Telecommunications
Trends and Technology
The trends in technology
are toward more information, easier access and ease of communications
for the individual entrepreneur. Lone-eagle entrepreneurs and home-based
businesses can now gather information, store it in a database, and
transfer it by fax to potential customers. The increased capability
to obtain oceans of data and view, sort, store and create with blended
technologies dramatically increases individual productivity.
This gives the telecommunications-literate
entrepreneur the opportunity to design, produce and market products
and services for which previously only larger companies had the capacity.
The power of information:
universal access
We've all heard that information
is power. In a business, meaningful information that is up to date
gives us the power to make better decisions, analyze risks, research
markets and improve our products and services. In the past, entrepreneurs
with a new business rarely had the time or resources to obtain valuable
and state of the art information. Today, computer networks and on-line
sources can give the entrepreneur access to information about their
industry, customers, trends, interest rates, markets - even the weather
- anywhere in the world. Not only can you find the information, but
you can print it, fax it, file it and update it with a few simple
keystrokes.
Examples of the kind of
information that on-line services provide to entrepreneurs:
Industry trends
- Safety information
- Sales trends
- Customer needs
- Marketing and pricing
strategies
Research for markets
- Demographic trends
- Population bases
Research for product
or service development
- New technologies
- Products being introduced
into the market
Management information
- Salary comparisons
- Human resource information
- Recruitment assistance
- Business information
and strategies
- Business training and
education
Interest rates and investment
information
Even business investors
can be located electronically. For a fee of $20 to $1,500, you can
list with an investor network. A description of your business and
required capital is circulated among network members.
With the help of telecommunications,
access to useful information from anywhere in the country gives the
small business and entrepreneur a powerful advantage in the race for
success.
The power of communication:
anytime, anyplace
The telecommunications
industry - including telephones, televisions, computers and other
electronic devices, is connecting entrepreneurs, customers, suppliers,
partners and advisors around the world. Telecommunications gives us
the power to sell and buy products and services without wasting time
on travel, and it allows us to stay in touch with key customers, employees,
and family members when we are on the road.
Roger McNamee's business
is on the west coast, but he lives on the east coast. It is difficult
to find him in either place. He spends most of his time promoting
his investment business at trade shows and conferences across the
country. Roger initially bought his satellite pager so his wife could
reach him outside the limits of his cellular telephone. He claims
this new telecommunications tool has not only kept his family in touch,
it has also increased his productivity and sales opportunities beyond
his first expectations.
How can a pager become
such a profitable tool? Besides beeping when Roger is being contacted,
this wireless messaging system allows pages of text to scroll across
the screen or can serve as a voice-mail system. Because of the capability
to send more information and longer messages, he saves the cost of
a return telephone call, which was necessary with the simple beeper
system. Roger also gets updates on stock quotes and the Dow Jones
headlines, keeping him informed while he is on foot. In addition to
these features, Roger also uses his pager as a wireless fax mailbox.
A sender transmits the fax to his toll-free number. He is instantly
notified and can have the fax redirected to any nearby fax machine.
Telecommunications tools
such as the satellite pager can help entrepreneurs do more and communicate
more effectively without being chained to a desk. Customer orders
are not delayed because we cannot be reached. Contracts can be negotiated
without sitting across conference tables. Appointments can be made
and confirmed without playing telephone tag.
In addition to the business
advantages, wireless telecommunications tools give families the security
of contact with entrepreneurs on the move
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