Technologies Home Based Businesses SHOULD BE considering today!
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We all know that there is no silver bullet or one solution when it comes to using the right technology for a business. That needs to be driven by the type of business, the needs of the business & the owner(s), budget, etc. That being said, there are a number of technology driven methods/practices that should be incorporated into ANY business today...and I wil try to cover a few.
* e-Business Methods: e-Business is different from e-Commerce. e-Commerce typlically relates to selling something electronically, were e-Business is a way to operate your business more electronically. Some ways are:
* e-Storage of documents: Hard copies are a thing of the past and compared to being able to quickly search, retrieve and store a document electronically - the cost & time savings can be great. Plus, it will not only have a positive impact on the bottom line, it will help in saving resources and "Thinking Green". HP offers an All-n-One printer/scanner/copier for about $150 that can get you started. A high volume of documents that need to be scanned at one time may require a different approach.
* e-Marketing: Start driving more of yoru communications via email, including marketing. I suggest you use/obtain a business domain name for your email business address. Today, when a business uses Yahoo - HotMail or AOL for their business, they are sending the message that they are not only small but still using OLD technology. A domain name costs about $35 for a few years and you can usually dovetail yoru email into a bundled package with your web site hosting company.
* Web Site: Today, having a web site is a matter if crediibility...if you are serious about yoru business, you MUST tell/show other people that they should also take you seriously - your web site is the key. Also be aware that it is very obvious whch web sites were put together in a kitchen or by a professional. What perception do you want it project?
* Voice Technology: I will get shot for this from phone comapnies BUT being a previous phone co. owner and the 1st VoIP dealer in the MIdWest - I see NO reason why a Home Based Business should invest in a phone system today. Staying in touch and still being mobile is a challange we all face and one solution is to RENT/Lease a phone system/features from a company remotely or on line. You can usually customize the package around your needs/budget along with having the capability of expansion with a simple phone call or email. The "follow me" feature should be highly considered, that would allow your phone calls to be forwarded to wherever you want - including cell. I also believe that a cell can be used for a Home Based business, it simply boils down to how you answer. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocal) can be beneficial for many businesses, again depending on their needs. 2 Key advantages of VoIP are the elimination of long distance charges if you use a land line; secondly, the ability to have your voice & or email converted into one or the other, especially while you are on the road.
e-Faxing: This is a MUST for any business today and it is fairly simple and inexpensive. There are hundreds of e-faxing software products priced well below $100. The way it works is that it converts the fax into a digital image versus printed and that image can be saved or printed or better yet (SPam Faxes), can be deleted with a key stroke and no paper or ink are wasted. This also dovetails well into e-Storage and "Thinking Green" practices. The average ROI is usually around 6-months depending on usage.
Gadgets: WHat should I use? There are so many to pick from? Blackberrys - PDA's - iPod phones - etc. Again - no simple solution but the answer MUST be driven by your needs and your ability to understand & USE the technology. Otherwise, you will not gain the advantages.
All gadgets come with pro's & cons and make sure you understand everything that is needed before you make your purchase. For example: The Blackberry is very popular but without using Exchange software with it, the problems will drive you up a wall & cost a fortune to use a tech. ALso, keep in mind that you can use 1-2-3 gadgets if that makes it easier for you. Although the trend is to incorporate ALL features into one unit...size does matter and I personally have a problem typing anything of length on a pin head sized key.
Bottom line: You must embrace technology in some way shape or form. Talk to someone who knows technology (but doesn't want to sell you anything) and their advice should be very helpful.
Success & Luck in 08'
