Cloud-based collaboration allows users to share, co-author and edit files and documents in the cloud, providing users with a common – and safe and secure - platform to work from. Members of a team can work on a single centrally stored document without having to constantly send updated versions using emails, which saves time – and money.

Microsoft Office 365 for Business is a cloud-based offering that combines the best of Microsoft Office with reliability and support from an ICT provider like Singtel. It allows you to use HD video conferencing, instant messaging and business-grade emails, and to access your files via Excel, Powerpoint, Word and Outlook – in other words, you can do business anywhere.

2. Go paperless

Paperwork: it continues to be one of the greatest enemies of efficient businesses. Preparing, distributing and recording hardcopy leave forms, payroll slips and expenses claims takes up a lot of time that could be better spent growing your business.

In the digital age, you don’t have to put up with mountains of (hardcopy) paperwork anymore. There is now software such as Essentials HR available that allow your employees to submit leave/claims applications and retrieve payslips all within clicks. Employers can also issue payslips and approve leave/claims anytime, anywhere.

3. Protect against cyber attacks

Cyber attacks are now regarded as one of the biggest threats to business worldwide. In fact, businesses in Europe, North America, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates regard cyber attacks as the number one threat ahead of issues like unemployment, governance failure and energy prices.

A study by IDC found 86% of Singapore businesses surveyed estimated that downtime can cost at least $20,000 per hour or more. Investing in cybersecurity and sophisticated backup systems is one of the smartest business decisions you can make.

The Singtel Business Backup Suite is a backup and disaster recovery solution that delivers complete data protection on your physical workstation and servers, managed by a single, easy-to-use console. The solution, powered by award-winning cloud storage provider Acronis and already used by more than 500,000 businesses in over 145 countries, allows you to:

 

 

While definitions of SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) vary around the world, small businesses generally employ fewer than 1-50 employees, while medium normally means more than 50 but fewer than 100. While the exact number of SMEs globally is difficult to determine, about 99% of businesses in Singapore are made up of SMEs and account for 70% of employment.

 

99%SME, a partnership between Singtel and DBS, is a venture designed to provide Singapore’s SMEs with a common platform to showcase their products and services, making it easier for SMEs to market their business and reach out to more customers. 99sme.sg does not only give SMEs a chance to get started with online sales, it also provides training and seminars for employees through the DBS Academy. Participation is free.

 

 

Advertising on social media platforms has revolutionised marketing, with revenues in the US alone expected to top the $100 billion mark in 2018. Many SMEs are attracted to online advertising which, if done well, can be cost-effective and sales-effective, too. There are many ways to advertise on social media which are quick, simple and affordable.

 

Online platforms like Adtiq help SMEs customise online advertising campaigns, put together the advertisements, monitor the strengths and weaknesses of the campaign, and receive reports to help your business improve performance and ROI from advertising on Google Search, Facebook and Instagram.

 

For other solutions to improve your business productivity, click here.

Summary: