Jun 5, 2016
In This Episode
Enterprise companies are often admired for their access to resources but digital is leveling the playing field for businesses of all sizes. In this episode Brian and Daniel discuss how small businesses are using social, mobile, analytics, and cloud to differentiate themselves from competitors.
How Does Leveraging Digital Benefit Small Business?
What is the best way to get to my customers? A common question asked by business owners. What should be an easy question to answer is often a daunting task for most business owners. A few minutes into this episode Daniel shares how he uses the acronym T.C.I.K. The Customer Is King when making business decisions. Historically small businesses have had to deal with a lack of technology, lack of customer intelligence, lack of ability to utilize data but thanks to the growth of cloud based applications small businesses are no longer at a disadvantage and can serve customers as well or better than larger entities.
Digital is powered by the cloud. Cloud allows us to have services on demand, pay for what we want or need, and be extremely agile accessing applications from wherever we happen to be. Digitally enabled small businesses are well equipped to take on larger competitors.
Why is Social Important For Small Business?
“Social is the great amplifier. Social allows you to not only communicate your message at scale but also crowdsource feedback on your product or service in real-time to then augment content creation and ultimately better understand the customers you desire to serve.” -- Brian Fanzo
Why is Mobile Important For Small Business?
“Mobile is the ultimate enabler. The ability to share, consume, and engage on the go has allowed for much greater collaboration between colleagues, departments, partners, and more. Mobile technology has made it possible for us to keep the ball moving no matter where we happen to be physically located.” -- Daniel Newman
Why is Analytics Important For Small Business?
“A small business has to be able to learn and pivot as customer needs and wants change. Analytics plays into every business decision. Answers to questions such as when is the right time to hire someone, how is our content performing on social, and how happy are our current customers can all be found in analytics. The information is available. You’re doing yourself a disservice if you’re not looking at analytics. There is no excuse to go on gut feel alone.” -- Brian Fanzo
Why is Cloud Important For Small Business?
“Cloud has been a mythical beast for many small businesses but I think this year we are finally seeing awareness and understanding. Cloud’s impact and necessity is that it impacts every single thing we do. The agility to migrate from an integral business tool such as a CRM to a better fit with little effort is priceless. Cloud is an equalizer. Employees can access tools from anywhere. Businesses can be nimble and pivot when needed. This is the future of business.” -- Brian Fanzo
“Cloud runs every facet of our business now - either indirect or direct. Every part - collaboration, back office software such as accounting, payroll, CRM, and all social tools - all cloud based. My entire business runs in the cloud. Do you know how many IT guys I have on staff to run it? None. You know how much money I’ve saved? Tons. The cloud allows small businesses to become big businesses very quickly.” -- Daniel Newman
How is social, mobile, analytics, and cloud transforming your business?