Small Business Technology: The Latest Developments You Need to Know
Small businesses need to stay up-to-date with the latest technological developments to improve productivity, streamline operations, and gain a competitive edge. In this blog post, we’ll discuss five significant technological developments that can impact your organization.
Branching Out into Customer Service with Zoom Contact Center
Zoom is looking to expand beyond video conferencing and enter the customer service space. The company recently released Zoom Contact Center, a new solution that offers customer care support through video conferencing. Zoom’s single, easy-to-use solution aims to consolidate all parts of customer support for managers and operators. Customers can now engage with businesses more quickly, which becomes particularly useful as companies transition back to the office. The move is also an ingenious way for Zoom to continue monetizing their services post-pandemic.
Self-Driving Vehicles May Soon Revolutionize Transportation
While self-driving cars are still a long way off, self-driving trucks are becoming a reality. Autonomous trucks can save costs on petrol and decrease insurance premiums. However, they require humans to finish the remaining part. Suburban stops will become increasingly important as autonomous trucks become more prevalent. Companies may need to explore new opportunities that self-driving vehicles can offer, as they can help revamp their supply chains.
Virtual Try-On and Model Selection with Walmart
Walmart recently introduced its “Choose My Model” try-on option, powered by neural networks, that offers customers several models that match their looks and body type. Customers can try on virtual replicas of their clothing choices to see how they’ll look. Walmart plans to introduce over 70 new models soon, providing greater variation in size, skin tone, and hair color. This innovative technology can provide customers with new tools to purchase goods. It’s interesting to see how customers will embrace this and even discover new business models within it.
Enhancing Infrastructure Safety through Advanced Technologies
Following a bridge collapse in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, local firms used robotics and sensor technology to survey subsurface and surface regions and generate geospatial models of critical infrastructure in minutes. Various entrepreneurs seized the opportunity to introduce their innovations that can enhance infrastructure safety. Necessity is the mother of creativity, and it takes a catastrophe to generate chances for entrepreneurs. Although there are risks involved, there are also chances and opportunities for entrepreneurs to introduce various new alternatives.
Etsy’s Post-Pandemic Goal: Attracting More Male Buyers
Etsy announced its post-pandemic goal to attract more male buyers to their site. According to a study performed in 2020, half of the male buyers in the United States had no idea what Etsy was. Additionally, 80% of Etsy’s customers are female, so the company aims to attract more male buyers by placing tailored advertisements on male-dominated channels. Small businesses considering selling on Etsy may profit from this effort and focus on attracting male customers while saving on advertising and possibly even reaching a larger audience.
Takeaways
As a small business owner, keeping abreast of the latest technological updates will be of immense importance for your organization to remain competitive and relevant in the market. Zoom’s expansion into customer service, and Walmart’s virtual try-on options demonstrate the power of leveraging advanced technologies for improving customer engagement. Self-driving vehicles and the use of advanced technology for infrastructure improvements provide opportunities for local entrepreneurs to seize and expand their businesses. Etsy’s new marketing strategy reveals an area of untapped customers and opportunities for small businesses looking to expand their reach. Don’t forget to keep track of these latest developments and consider incorporating them into your company’s operations.
In sum, the world of small business technology is always growing and evolving rapidly. Walking away from this beginner’s guide, remember to stay vigilant, remain open to new opportunities, and have an adaptable mindset. By doing so, you’ll be keeping up with the latest trends and technology that can help you achieve your business goals.