Key Issues in Running Your Business

3. Improve Efficiency

Investing time and money in training and in effective tools and systems can pay long-term dividends.

3.1 Purchase appropriate information technology to improve efficiency.

See Specifying and purchasing IT, Getting the most out of your PC, and other IT titles.

3.2 Make good use of the Internet and email.

See Going online and Email.

• Use the Internet to collect information and market your business. See Finding information on the Internet, Your website strategy, and other Internet titles.

3.3 Where possible, establish routines to avoid wasting time solving the same problem repeatedly.

• Develop and implement straightforward policies. See Everyday workplace policies.
• Store information - including the files on your computer hard drive - systematically, so that it is easy to find. See Filing and records management.
• Manage your time efficiently, and help employees to do so.

3.4 Invest in developing your employees' skills.

See Using training effectively.