11 Essential Tech Skills Every Business Needs for Growth in 2024
Tech Skills = Utility
In today's fast-paced world, keeping up with technology isn't just for IT experts—it's a must for anyone who wants to drive business growth. The tech landscape is constantly changing, and the skills that can boost productivity, enhance collaboration, and protect your business are no longer optional. Whether running a small business or leading a team, mastering a few foundational tech skills can make all the difference.
Think of it like Batman without his gadgets. Sure, he's still a skilled hero, but without his tech, he's just another fighter in a world full of superpowered opponents. The Batmobile, the grappling hook, and those high-tech tools make him a step ahead of everyone else. Similarly, if you and your team aren't leveraging basic tech skills, it's like going into battle without your utility belt—you might still get the job done, but it'll take longer, and you'll face more hurdles.
From typing faster to automating tedious tasks, these 11 essential tech skills will help you and your team work smarter, not harder. And the best part? You don't need to be a tech wizard to learn them. With the right approach, anyone can sharpen these skills and level up their productivity.
In this blog, we'll break down each skill, explain why it's essential, and give you practical tips on how to learn it yourself and how to train your team. Ready to get started?
Tech skills are the built-in rocket boosters of the business world.
1. Typing: The Hidden Productivity Bottleneck
In a world where most communication happens digitally, slow typing can seriously drag down your productivity. It's like trying to run a race with one shoe untied—you'll get there but you'lllose valuable time. In fact, finger-pecking your way through tasks in 2024 can be a major unseen bottleneck for a lot of professionals. Whether you're drafting emails, writing reports, or simply entering data, typing faster means working faster.
How to Learn It Yourself
Improving your typing speed doesn't take a lot of fancy tools. Start with free online platforms like TypingClub or Keybr. Set aside 10-15 minutes each day for practice, and focus on accuracy first. Once you're typing without looking at the keyboard, start aiming for speed by setting personal goals—like typing 60 words per minute by the end of the month. Track your progress to stay motivated.
You can become a touch typer with Typing Club
How to Train Your Team
Boosting typing skills across your team can noticeably impact overall efficiency. One simple way is to make typing improvement a fun daily challenge. Use tools like Ratatype to create typing tests that track progress over time. Gamify it by offering small incentives, like badges or even a weekly reward for the most improved team member. Not only will it sharpen skills, but it'll also foster some healthy competition in the office.
2. Digital Organization: Declutter for Efficiency
Ever spent too long searching for a file buried somewhere in your digital clutter? It's not just frustrating—it's a major time-waster. A messy folder system slows you down, disrupts your workflow, and can even lead to lost files. By organizing your digital workspace, you'll save your future self from headaches and be able to access information when you need it.
How to Learn It Yourself
Start by doing a deep clean of your own digital space. Create a simple folder structure that's easy to follow, using clear, descriptive names for folders and files. Tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive can help you keep everything organized and accessible. Schedule a weekly "file clean-up" session where you spend 15 minutes organizing or deleting unnecessary files. If you're unsure where to start, try the Marie Kondo method for digital spaces: if a file doesn't "spark joy" (or isn't important), archive or delete it.
How to Train Your Team
Getting the whole team on board with a structured organizational system can dramatically improve collaboration. Set up a standardized folder structure that everyone uses for shared files. Train the team on best practices for file naming and storing, and emphasize the importance of version control (like adding dates to file names). You can use project management tools like Trello or Notion to centralize important documents and tasks so everyone knows where to find the resources they need.
3. Tinkering & Self-Learning: Staying Ahead of Tech Changes
Technology evolves quickly, and if you're not keeping up, you'll find yourself falling behind. The ability to tinker with new tools and teach yourself is essential in today's world. It's like building a survival kit—you never know when you'll need a new skill, but if you're always learning, you'll be ready for whatever comes your way. Tinkering with technology gives you the confidence to adapt to changes and stay ahead of the curve.
How to Learn It Yourself
Start by dedicating time each week to explore new tools or platforms that interest you. Whether it's trying out a new app, messing around with software settings, or taking free courses on platforms like Udemy or Coursera, the key is to get your hands dirty. If you're unsure where to start, pick a tool you already use and learn more advanced features. Be patient with yourself—it's about curiosity and growth, not mastering everything at once.
How to Train Your Team
Fostering a culture of experimentation is key to helping your team stay adaptable. Encourage "tinker days," where employees can explore new software or tools and then share their discoveries with the team. You could even start a "Tech Share" session during weekly meetings where team members showcase something new they've learned. Providing access to self-paced learning resources, like LinkedIn Learning or Skillshare, can also inspire continuous self-learning across the board.
