Running a startup company will result in an immediate disadvantage in your industry, as you will likely be facing fierce competition from many large, established rivals.
However, thanks to the wonder of technology, you can effectively compete with many well-known brands.
If you want to enjoy immediate startup success, check out the following four pieces of software that can improve your business.
1. Accounting Software
Every startup business must have a firm grasp of its finances, as it can be easy for your cash flow to spiral without effective management. Your first priority should be to invest in dependable accounting software, which will provide your business with an in-depth insight into its finances.
The right package could help you to understand your financial performance while managing your:
- Business expenditure
- Payroll
- Business taxes
You will also have the ability to review your accounts at a glance, so you can continually monitor your finances with ease.
2. Project Management Software
To ensure you receive maximum output each day, invest in project management software, which will allow you to keep track of every task or project and can help your employees manage their to-do list and time.
It could also help you to break a large piece of work into smaller, more manageable tasks, which can make them appear less daunting to your staff and can provide greater clarity.
What’s more, it will allow you to set deadlines to ensure you never disappoint a customer or client, while helping you to monitor your team’s progress and performance subtly. Plus, you can ensure productivity by allocating tasks to specific employees, which can provide them with greater responsibility and job satisfaction.
3. Security Software
As cybercrime is expected to reach a global total of $6 trillion by 2021, you cannot afford to overlook security software. Don’t make the mistake of believing cybercriminals only target large, established organizations with a vast amount of data, as small businesses often bear the financial brunt of cybercrime, because they don’t have the technologies or tools in place to protect their enterprise.
There are, however, different security software solutions on the market, and there is currently no one-size-fits-all package available, as different companies will have different requirements.
For this reason, you should consider the following security software options:
- Antivirus software to ward off cybersecurity threats, such as malware and trojan viruses
- Password tool software to securely store and update account credentials
- A virtual private network to encrypt your operations
- StackRox software for detecting Docker vulnerabilities in containerized applications
4. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
Nothing is more important than your customers, who are crucial to your profitability, reputation, and longevity. To keep them happy, invest in customer relationship management software, which will allow your business to effectively store their data, review information regarding customer interactions, and prioritize important leads.
What’s more, analyzing and reporting can provide your business with an insight into tactics that do or don’t work, which can support the sales and marketing process.