There are myriad untapped opportunities to make tasks and processes more efficient, more economical and perhaps even more enjoyable when it comes to your business.
In order to maximise efficiency, it's worth doing a simple audit of how you're employing today's technology and innovative work practices across your business to ensure you're making the most of these additions – here are six ideas to get you started.
Invest in the cloud
Cloud-based accounting software such as Xero or MYOB saves you (and your bottom line) from having to shell out time and money for updated versions of the same program. Not only that but your company can also stay agile and flexible by not being tied to a single location or device to keep invoices and transactions up to date: if you're in Hong Kong this week, your books can be too.
Connect with colleagues, wherever you are
Video conferencing software and apps make it easy to communicate with colleagues working remotely or clients a world away but they're additionally useful when you need to share or view files together which can be distributed via screen sharing while you're talking, creating real-time collaboration. Certain platforms such as Slack have these capabilities inbuilt already but standalone apps and platforms such as Skype, Google hangouts and GoToMeeting also offer solutions to bring your team together or let you virtually meet face-to-face with your clients at anytime.
Travel management
The fact that you're reading this means you're already a member of Qantas Business Rewards, so you've got step one covered. Make sure you're making the best of the program and its flying benefits, both to earn points and to simplify your travel booking and reporting processes, saving you time and money. Either book with your travel agent, or log in to your Qantas Business Rewards account and you can book flights for all the members of your team at the same time, or set them up so they can self-book through the Qantas app.
You'll be able to see everyone's flights in one place on your personal dashboard. And because you're a part of Qantas Business Rewards, you'll get access to discounts from 6% up to 10% on the base fare of selected flights and, up to 5% off Red e-Deals~. Plus you and your staff get a 30% discount on Qantas Club membership**, so your travellers can relax with refreshments and wi-fi before their flight.
Easy transactions
While you're making it hard for the hackers to get your money, you want to do the opposite for customers by making payments smooth and easy. Payment service Live Payments, for example, offers a comprehensive suite of payment solutions and its top-of-the-line Life eftpos black is one of the world's smallest, smartest mobile-payment devices – perfect for cafes, couriers and cabbies.
Live Payments black also unlocks premium support and higher points rewards and all Live Payments customers are part of a network of more than 7,000 merchants, who've transacted more than $1 billion on the service since it launched in Australia in 2011, with local small and medium sized business as its core market. Plus you can earn up to 1 Qantas Point per $1 transacted, so while your payments roll in, so do your points for your business.
Take less time in transit
The more time you spend in transit, the less time you have to actually do your work. Innovations such as the Q Bag Tag and the Qantas app can streamline your travel – save time by checking in online and skip having to print your bag label. The ABTC travel card, available to Australian citizens, allows for quicker and easier entry to countries in the Asia-Pacific region by fast-tracking entry and exit through customs, giving you more time to get work done.
Important Information
A business must be a Qantas Business Rewards Member to earn Qantas Points for business. A one-off join fee of $89.50 including GST normally applies. Fees are inclusive of any applicable GST and may be varied by Qantas from time to time, without notice, in its absolute discretion. Qantas Points are offered under the applicable partner's terms and conditions and earning thresholds may apply. Membership of Qantas Business Rewards and the earning of Qantas Points as a business are subject to the Qantas Business Rewards Terms and Conditions.
~ Savings are available exclusively to Qantas Business Rewards Members on selected fares only and do not apply to taxes, fees and carrier charges. Availability is limited. Other conditions may apply. Savings are subject to and defined in the terms and conditions of Qantas Business Rewards as Member Savings. Member Savings are subject to the Qantas Business Rewards membership level.
** Discounted Qantas Club membership is available to Qantas Frequent Flyer members who are Qantas Business Rewards Flyers of the Qantas Business Rewards Member. The discount applies to Qantas Club Individual membership rates and is managed under the Qantas Club Qantas Business Rewards scheme. Qantas Club membership is subject to the Qantas Club Terms and Conditions. Qantas Australian Domestic and International lounge network is subject to change due to changes in state and territory specific restrictions, or health and safety advice. Please remember to check our airport service changes page for the most up to date information on Domestic and International lounge openings and updates. Lounge access eligibility conditions apply. Temporary measures have been put in place across the Qantas lounge network including capacity restrictions, physical distancing requirements and changes to our food and beverage service offerings. Business, Gold Frequent Flyers and Qantas Club members can visit the First Lounge subject to capacity limits until the neighbouring Business lounges reopen. Business customers, Platinum One, Platinum and Gold Frequent Flyers and Qantas Club members can access to Air New Zealand lounges in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, subject to opening hours and capacity limits. Please be advised that lounges are subject to capacity limits at the time of your visit. If you're flying domestically on Qantas, QantasLink or Jetstar within Australia, and on Jetstar within New Zealand you may bring one guest to join you in a Qantas Club lounge. When visiting an international Qantas Club lounge, you are able to invite one guest each time you visit. Both you and your guest need to be travelling together further that day on the same flight.
Qantas would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the local lands and waterways on which we live, work and fly. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.