Each of us has a morning routine. Some wake up, sip their coffee and read the local paper. Others hop out of bed ready to start the day, grabbing breakfast on-the-go and charging into the office with renewed energy. Granted, routines change over time, and mine is no exception. Where I used to read or watch the morning news, I now check my Twitter feed to get the latest updates in 140 characters or less.
As times change, new technologies emerge, altering the tools we use for our lives and businesses. If you feel like you're having a hard time keeping up, you're in the right place, I've compiled a list of the top 10 technologies small businesses should consider to improve productivity and increase efficiency.
1. Smartphones
It's no surprise that the smartphone is the first technology on this list. It seems everyone has their version of a mini computer in their pocket. But smartphones can be extremely valuable tools for small-business owners on the move. From writing emails to taking calls, managing documents and keeping track of expenses, smartphones offer built-in technologies and applications that can help you manage your business from the road. Check out the Android HTC Hero or the Blackberry Tour, both which are well-tailored to the needs of any small business owner.
2. External wireless USB modems
Although smartphones can handle a wide range of small business functions, they're still not a substitute for being connected through your own personal computer. Luckily, this, too, is possible when you're on the go thanks to external wireless USB modems. These handy gadgets plug directly into your laptop and instantly connect you, wirelessly, to the Internet. Whether you're in a taxi, train, airport, restaurant, or poolside in your own backyard, you'll stay connected effortlessly.
3. Video conferencing and online collaboration tools
There's no doubt about it: traveling in this day and age is expensive. Happily, flying an executive out for a single meeting is no longer a necessity with the emergence of a number of video conferencing and meeting tools. Investing in a system like this will not only allow you to directly work with those that are far away, it'll also give you the ability to moderate online meetings, keep track of all of your participants, share your desktop with others, make web presentations and more.
4. Social media
If you're not already using Facebook, Twitter and other social media tools, finish reading this article and then sign up! The importance of staying connected to your industry and your customers has never been more important. Twitter allows you to effortlessly engage the customer, promote your business and display your commitment to customer service without leaving your computer. Facebook will give you the tools to better define your brand identity, promote events and build a fan base that prospective customers can see to help you grow your business. Plus, both sites will let you keep up with the businesses and news that is most important to you. And remember, social media extends beyond Twitter and Facebook?from LinkedIn to YouTube, Digg to Foursquare, each can offer a unique way to reach new and existing customers.
5. FlipCam or similar device
At first glance, you might wonder what a small portable video camera is going to do for your business. But as different types of media become more accessible to the regular person, businesses need to start utilizing the same channels. Online videos have taken the world by storm?from YouTube to UStream, people are taking online videos and adding their own personal touch to them?and many of these videos are going viral, getting thousands of hits a day. So, take your customers on a tour of your office, or let them see a humorous overview of your brand. You never know, your video might be the next YouTube sensation!
6. Online data storage
You may not realize the catastrophic impact that data loss can have on your business until it happens to you. Viruses, theft, hard drive crashes, and accidental file deletion can happen at any time and put your small business's future in danger. Online Data Storage allows you to backup important files quickly and automatically to secure your business information in the event of an unexpected computer crash or hardware failure. With this technology, files are stored offsite so they are protected from fire, flood or theft. Don't risk losing files that are vital to running your business!
7. Online Security
Protecting your company's private information and making sure your files are safe from viruses and spyware is as important as protecting your home and everything inside of it. Tools like anti-virus software and managed firewalls are crucial to making sure your business information is kept confidential and safe from internet threats.
8. Netbooks and Tablets
The average small business owner probably spends as much time in office as out, not to mention the need for a work/life balance. For those that don't want to lug around a heavy notebook and that find the smartphone's screen and keyboard a bit too tiny, a netbook or tablet computer (like the iPad) is an excellent alternative. Although not as powerful as traditional notebooks, these mini computers give professionals the freedom of a small, lightweight computer that can handle all of the basic tasks?web browsing, emailing and word processing.
9. VoIP
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, which might mean next to nothing to you. But in reality, it means a lot more than you think. Working with a company that runs your phone service over the internet instead of over traditional phone lines can save you a bundle. VoIP often gives you the freedom to use conference calling, call forwarding, automatic redial, and caller ID for free, features that traditional telecommunication companies will charge you for. You're also able to manage many of your services through an online dashboard, giving you the control you need as a small business owner.
10. Instant Messaging and Chat Programs
Although nothing is a substitute for face-to-face conversation, instant messages have their own place and purpose in any business. For questions that require a one-sentence response, or when you need to alert someone of something quickly and easily, an instant message is much more efficient than sending an email or picking up the phone. With free programs that offer one-stop access to all of the different instant messaging programs, from gTalk to AIM, Yahoo Messenger to Skype, you can have all of your buddy lists in one place through one interface, allowing people to effortlessly reach you without spending precious time with back and forth phone calls.
