communications solutions and cloud services make it easier for team members to stay in touch and collaborate in real time.

From connecting teams virtually and monitoring progress to open and communicative environments, your business can use IT services to create a competitive advantage, regardless of industry, sector or niche.

The forgotten business IT opportunity

There’s plenty of information out there—good information—about using IT solutions to increase productivity. And while enterprise-level organization commonly use technology to improve customer service, we find that many SMBs miss out on this opportunity.

That’s a shame.

IT solutions can connect you with customers as easily as they can connect your employees. That has the potential to impact the sales process, customer satisfaction, relationship management and even basic service delivery.

Remember, IT isn’t limited to streamlining business processes, maintaining servers and protecting data. All of those things are important, but it’s just as important to foster solid communication with your customer base.

Here are a few ways increase ROI with customer service business IT solutions.

Have the right customer service tools

You need the right customer service tools as part of your IT solutions.

That includes basic tools, like your email solution, and more sophisticated tools, like an automated attendant, a customer service portal on your website, or a CRM solution that makes record-keeping and follow-up a breeze. The easier it is for your staff to deliver amazing customer service, the more likely it is your customers will notice a difference when they work with you.

If you’re not sure which customer service business IT solutions would be best for your business, reach out to your IT support provider. They should be able to point you in the right direction.

Stay on top of your customer service goals

You need to stay on top of how your customer service teams are performing. Your business IT solutions should make that easier for you.

Customer data is a rich resource for improving ROI. That’s why a CRM tool is so critical. Make sure you’re recording all relevant information, and don’t forget to protect your data with solid cybersecurity. Companies that lose customer data miss out on the benefit of all that information . . . and often take a hit to their reputation.

You don’t want your company featured in one of those headlines.

Use business IT to improve customer retention

Effective customer service is essential for customer retention.

In this day and age, customers want information fast while on the go. Your IT solutions should put critical information at your employees’ fingertips. When your people are equipped to answer questions quickly and effectively, your customer will notice.

Just the beginning

And that’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. There are business IT solutions out there to handle everything from resource management to strategic marketing. All of it has the potential to improve customer service, boost efficiency and ultimately contribute to ROI.

Wherever your business is right now, keep in mind that IT solutions give you a lot of options. If you haven’t fully explored your company’s tech options, isn’t it about time you did?