Hot questions right now: How to grow your business without working more? What are the most effective business boosting strategies companies can use in the next 12 months?

One of the fastest ways to grow your business is using an online platform, because it strips out the need to pay for physical premises and you can run your business from anywhere in the world.

Online tools can cover the basic processes of any company, from finance to HR management. These are also your best opportunities to get the company noticed.

The advantage of online for businesses of all sizes is the ability to be flexible, making any changes very quickly. The main disadvantage is the growing need to implement effective cyber security.

If your company fails to invest in simple protection, in the form of Free VPN's or basic blocking programs, it can be taken down by cyber criminals in a range of ways. That aside, focusing your business growth strategies online could be the best route to success in 2018.

Grow Your Business in 5 Steps

You need a detailed map of strategies, which can be applied to the fast-changing world of technology, finance and marketing.

The five year plan is dead. It's not realistic to predict, in a detailed way, what the world will look like that far in the future. Everything is changing extremely fast. So, what can you do as a business owner or an executive to boost your company in real time?

1.    Investing.

Invest in your marketing knowledge to keep up with the various innovations, implemented in the different sectors every day. Marketing knowledge is the base of every successful company. Money and time invested in this will bring the results quickly.

Don't reinvent the wheel, however. Learn from experts in your industry and consider tried and tested approaches for your business.

2.    Social media.

Do not underestimate social media. Popular websites like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are used for more than sharing family pics. They can be effective money-spinners for businesses big and small

Use free online platforms to share marketing messages with the customers directly. Social media platforms are the fastest way to promote your website, products, services and marketing assets when linked to them. These could earn you more customers and more sales. But do not spam; use social media networks sympathetically.

3.    Value-adding.

Another way to attract the high number of customers is by giving them more than they ask for. Surprising and delighting new customers is an effective way of encouraging their repeat custom. Every business should define its own way of providing additional value to customers depending on preferences.

For example, in 2017 one of the most frequently used methods of value increase is a «Try for free» offer. But you could just as easily offer free delivery options, wrapping, or a token free gift with certain purchases. Get creative!

4.    Process speed.

In the 21st century, customers pay attention not only to quality, but also speed. They want the fastest services possible. If you're not fast enough, you could lose the customer. Delivery a service late, or failing to fulfil a promise to deliver on time is a major no-no.

5.    Automation.

Automation sounds like a buzz word, but it just refers to the hardware and software you can use to speed up simple work processes. Technology that takes care of simple, repetitive and rules-based tasks will allow you to focus on management and creativity, potentially increasing your productivity and profits.

So, which of these 5 ideas will you implement for your business in 2018? It's worth taking time to formulate an action plan, or get left behind by the competition.