Tara Adams can be reached at tara.adams@
cbeyond.net.
As times change, new technologies emerge, altering the tools we use for our lives and businesses. If you feel like you're having a hard time keeping up, you're in the right place, I've compiled a list of the top 10 technologies small businesses should consider to improve productivity and increase efficiency.
1. Smartphones
It's no surprise that the smartphone is the first technology on this list. It seems everyone has their version of a mini computer in their pocket. But smartphones can be extremely valuable tools for small-business owners on the move. From writing emails to taking calls, managing documents and keeping track of expenses, smartphones offer built-in technologies and applications that can help you manage your business from the road. Check out the Android HTC Hero or the Blackberry Tour, both which are well-tailored to the needs of any small business owner.
2. External wireless USB modems
Although smartphones can handle a wide range of small business functions, they're still not a substitute for being connected through your own personal computer. Luckily, this, too, is possible when you're on the go thanks to external wireless USB modems. These handy gadgets plug directly into your laptop and instantly connect you, wirelessly, to the Internet. Whether you're in a taxi, train, airport, restaurant, or poolside in your own backyard, you'll stay connected effortlessly.
3. Video conferencing and online collaboration tools
There's no doubt about it: traveling in this day and age is expensive. Happily, flying an executive out for a single meeting is no longer a necessity with the emergence of a number of video conferencing and meeting tools. Investing in a system like this will not only allow you to directly work with those that are far away, it'll also give you the ability to moderate online meetings, keep track of all of your participants, share your desktop with others, make web presentations and more.
4. Social media
If you're not already using Facebook, Twitter and other social media tools, finish reading this article and then sign up! The importance of staying connected to your industry and your customers has never been more important. Twitter allows you to effortlessly engage the customer, promote your business and display your commitment to customer service without leaving your computer. Facebook will give you the tools to better define your brand identity, promote events and build a fan base that prospective customers can see to help you grow your business. Plus, both sites will let you keep up with the businesses and news that is most important to you. And remember, social media extends beyond Twitter and Facebook?from LinkedIn to YouTube, Digg to Foursquare, each can offer a unique way to reach new and existing customers.
5. FlipCam or similar device
At first glance, you might wonder what a small portable video camera is going to do for your business. But as different types of media become more accessible to the regular person, businesses need to start utilizing the same channels. Online videos have taken the world by storm?from YouTube to UStream, people are taking online videos and adding their own personal touch to them?and many of these videos are going viral, getting thousands of hits a day. So, take your customers on a tour of your office, or let them see a humorous overview of your brand. You never know, your video might be the next YouTube sensation!
6. Online data storage
You may not realize the catastrophic impact that data loss can have on your business until it happens to you. Viruses, theft, hard drive crashes, and accidental file deletion can happen at any time and put your small business's future in danger. Online Data Storage allows you to backup important files quickly and automatically to secure your business information in the event of an unexpected computer crash or hardware failure. With this technology, files are stored offsite so they are protected from fire, flood or theft. Don't risk losing files that are vital to running your business!
7. Online Security
Protecting your company's private information and making sure your files are safe from viruses and spyware is as important as protecting your home and everything inside of it. Tools like anti-virus software and managed firewalls are crucial to making sure your business information is kept confidential and safe from internet threats.
8. Netbooks and Tablets
The average small business owner probably spends as much time in office as out, not to mention the need for a work/life balance. For those that don't want to lug around a heavy notebook and that find the smartphone's screen and keyboard a bit too tiny, a netbook or tablet computer (like the iPad) is an excellent alternative. Although not as powerful as traditional notebooks, these mini computers give professionals the freedom of a small, lightweight computer that can handle all of the basic tasks?web browsing, emailing and word processing.
9. VoIP
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, which might mean next to nothing to you. But in reality, it means a lot more than you think. Working with a company that runs your phone service over the internet instead of over traditional phone lines can save you a bundle. VoIP often gives you the freedom to use conference calling, call forwarding, automatic redial, and caller ID for free, features that traditional telecommunication companies will charge you for. You're also able to manage many of your services through an online dashboard, giving you the control you need as a small business owner.
10. Instant Messaging and Chat Programs
Although nothing is a substitute for face-to-face conversation, instant messages have their own place and purpose in any business. For questions that require a one-sentence response, or when you need to alert someone of something quickly and easily, an instant message is much more efficient than sending an email or picking up the phone. With free programs that offer one-stop access to all of the different instant messaging programs, from gTalk to AIM, Yahoo Messenger to Skype, you can have all of your buddy lists in one place through one interface, allowing people to effortlessly reach you without spending precious time with back and forth phone calls.
Tara Adams can be reached at tara.adams@
cbeyond.net.