"Phone/Fax/Modem
Home"
The Efficient Use of Technology
Telecommunications and
technology advances are making entrepreneurs more powerful and capable
than ever before.
New developments in personal
communications devices, or picocomputers, will soon allow you to write
a note on the screen, such as "lunch with Ray," and the computer will
translate the handwriting into computer text, store it, put it on
your calendar, and remind you of the appointment in the future.
Scanners allow you to scan
an article, store it on your computer, make copies, and fax copies
to customers, all with a couple of keystrokes. This type of assistance
- along with countless other improvements in data generation and management
which appear almost daily - increases productivity without the need
to hire office staff. When you incorporate a fax machine, copier,
electronic calculator, and calendar all into a personal computer you
have less equipment to purchase and maintain.
Make careful decisions
when purchasing equipment. Be honest with yourself as you research
new computer hardware and software. These are business tools and not
toys so make sure you really need the purchase and can demonstrate
to yourself that it will affect the bottom line. While price is always
an factor with start-up businesses, don't forget to consider service.
Equipment failures or problems can stop you from conducting business.
Ask about support services for your questions and repair services
for problems.
Here are some ideas to
consider when investing in technology to assist in your business.
Tips and Techniques
1. Do your homework.
Check with other entrepreneurs about the software and equipment
they use.
2. Check out the support
and service available for any software or equipment you plan to
purchase. The best price could cost you more in the long run if
you do not have the support and service available when you need
it.
3. Read articles and
reviews on the use of new technology for small businesses. See Resource
section for additional information.
Telephone
In the face of amazing
technological advances, one piece of equipment remains the cornerstone
for any business: the telephone. The telephone offers immediate and
instantaneous connection to the outside world for the home-based entrepreneur.
That's why it is a smart idea to invest in a separate business phone
line into your house. A separate phone line helps you to distinguish
between business and family calls. That holds true whether your phone
line is connected to the modem in your computer or the more conventional
telephone. Don't miss important customer calls because one of the
kids answered and confused the message. Cellular phones can be a good,
though often costly, investment which allows you to be on the move
while still in touch.
Tips and Techniques
1. If you are leaving
your home office, don't leave your phone unattended. Here are some
options:
a. Forward your phone
calls to an answering service which will answer the phone using
your business's name.
b. Forward your phone
to a cellular phone you take with you.
c. Connect your phone
to an answering machine to record calls. Make sure the message
on the answering machine is professional and identifies your business.
An answering machine which allows you to access your message from
an outside phone is a smart investment. You can return your important
calls within hours instead of days.
2. Remember that you
are the receptionist at your business. Practice good phone techniques.
Always answer your phone in a professional and friendly manner.
Identify your business name to the caller immediately.
3. Use the phone to gather
information. Costs and availability of products, research information,
and appointments are handled more efficiently with a phone call.
4. Shop around for good
telephone rates. A lot of companies claim that they can lower your
rates for long distance services, but the only way to know if that's
true is to first establish a baseline for comparison. Here's a few
pointers:
a. Look over past phone
bills and see when and where most of your money is going in telephone
costs. For example, daytime rates within North Dakota.
b. Calculate what it
costs per minute for that baseline and use that when you shop
around.
c. Consider all your
various phone needs (e.g., 800 number services, in-state versus
out-of-state long distance, overseas calls, late night on-line
services calls) and shop for each individually, or gang them together
with one service in exchange for a better overall rate.
The purchase and use of
technology and telecommunications can be a tremendous boost for the
home-based entrepreneur. Indeed, it makes it possible to run certain
businesses out of the home that before would be impossible. With the
help of these technical advances, you can do business anywhere from
anywhere.
Next
Chapter...
