You probably have a software program you’ve worked with for years and it still meets all your needs. You’ve used it so long you know all the shortcuts, or do you?

Recently, I took an online tutorial for MS Excel, a program I’ve used more than half my life. Before taking this course, I thought I knew the bulk of what the program could do l and that I was completing the processes in the best possible way. However, I learned so much in just one hour that will save me a significant amount of time in the long run.

We too often resort to the phrase, “Been there, done that.” When any system gets updated, we should take the time to learn what’s new.

Continue reading to learn why it’s important to improve your software use at work.

Going back to basics can save time and money in the long run. Tutorials are great tools to keep you up-to-date and help you work more efficiently. So why not spend the time?

While you may think you’re too busy, tutorials are often relatively short and the skills you learn will save time in the long run. Think of it as an investment with a high yield of return.

Here are some tips to improve efficiency at work:

• Review Existing Systems

• Take a close look at the systems you have in place for inventory, employee management, sales and customer retention. Are you using up-to-date software or processes for these systems? Have you updated the software products, but still use old techniques? It’s time to reexamine the process.
  
  

• Learn Something New

• Watch a tutorial or two on existing software products you use and learn some new techniques that will help you or your staff work more efficiently. Just a little time learning some new tricks can have a huge return on not only your time investment but your bottom line as well. Tutorials can be found built into some software applications by checking the Help section, on YouTube, or third party agencies such as Fred Pryor Seminars or Lynda that offer tutorials or classes for a fee.

• Back It Up

• Before trying out what you’ve learned on your system, back up your information first. An ounce of prevention is always a safe bet. You don’t want to lose what you have, and you sure don’t want to be left holding an empty bag.

Imagine a few simple changes to a process, saving you minutes or even hours every month. You can apply that time to other areas in need of attention. Tweak some more and your flexible time will continue to grow. Learning new ways to do things is always beneficial, even if it doesn’t work out. You gain as much knowledge, if not more, from failures as you do successes.

Take some time to analyze the software applications you are using and how you are utilizing them. There could be something available that would save you time and money. Just because it works, doesn’t mean it’s the most efficient. With the internet you have the ability to shop around for the tools you need and many companies will even give you a free test drive.

Set some time aside and teach that old dog a new trick – it’s worth the effort!

For more advice on how to increase your bottom line, download our e-book, Marketing to Millennials.