Basic Computer and Communication Tools
Communication is key to any business success! Unless potential clients and customers are aware of your business, they will not have the information to contact you or to purchase your products. When they are aware of your business, they must be able to contact it easily. Two types of communication are essential - external and internal.
Image is extremely important in external communication! Your logo should represent who you are; your letterhead should be a selling tool; your telephone message should reflect your professionalism.
Effective communication requires tools and planning. In this
session we will discuss those tools, as well as planning guidelines, to
facilitate that key element of your business - communication. The following discussion will be grouped into 1) basic communication tools; 2) computers; and, 3) the Internet. Specific tools that can be used for communication include telephones, pagers, facsimile machines and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). The lines between the devices are blurring. For example, a telephone can now contain all of the functions of a PDA and also access email and the Internet. For this discussion, however, each device will be presented as a separate entity.
There are many types of telephones and only you can decide which type(s) or combinations of types are right for you. Even the standard telephone that is installed in your office has many options. You should start with at least one line that is unique to your business. This line should have the capability to take messages in case it is not answered personally. The wireless telephone is becoming a requirement. With a wireless telephone, you can avoid missing calls. The features needed for this type of telephone depend entirely on you and your needs. You can get the basic instrument free by signing up with most carriers, or you can get a model that can receive your email, media, internet, store your contacts, maintain your calendar and allow you to play interactive games. There are many features from which you can choose on standard and wireless phones, such as call waiting, call forwarding, conferencing capabilities and voice mail. There are also many plans and many carriers from which you can choose. Competition has forced options that bundle popular features and usage patterns, making them very cost effective. Be sure to ask questions about your specific needs before selecting a carrier and a plan. When your usage or your needs change, do not hesitate to request information on plans that more closely meet your new set of requirements. Most wireless phone companies allow you to return the phone within 15 to 30 days after activation if you are not happy. Use this time to check if the cell phone has acceptable reception in the places you will use it most such as your home and work place.
It is important to treat the telephone as an important business tool. Record a voice mail message that indicates when you will return the call and then continually check your voice mail to return calls promptly. Have a separate line for your business phone and your personal phone. Don't have family members pick up or use the business phone. Get any required extra telephone lines installed before you start. A remote (voice mail) answering system is usually more desirable than using an answering machine. Voice mail is reliable, reasonable in cost, accessible from anywhere and projects a more business-like image. The need for an 800 number is becoming less important because long-distance rates are much more affordable. Consider using a headset for both wireless phones and cell phones. It is clearer, safer and you can move about with free arms. When leaving phone messages, clearly state your name and phone number at the beginning and the end of the message. Be polite in wireless use! Good business courtesy includes avoiding being interrupted by telephone calls when in a meeting or during a business lunch.
The decision must be made as to whether to get a simple fax machine or whether to get an "all in one" model that not only faxes but also prints and scans. Consideration should be given to your budget and your space constraints. Generally, the simpler the machine, the less problems you will have with it. It is very important to get as much memory as possible on your fax. That makes it possible to send at a rate faster than the rate at which the fax can print. Only when the memory is full will the transmission rate slow down to the speed of print. Some vendors can provide you with a fax number that works with your email system. Sending a fax to you works just like it does when the fax is being received by another machine but you receive it as an attachment to an email. This can be very handy for those who travel on a frequent basis and are not always near a fax machine. Facsimile Tips Use a cover page that is appropriate for your company. Remember, this is external communication that reflects your business and your image. Use a separate dedicated phone line for your fax machine. Computers A computer is such an affordable tool that it should no longer be considered an option for your business! The following discussion will focus on three basic models - desktop, laptop, personal digital assistants - and the software that makes them work. Desktop - This is the most common type of computer, one that is set up to operate in your office. This computer system should include a basic processing unit, a monitor, a modem, a CD drive, a floppy disk drive and a printer. Some type of backup storage should also be considered, such as a Zip drive or a read/write CD. Computer systems can be purchased for a wide range of prices. The only advice that seems appropriate is to get as much and as fast as you can afford. Given rapid advances in technology, whatever you buy today may quickly become obsolete. Fortunately, this does not mean that the computer you purchase will not meet your business requirements for a much longer period of time. Laptop / Notebook - A laptop computer is portable. A single unit will contain a combination of the capabilities shown for the desktop. It usually does not include a printer so that will have to be purchased as an additional item. Another option is a docking station that allows you to plug your laptop into a unit at your office, giving the capability of using your laptop as the basic processing unit while enjoying the use of a larger monitor and a full-sized keyboard. Laptops tend to be a bit more expensive than desktops but if you travel
and need computing capability, it is worth the extra expense. Once again, get
as much capability as you can afford. Consider getting a laptop with wireless
capabilities, this will allow you internet access in a growing number of
areas. Laptops are not typically as easy to upgrade as desktop computers due
to the nature of their construction. You need to be sure you get all the
features you need when you purchase your laptop. Getting a laptop with an
extended battery is another good idea, however if you will always have access
to an electrical outlet this may not be an issue for you. For more
information on notebooks and various configurations available . Personal Digital Assistants - Handheld computers, or Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's), are becoming increasingly popular. There are basically two versions of these units: 1) those that use the Palm Pilot operating system and 2) those that use the Microsoft Pocket PC operating system. These units allow you to synchronize your key organizational elements with your computer. In a very small package, you can have your entire contact list and your calendar as well as a list of things to do. Many of these units also allow you to receive and respond to email via wireless or modem transmission. You need never be out of touch! More and more features are being built into these units integrating them as a powerful tool in the business world. Software - The software you purchase is key to making your computer a productivity aid. The operating system, whether it is a PC or a Macintosh, should be loaded onto the system. Many software packages are often bundled into the system at the time of purchase. At the bare minimum, you should have the capability to do word processing, spreadsheets and presentations. Additionally, you should consider financial and accounting software that is appropriate for your particular business. Keep in mind that many accounting/bookkeeping software packages are not double-entry systems and care must be taken in making the entries correctly. Auxiliary Products - There are many products that can be used in conjunction with your computer to enhance the functionality and image of your business. These also require software specifically designed to facilitate their usage.
Internet The Internet has become a very important business tool! It can be used at a basic level for email and for research and it can be used at a more comprehensive level as a channel for selling your products and services. To get access to the Internet, you need a browser. This is a piece of software. Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator are the two leading browsers. Now that you have a browser, you need to get access to the Internet. This is done through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). These providers range in the features that they provide, but all give you the capability of email. If you want a very comprehensive set of features, then America Online or MSN might be for you. If you are comfortable with accessing the Internet and working within an environment that assumes a little more knowledge on your part, an ISP such as AT&T or Earthlink might meet your needs. As with other forms of communication, there are many plans and prices from which to choose. How you use the Internet in your business is up to you. Perhaps you are not ready to sell your products on the Internet, but you are interested in developing a website, or home page, that lets people know what you do. At the other extreme, you may want to use the Internet as your main sales channel. Just remember, the basics are still on the ground - you need products and services that people need; you need to attract people to your Internet site so that they have the option of purchasing these products and services from you; you need to convince them to buy; you need a place to store your products; and, you need a way to get them to the purchaser. Session 9 of this course will furnish you with detailed information about the Internet and E-Commerce. Technology Planning Before you start, plan for the technology that you will need. Get those extra telephone lines; purchase and learn how to use the computer; decide how you will and will not use the Internet. Keep in mind that the monitoring of employees' use of the Internet while at work is not a violation of their rights to privacy. Your policy should be in writing and signed by your employees. Remember, appropriate use of technology can make your business look established and successful from the very beginning! |