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10 Hi-Tech Tips to consider

Small businesses need to take advantage of advances in technology. Technology can be used to increase productivity and reduce costs. It may be remote working or just the availably of instant communications. Just be prepared some of these may also place you in greater dependence of providers of hi-tech products and services to help them keep connected. Use these 10 tips to help you stay connected:

1) Broadband – Everyday more resources are becoming available on the World Wide Web. This Web Log is just one example. A Broadband connection keeps you from waiting on slow page downloads. It is important for the office, but depending on your business, having it at home may be just as important.

2) Internet banking – Nearly all banks now offer a way to do your banking on the Internet. Transfer money between accounts or check balances. These are all less time consuming then going to your neighborhood bank. You can use it to make payments and accept on-line payments as while.

3) Internet PR – With the advent of the concept of keywords used by search engines, the possible need for an Internet PR firm may be helpful to have those looking for services that you provide to be sent to your website and not another’s.

4) Internet telephony or VoIP – The nature of voice
Communications is changing. Many VoIP providers are offering long distance calls for nearly nothing. It’s just a matter of converting the analog audio signals to digital data and using the Internet connection. However you do need to keep an eye on the services, what today may be free may cost tomorrow, due to changes in the telecommunication environment and other requirements.

5) Online networking – The Internet has made it easy to network with like-minded business people. There may be nothing better than the face-to-face meeting, but the Internet can be used to quickly obtain potential leads and other information. It’s a good place to help build solid business relationships.

6) On-demand software – Small business owners work from many locations. Software once was delivered on a desk or CD. Now updates can be downloaded from the Internet. Even the software itself can be. Some can even be downloaded and used free of charge. You can store data in on-line secured storage for access no matter where you may be.

7) Podcasting – Do you spend a significant amount of time commuting, running, or in the gym? It could be time to make use of that time by listening to podcasts. The term podcast refers to both the content (i.e. multimedia files such as MP3 music files) and delivery mechanism (via Internet to mobile device such as iPod or PC). You can use Podcasts as a great way to learn or a way of communicating with your prospects and customers.

8) Really Simple Syndication (RSS) – Thousands of pages of valuable news, views, tips and tricks are published everyday. Instead of having to remember your favorite website for information, you can gave them deliver the information to you. That’s what RSS feeds achieve. All you need is a newsreader.

9) Smartphones – This is an electronic handheld device that integrates mobile phone, personal organizer and Internet access tools into one. While often more expensive than traditional cellphones, they do offer flexibility. These could save you a lot of time by allowing you to be available while not in the office.

10) Wi-Fi connects you on the move – Many of the same reason you need Broadband you may also need Wi-Fi. If your office is equipped with a Wi-Fi connection, it’s just a matter of firing up your laptop and you can begin work. Or you may have a vendor coming from miles away and he has a Wi-Fi connected laptop. He can get online and receive the information you may need immediately instead of waiting. Also for small fee, even at time for free, you may be able to do work from major coffee shops and other meeting places.

© 2006 Steven G. Atkinson – All rights reserved – tt4sb.com

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