With telecommunications technology you are connected to the entire world at all times of day, and for the savvy industrialist, that means having the ability to do business from anywhere. The world isn’t your oyster, it’s your office. Some business owners fear that extending their company beyond office walls will lead to lower quality work, but with better technology that is no longer the case. These tips will help your company branch out of industrial office parks or headquarters, all without sacrificing operations.
Use Mobile Apps
Chances are that you and other company leaders are already using smartphones. Whether you have an iPhone or an Android, smartphones are great business tools because of the plethora of apps available that can tackle many of the same tasks traditionally done in an office. Some of those tasks include:
• Meetings – Use teleconferencing tools like the Skype app to allow you to see the person you’re speaking with, which is ideal for presenting objects.
• Faxing – Instead of waiting to see incoming faxes at the office, use a tool like the Metrofax Internet Faxing mobile app to view faxes right on your smartphone as soon as they arrive.
• Printing – With printing apps, such as PrintCentral Pro, you can link with nearby WiFi-capable printers and print nearly any type of document right from your smartphone.
Bring the Company Network to You
IT solutions have been created to eliminate the need to access company data strictly from a computer station in your office. Thus, the wireless network of your company can be extended to various remote locations. With an extended network you can connect to the very same files stored electronically in your office. Not only does this allow you to truly work from home, but it increases your company’s ability to use the services of telecommuting, part-time and freelance employees in any location.
Never Close With Remote Customer Service
Problems don’t keep 9 to 5 hours, so when a customer needs assistance they expect to be helped immediately no matter what time of day. By hiring a provider of remote customer services, your customer service operations can be extended around the clock without having to maintain a 24-hour team in your office. With remote customer service you won’t lose a customer because they weren’t able to receive help.
Market With Social Media
Social media is a great way to interact with people, so it’s a boon for businesses to market to potential customers. Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter are accessible from any Web-capable device, requiring only a username and password. You and company employees can launch marketing campaigns from anywhere which helps for those timely marketing angles.
By using these tips to extend your company outside the office, you are creating a whole new meaning to the phrase, “living at the office”. Your home, the coffee shop, the mall, have all become your office. Where do you plan to extend your company?