Here's how you can optimize your Business Operations with essential tools and technologies.

Project Management is one of key pillar in operations to manage any initiative or road maps or mile stone. I have used project management software like clickup to track the initiative or Road maps that need to be delivered with specific time to meet the OKR, it helped to track the real time progress on the projects, it helped preparedness to clear any blockers preventing deliverables. There are many projects management software tools that are free and some are expensive it all depends on what your organisation recommends and uses. Important skill set is knowing to using /implementing technology to ease of work

Having project management software is highly essential to ensure smooth business operations. Whether you're in a product or a service company, this is a must-have to keep track of progress and milestones. You don't necessarily need to buy an expensive software solution, a free or open-source platform like Trello, LeanTime or OpenProject can be a good starting point. Use whatever platform you're comfortable with as long as it fulfills your business requirements. Upgrade and switch to an advanced platform at a later stage. I prefer both Flowlu (an affordable, all-in-one business suite) and ClickUp (a slightly expensive option) as both platforms meet the requirements of most businesses.

Optimizing Business Operations with essential tools and technologies involves several key strategies. Implement a robust ERP system like SAP or Oracle for integrated management of business processes. Use CRM software such as Salesforce to manage customer relationships effectively. Utilize project management tools like Asana or Jira for organizing and tracking projects. Adopt data analytics platforms like Tableau or Power BI for actionable insights. Employ communication tools such as Slack or Microsoft Teams for seamless team collaboration. Lastly, integrate automation tools like Zapier or RPA to streamline repetitive tasks and improve efficiency across operations.

The Net Promote Score is very helpful as you get a specific response from your customer and area of improvements can be implemented immediately.

Get a free version of HubSpot (recommended) or any other open-source CRM like Vtiger, Suite CRM, etc. Map your entire sales process, pipeline, and customer data. Keep it updated with all customer interactions and information. Don't complicate it. Pick a platform and stick to it. Just keep an eye on data hygiene and team usage. Often companies buy an expensive CRM solution and the teams hardly use it to the fullest. In many cases, I've seen sales staff managing lead/customer data in Excel while the company had a paid CRM license. Upgrade only when your GTM teams are fully utilizing the software.

I normal use the horizontal and vertical analysis by using one year as a base to determine how we have been growing or eroding the value of the business overtime - this helps in terms of identifying areas of improvement

My two cents -- get a decent accounting system, especially one that supports direct bank sync and robust invoicing features. Saves a lot of time. If you're an IT company or in a digital business that has multiple software subscriptions, better to get a subscription management tool as well and get it integrated with your main accounting system.

Visual Performance Dashboard for the team placed on the wall significantly improved the team morale and ownership as it brings peer pressure amongst them - remember what cannot be measured will definitely not be managed.