Cell phones/Mobile Phones
The cell phone, also called a mobile phone, is used for mobile communications over a cellular network of cell sites. There are numerous plans and carriers. Many carriers have plans tailored for small businesses including 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 needs change, do not hesitate to request information on plans that more closely meet your new set of requirements. Most cell 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 at your home and work place. Basic cell phones are offered free by many carriers for a specific length of time, usually two years. But be aware there are hefty fees for canceling early.
Smartphones
Growth in demand for advanced mobile devices boasting powerful memory, larger screens and open operating systems has outpaced the rest of the mobile phone market for several years. A smartphone is a cell phone offering advanced capabilities with computer-like functionality. A smartphone can incorporate advanced features like e-mail, Internet and e-book reader capabilities and include a full keyboard or an external keyboard. In other words, a smartphone is a miniature computer that has phone capability.
Smartphones are also capable of text messaging and may include a camera and video recorder. Some models are capable of "Push to Talk" which is a feature similar to a walkie-talkie. Outside your office a smartphone can become a valuable tool for e-mail, web browsing and the ability to review and edit documents. Several models have global positioning system (GPS) capability and many other available applications. The most popular are the iPhone, Blackberry, Droid and Google's Nexus One. Each has different strengths you will need to factor into your business needs.
Video and Web Conferencing
Video conferencing transmits and receives images and voice in real-time. Web conferencing adds another dimension – it allows you to share documents and applications.
Telepresence takes video and web conferencing to new levels. A telepresence conference room includes ultra-high-definition video cameras, large screens displaying life-size images, and spatially discrete audio to create an "in person" experience. Facial expressions for crucial business discussions and negotiations can be discerned across the "virtual table." Telepresence solutions can be deployed to support your business’ need from one-on-one conferencing in private offices to stadium seating for larger meetings.
All these solutions allow you to communicate as if you were face-to-face with customers anywhere in the world. Time and money that would be spent on traveling can be used to conduct meetings. You can share documents, make presentations and conduct meetings on short notice. For example, without leaving your office you can collaborate with employees who work from home or from other company locations. You can get detailed information on video and web conferencing at: www.google.com and www.wikipedia.org. At My Own Business, we use www.WebEx.com conferencing solution from Cisco Systems, Inc.
Social networking sites
A social network is a social structure made of individuals or organizations that are tied together by common interests, often like a community. Internet-based social networking occurs through a variety of websites that allow users to share content and interact around similar interests. It has expanded to include a company's customers, celebrity's fans and a politician's constituents. This has created a great opportunity for businesses to generate interaction with present and potential customers through Web-based sites established for that purpose. To be successful requires a steady effort and participation over time. With an ongoing commitment of effort you can create a niche market through sites such as MySpace, Facebook and Twitter. A note of caution on Internet social networking: once you put something out there it's hard to take it back, so you have to be careful.
Online chat tools
Wikipedia describes chat tools best: "Online chat can refer to any kind of communication over the Internet, but is primarily meant to refer to direct one-on-one chat or text-based group chat using tools such as instant messengers." It is commonly used in place of email when there is a need to communicate live. Chat tools can be used both for internal and external communication and can be placed on a website so customers can talk to a customer service person in real-time. Utilizing chat tools usually requires a free software download. There are many options available including AOL, GoogleTalk and Yahoo IM. Features can vary from simple one-on-one messaging to highly developed tools for group chat, file transfers, video and document collaboration such as WebExConnect.
Fax Machines
The decision must be made as to whether to buy a stand alone fax machine or an "all-in-one" model. All-in-ones function as a printer, scanner, copier and fax. (Not all models have the fax or scanner capability). If you plan on sending and receiving lots of faxes you might consider the stand alone. For less frequent use the all-in-one can cost less. They are also compact and more energy efficient. Consideration should be given to your budget and your space constraints. Generally, the simpler the machine, the less problems you will have with it. If your business will rely heavily on faxing, it is important to get as much memory as possible to speed up the printing of documents.
Some phone vendors can provide you with a fax number that works with your e-mail system. Receiving a fax works just like it does when the fax is being received by another machine but you receive it as an attachment to an e-mail. This can be very handy for those who travel on a frequent basis and are not always near a fax machine. Here are tips:
- Use a cover page that is appropriate for your company. Remember, this is an external communication that reflects your business and your image.
- Use a separate dedicated phone line for your fax machine.
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