Do you want to learn how to run a business with minimal environmental impact while saving money along the way?
If so, eliminating paper should be at the top of your to-do list.
There are a ton of reasons why going digital is one of the best decisions any entrepreneur can make. For starters:
Running a paperless business has never been easier.
Thanks to digital document management systems, virtual offices, and ecommerce tools, you can say goodbye to paper waste. Cut your business expenses and work remotely from anywhere on the planet.
Oh yeah…and it also helps save the planet too.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Why going paperless is key for eco-entrepreneurs
- The four foundations of a paperless business
- Everything you need to know about virtual business address services
- The tools you need to go completely digital
- How to transition your business to digital step by step
Why Going Paperless is Key For Eco-Entrepreneurs
Before we jump into how to go paperless…
Let’s take a look at why it matters.
Around 50% of all business waste is paper. From printing errors and misused paper to discarded receipts and packaging materials for deliveries.
Think about how much garbage your business sends to the landfill every year.
The average office worker consumes 2 pounds of paper products every day. About 70% of that is thrown away after 24 hours.
If you work in an office or employ any employees…
All of those printed memos, handouts, bills, receipts, and proposals are killing our forests and polluting our planet. Just so you can produce disposable documents that will be read (maybe) once and thrown away.
But not anymore.
As eco-conscious entrepreneurs, we have the power to change that.
Embracing a paperless workflow allows you to run your business while drastically reducing your carbon footprint. Not only will you save money by going digital (think minimal printing costs, storage, and shipping fees.) but you’ll operate a leaner machine.
Less Paper = More Profit.
The Four Foundations of a Paperless Business
Ok, so how do you go completely paperless?
It’s not as difficult as you think.
Sure, there are some small changes you’ll have to make. But once you set up the proper foundations, you’ll never look back.
The key components of a paperless business are:
- Digital document management
- Electronic signatures
- Virtual communication
- Virtual business address services
The latter may not be something you’ve heard of before. That’s why we’re here to help.
Virtual business address services like ipostal1.com/virtual-business-address allow entrepreneurs to operate a legitimate business from their laptop. Your mail gets scanned and delivered to you digitally. Eliminating the need to paper print anything.
If you’ve been looking for a way to run a location-independent business where you can work remotely from anywhere. Read on to learn more about how virtual offices can help you ditch the daily 9-5 grind.
Everything You Need to Know About Virtual Business Address Services
Did you know….
You don’t actually need a physical office anymore to run a successful business. Virtual office services have made it possible to operate completely remotely.
How does it work?
Instead of getting a P.O. box, you sign up for a real physical address. Any mail that gets delivered to this location is opened, scanned, and uploaded to your online portal. You can view everything securely on your laptop or smartphone.
In essence. You never have to touch a piece of paper.
Virtual office services are great for:
- Freelancers who work from home but want to appear professional
- Digital nomads looking to run a business while traveling
- Eco-friendly entrepreneurs who don’t want the extra waste of an office
- Small businesses with remote teams spread across the world
It’s better for the environment because less paper is wasted. But there’s another bonus…
You save money on renting an office, paying for utilities, and much more. All of that extra cash you’re saving can be invested right back into growing your business.
The Tools You Need to Go Completely Digital
You might be wondering…
How in the world can I run a 100% paperless business?
The right technology.
There are technologies out there that replace every single piece of paper in your workflow. Take a look at what successful eco-entrepreneurs are using to stay green.
Digital Document Storage
The cloud has made it possible for you to store all your documents online. No filing cabinets or manilla folders necessary. Everything you need is accessible from the palm of your hand.
Electronic Signature Software
Can’t remember the last time you signed a contract the old fashioned way? With e-signature services, you and your clients can sign documents digitally. Getting deals done faster than ever before.
Invoicing Tools
Who needs paper invoicing when you can send money straight to your bank account? Switching to digital invoicing software is one of the easiest ways to cut costs.
Project Management Software
Instead of using sticky notes and paper calendars. Use digital tools to keep your projects organized.
Note Taking Apps
Forget about using notebooks and loose leaf paper. Try note taking apps that sync across all of your devices.
You’ll love how all of these tools integrate with each other. Your entire business exists in the digital space. Eliminating paper from your workflow has never been easier.
Oh, and here’s the best part…
Many of these tools are free or very inexpensive. Going paperless doesn’t cost you extra money. It saves you money.
How to Transition Your Business to Digital (Step By Step)
Thinking about going paperless? But you don’t know where to start?
Here’s a quick tip.
Don’t try to overhaul your entire business overnight.
Start with one area of your business that wastes the most paper. For most people, that means invoices and contracts.
Swap out your paper invoicing process for an online alternative. Look into e-signature tools you can use to get your contracts signed (and done with) quicker.
Next, forward your mail
Once you have the above processes figured out. It’s time to sign up for a virtual office service. Don’t worry about buying your own business address and worrying about mail delivery. We got you covered.
Finally, digitize current documents
Scan any paper documents you have laying around. Then upload them to your cloud server. You can shred the documents after you know they’re stored safely.
Sure this may seem scary at first. But digital documents are much more secure than having them sit in a filing cabinet.
Now it’s time to change your mindset.
Stop printing EVERYTHING “just in case.” Take notes on your laptop or smartphone. Email PDFs instead of posting documents through snail mail.
Trust me. Small changes like these will have you ditching paper in no time.
The Bigger Picture
When you run a paperless business, you’re helping to do more than just save money.
Paper accounts for 26% of waste in landfills. When paper decomposes in a landfill, it releases methane. A harmful greenhouse gas that traps heat in our atmosphere.
Each piece of paper you save helps protect our planet.
By showing other entrepreneurs that going green can also be profitable. You are inspiring others to do better by our planet. And that’s what being an eco-friendly entrepreneur is all about.
Not to mention, your customers will appreciate you for it.
The number of people trying to live a sustainable life is increasing each day. When you run a paperless business, you’re sending a message to your customers. You care about the planet just as much as they do.
Wrapping Up…
Paperless for Profit.
If there’s one takeaway you should remember from this article. Let it be this.
Going paperless is one of the best decisions you can make as an entrepreneur. Not only will it save you money, but it will also help you run a more efficient business.
There are tools available to you right now that eliminate paper from your workflow. From virtual offices that digitize your mail. To document management systems that store your files online.
You have ZERO excuses not to make the switch today.