4. Basic Coding: Automate the Mundane
You don't need to be a full-fledged programmer to benefit from knowing a little coding. In fact, basic coding can help you automate everyday tasks that take up valuable time—think of it as having a digital assistant that handles the boring stuff for you. Even a simple script can save you hours, allowing you to focus on more meaningful work.
How to Learn It Yourself
Start with beginner-friendly programming languages like Python or JavaScript, which are great for automation tasks. Platforms like Codecademy and freeCodeCamp offer interactive lessons where you can learn how to write simple scripts. Try automating a small task, like sorting data in a spreadsheet or setting up an email alert system. Start small, and as you gain confidence, you can expand your automation projects.
How to Train Your Team
Offer coding workshops where team members can learn to automate repetitive tasks. Focus on practical applications of coding that can make daily tasks easier—like automating data entry or generating reports. Consider hosting "code-alongs" where you walk through simple scripts as a group and show how they can be used in real work scenarios. Encourage your team to find tasks they'd like to automate and help them build solutions using tools like Zapier.
5. Data Analysis: The Power of Numbers
Numbers don't lie, and being able to interpret data is a superpower in today's business world. Data analysis allows you to make smarter, more confident decisions based on facts rather than gut feelings. Whether it's understanding customer behavior or optimizing internal processes, those who can read the data have a serious edge.
How to Learn It Yourself
Start by mastering the basics of Excel or Google Sheets—learning how to use pivot tables, formulas, and charts is a great first step. Free courses on Coursera or YouTube can help you grasp the essentials of data analysis. Once you're comfortable with spreadsheets, try diving into Google Analytics or beginner-friendly data visualization tools like Tableau. Apply what you learn by analyzing small sets of data from your own business or projects.
How to Train Your Team
Host a data analysis workshop where your team can learn the basics of interpreting and working with data. Use real company data to make it more engaging and relevant. Encourage employees to share insights from their analysis during team meetings, helping them apply what they've learned. Providing access to online courses or bringing in an external expert can also help level up the team's data skills.
6. Cybersecurity Awareness: Protect Your Digital World
One wrong click on a suspicious email or a weak password can open the door to serious security issues. Cybersecurity is no longer just the responsibility of the IT department—everyone on your team should be aware of basic online safety practices. Protecting your digital world is like locking the doors to your house; if you leave them open, you're inviting trouble.
How to Learn It Yourself
Start by familiarizing yourself with common cybersecurity threats like phishing, malware, and ransomware. Websites like CyberAware offer free resources and tips. You can also take quick online courses on platforms like Udemy or Khan Academy that cover essential practices like using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and spotting phishing scams.
How to Train Your Team
Set up regular cybersecurity training sessions for your team. Use platforms like KnowBe4 to run phishing simulations and train your staff on how to identify threats. Implement a password policy and encourage the use of password managers like LastPass. Regularly remind employees of safe online practices and make it part of the company culture to report any suspicious activity immediately. This proactive approach can prevent costly security breaches.
7. Collaboration Tools: Maximizing Communication Efficiency
With remote work and distributed teams becoming the norm, using collaboration tools effectively is essential for smooth communication and productivity. Tools like Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams are powerful, but they're only useful if everyone knows how to leverage them to their full potential. It's like having a fast car—you won't win the race if you don't know how to drive it properly.
How to Learn It Yourself
Take time to explore all the features of the tools you already use. Most platforms offer tutorials, like Slack's Help Center or Zoom's Learning Center, where you can dive into features like integrations, shortcuts, or meeting automation. Practice using advanced options like scheduling meetings, setting up channels, or integrating tools like Google Drive or Trello to improve workflow.
How to Train Your Team
Host interactive training sessions where your team can get hands-on experience with collaboration tools. Walk through the most useful features, like setting up team channels, managing notifications, or using shared documents effectively. Create a guide or best practices document that outlines how your team should use these tools for communication, project management, and file sharing. Follow up with regular "tool tips" during meetings to keep everyone on the same page.
8. Cloud Computing: The Future of Business Flexibility
Cloud computing isn't just for IT departments anymore—it's crucial for businesses of all sizes. Whether it's storing files, running applications, or managing customer data, the cloud allows businesses to be more flexible and scalable. Understanding how the cloud works is like learning how to harness renewable energy for your business—it's efficient, cost-effective, and gives you the power to adapt quickly.
How to Learn It Yourself
Start by learning the basics of cloud platforms like Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), or Microsoft Azure. These platforms offer free tiers and tutorials to help you get familiar with cloud storage, computing, and services. Focus on understanding key concepts like cloud storage, SaaS (Software as a Service), and security. You can take free introductory courses on Coursera or directly from the cloud platforms' learning hubs.
