article by Tina Harris at Ideaspired
Going paperless has become much easier in an increasingly tech-heavy world, but for some businesses, paper documents are still common. Whether it’s out of habit or because you haven’t been able to take the time to move everything over to a digital format, there’s no time like the present to make some changes. Not only can going paperless positively affect the environment (and improve your company’s public image), it can help you stay organized, reduce mistakes, and lower costs. The process of going paperless can be overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start, but even small changes are beneficial. Check out a few eco-friendly brands, such as intent products, to get some ideas on how you and your employees can make better decisions. You can also take a look at how going paperless can help you manage your business more efficiently.
Take care of important tasks online
It used to be that filing legal documents meant signing and keeping up with reams of paperwork, but now it’s easier than ever to take care of important tasks for your business completely digitally. Starting an LLC, for instance, is a great way to protect your finances and secure some tax benefits, and you can even change to an LLC if you currently have a different business entity. Using a formation service is a great way to get the job done quickly and efficiently, but every state has its own rules surrounding the creation of a business structure so it’s a good idea to do some research before getting started with your California LLC.
Keep customer information safe
Not only does going paperless help you take care of important business-related tasks, it can also provide a measure of security for your data and your customers’ information. Keeping info digital means you can utilize various cybersecurity tools to ensure that everything is well protected, and you can also rethink the way you welcome customers into your office. Rather than offering a sign-in sheet, look for a digital sign-in service that’s customizable for your brand. This will help manage the flow of customers into the building and keep their personal info for your eyes only.
Utilize free and low-cost tools
Not only is using paperless secure than going digital, but it also ramps up your costs throughout the year. Nowadays there are tons of free and low-cost online tools that allow you to share documents, work on projects, keep up with time management, and run things smoothly for your customers so you don’t have to rely on printed documents. Google offers an entire suite of services for small business owners, and you can also look for apps meant to help businesses save time and money.
Consider going remote
When it comes to managing expenses, your business faces quite a few in relation to the physical office or warehouse space it occupies. Rent and utilities are just the tip of the iceberg for most business owners, but if your company is the kind that runs on employee effort, consider going remote or implementing a remote/office hybrid so you can scale down. Going paperless means you and your team can communicate and collaborate easily from anywhere, which will save on space and equipment. Not only that, allowing your employees to work from home can be beneficial for both of you, considering that many workers need that kind of flexibility.
Going paperless can take some time if your office has relied on physical documents for a while, but with a few small changes, you can get started with the process without a hitch. Keep communication open with your team members and remember to lead by example when it comes to remaining eco-friendly.
