4 ways tech can enhance your LBM business

f BM BUSTNESs and managers are I-lconstantly laced with evolving technology that promises to help their companies operate more effectively. It can leave one feeling inundated, overwhelmed or ready to give up on technology altogether. For anyone who wonders if additional technology is really necessary to run a lumberyard or home center, the answer is yes.

Here are ways tech can improve the efficiency of your business:

1,. Dut" storage and security. Cloud storage solutions like Dropbox and Google Drive offer affordable data storage options for keeping and sharing documents online.

Why this matters for a business: Cloud storage frees up space on internal hard drives and networks.

. Companies like Dropbox and Google have extensive IT resources in place to ensure data security, lessening the load on internal IT staff or vendors and decreasing vulnerabilities.

. Cloud storage facilitates collaboration- among co-workers, partners, vendors and contractors. No more sending different versions through email; live edit and share. File too big for email? Upload it to Dropbox.

2.F;mail and Internet marketing. Businesses need to spend time & resources on e-blasts and social media to cultivate a community and increase engagement.

Why this matters for your business:

According to Convince & Convert, in the past year,44Vo of people surveyed made at least one purchase based on a promotional email. It takes time to craft the right headline, determine the right content that will be useful to your audience, and coordi- nate e-newsletters or e-blasts, but those who opt-in are typically qualified leads looking to learn more, so the payoff potential is large. Tools like MailChimp, AWeber, and Constant Contact can help you get started quickly and easily.

. Social channels like Facebook and Twitter offer the opportunity to engage with customers and fellow industry members, strategically driving traffic to specific landing pages, news, and other interesting information. Simply remember the 80/20 rule: 80Vo of content should be about your customers, partners and industry; 207o should be focused on how your business can help them.

Online reviews can make or break the intangible, pinnacle of marketing: customer-generated word-of-mouth. Engaging with reviewers on sites like Angie's List, Google Places, HomeAdvisor or Yelp is an excellent way to build customer loyalty.

3. Customer service and satisfaction. We live in a society that craves instant gratification. Web and mobile solutions enable your business to provide that for its customers.

Why this matters for your business:

A business' website serves as a 2417 sales professional. Differentiate your customers' experience by providing a unique, easy-to-navigate web presence. Consider the most frequently asked questions about your services, products, team, location, experience, etc., and get them answered on your website.

. Perhaps your customers don't want to wait to schedule an in-person meeting. Tools such as Skype, Google Hangouts, and GoToMeeting offer reliable solutions for holding client meetings virtually, allowing you the opportunity to satisfy customers faster.

. Cloud-based project management tools like Asana, Basecamp and Zoho foster collaboration among your team so that the customer is delivered the best service possible.

4. Setl with technology. Your sales team is a finite resource. Your website and e-marketing will back you up to a certain point, but empowering your sales team with technology will further extend their ability to meet with clients and make the sale.

Why this matters for your business:

. Create estimates and quotes on the go with mobile estimating software. Apps like JobFlex allow your sales team the flexibility to deliver quotes in the field, equipped with all the resources they need to generate a professional, branded estimate, with or without internet.

Don't wait for the drive back to the office to deliver. Set up bluetoothenabled devices to print wirelessly from the field to back up digital delivery with printed copies.

Where is your business lacking in resources? Which processes just aren't flowing efficiently? Consider the problem, and there's a technology solution. From online business training to cloud-based system apps, technology is at the crux of everything.

- Mac McCabe is v.p. of sales at JobFlex. Reach him at (855) 354-3539 or via www job-flex.com.

By Rick Kapres, Versatex Building Products