How to Train Your Team
Offer cloud training workshops where your team can learn the fundamentals of cloud computing and how it benefits your business. Provide them with practical tasks, like setting up a shared cloud folder or running a simple application on the cloud. Encourage team members to get certified in basic cloud services (most providers, like AWS, offer beginner certifications). By familiarizing your team with the cloud, you'll help them work more efficiently and flexibly, especially in remote or hybrid work environments.
9. Digital Marketing: Rocket Fuel for Growth
In today's digital-first world, marketing is all about reaching your audience where they spend their time—online. Whether it's through social media, email marketing, or SEO, having digital marketing skills is like fueling your business with rocket fuel. It allows you to scale your customer reach, generate leads, and build brand awareness far more effectively than traditional methods.
How to Learn It Yourself
Start by focusing on one area of digital marketing that interests you. Platforms like Google Digital Garage, HubSpot Academy, or SEMrush Academy offer free, beginner-friendly courses in SEO, social media marketing, and email campaigns. Experiment with tools like Google Analytics to track website traffic or Mailchimp to set up basic email marketing campaigns. Even creating and analyzing a few posts on social media platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn will help you get a feel for how digital marketing works.
How to Train Your Team
Provide access to digital marketing resources and encourage team members to specialize in different areas, like social media or SEO. Organize hands-on workshops where your team can practice running campaigns, tracking metrics, or improving website SEO. Set up a digital marketing "playbook" with best practices for email campaigns, keyword research, and social media strategy. You can also bring in external experts to run deep-dive training sessions that help your team stay up-to-date with the latest trends.
10. Design Thinking: Solving Problems Creatively
Design thinking is a human-centered approach to problem-solving that fuels creativity and innovation. By focusing on the end-user, design thinking helps you come up with solutions that are not only functional but also highly effective. It's like looking through the eyes of your customer—understanding their needs, frustrations, and desires to design solutions that truly make a difference.
How to Learn It Yourself
Start by exploring the five stages of design thinking: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. Free resources on IDEO U or Coursera offer great introductory courses. Begin applying design thinking to small projects by interviewing customers or team members to understand their pain points, then brainstorm solutions. Use tools like Miro or Figma to create prototypes and visualize ideas.
How to Train Your Team
Run design thinking workshops where employees work in teams to solve real business problems using the design thinking process. Start with a customer pain point and have your team walk through each step, from empathy to prototyping. Encourage brainstorming sessions that welcome all ideas, no matter how wild, and reward creativity. Design thinking fosters innovation, and training your team to use this method can lead to more user-friendly products and services.
11. Automation Know-How: Free Your Time for Important Tasks
Why spend time on repetitive tasks when you can automate them? Automation isn't just for tech experts anymore—it's a productivity booster for everyone. By automating routine tasks, you free up time for more important work, allowing you to focus on creativity and strategy. It's like hiring a virtual assistant to handle the boring stuff while you focus on growing your business.
How to Learn It Yourself
Start by identifying simple, repetitive tasks that take up too much of your time. Platforms like Zapier, IFTTT, and Make.com (formerly Integromat) let you automate workflows without needing to code. For example, you can create automation to move data between apps, schedule social media posts, or generate reports automatically. Tutorials on YouTube and the Make.com Academy can help you get started with building effective workflows that streamline your day-to-day tasks.
How to Train Your Team
Encourage your team to pinpoint tasks that are time-consuming and explore automation solutions. Offer training on tools like Make.com or Zapier and demonstrate how these platforms can be used to automate workflows, such as updating project management tasks or automatically handling customer support queries. Set up a shared library of common automation for the team to use and regularly review and optimize these processes to keep everything running smoothly.
Conclusion
In today's tech-driven world, mastering these 11 foundational skills isn't just about keeping up—it's about driving your business forward. From faster typing and better organization to harnessing the power of data and cloud computing, each of these skills can boost productivity, streamline workflows, and unlock growth. And the best part? These aren't skills reserved for tech experts—anyone can learn them.
By taking the time to sharpen these skills yourself and empowering your team to do the same, you'll create a more efficient, adaptable, and forward-thinking workplace. Whether you start by automating tasks, leveling up your digital marketing efforts, or enhancing collaboration, every step you take will help your business stay ahead of the curve.
So, which skill will you sharpen first? Whichever you choose, remember that continuous learning is key. If you need help with training strategies or creating custom learning content, Skill Mammoth is here to guide you every step of the way.