Technology and Its Use in Effective Marketing

Tips for Using Technology to Promote your Business

Technological tools and innovations have not only improved our productivity but they have also improved our mobility. Recognizing these advantages, many business owners have begun to focus more of their resources on maximizing the benefits offered by these tools. One way that they are doing this is by learning how to use technology more effectively.

Computer Systems

The most visible technology used by businesses is the computer. Computers also make up one of the largest technology costs for businesses. Computers are used to store data, collect data, format data and analyze data. However, they can also be used to service customer accounts and products, communicate with customers, keep employees linked to the office, and to market your company's services and products.

In the past, computers have primarily been used for data processing and word processing; however, this is no longer the case. In order to take full advantage of what your business's computer system can do, you need to expand each unit's function. For example, instead of using an $800 computer just to compose letters and reports, you can train your administrative assistant in desktop publish so that he or she can also handle the development and design of your letterhead, business cards and other promotional materials. You can also use your computers to design and manage your own website.

Another step that you will want to take to maximize the value of your computers is to ensure that they are able to communicate with your other business technology devices and your customer's technology devices. For example, you can set up your office computers so that they can communicate with your employee's PDAs and cell phones. This way you can send memos and other office communications to your employees with one click of the mouse instead of having to print and distribute memos.

PDAs

A PDA is a personal digital assistant. These handheld devices have evolved from a simple digital address book, to a mobile scheduling, word processing, internet surfing and data storage device. Some PDAs have even been integrated into the design of cell phones. To use a PDA effectively you need to (1) make sure that you keep the information stored in the PDA up-to-date, (2) that you clear out unneeded data frequently, and (3) you select a PDA that is compatible with your computer system.

In addition to these steps you will also want to make sure that your company establishes protocols for using company PDAs. For example, if the company owns the PDAs then you will want to limit what information can be stored on the device, who is allowed to access that information and you will also need to establish rules for returning the PDA when an employee leaves the company. These steps need to focus on the security of company information.

Now, PDAs are being replaced with cellphones (referred to as smartphones) such as the BlackBerry, Palm, Droid, and of course the iPhone. These powerhouse phones are capable of handling multiple tasks for their owners while they are away from their desks. From checking email, checking social media sites, web browsing, voice to text capabilities, and much more - these phones make taking the office on the road a much more feasible idea.

Cell Phones

Cell phones are another highly visible technology tool used by businesses. To use cell phones effectively you need to establish rules for their use. First of all your business needs to establish a budget for their cell phones. This budget will need to take into consideration the number of cell phones they need, the amount of communication that is required by their industry as well as the range their cell phones will need. Once a budget has been devised, the next step is to find a service plan that will allow the company to afford the service they need, as well as track individual phone usage.

When the cell phones are distributed, each employee needs to understand when they can use the phone and how much time they can spend on the phone. If your employees spend a lot of time of the phone simply because they need to conduct business on the phone, then an unlimited minutes plan can be a great way to avoid extra high phone bills. If your employees don't normally talk a lot on the phone as a part of business, then you may assign each employee a set number of minutes that they can use for business purposes only. It is also a good idea to set up a repayment system if the employee uses the cell phone for personal calls. For example, the phone bill can be reviewed at the end of each month, personal calls can be highlighted and an invoice can then be created for the employee to pay or deducted from their paycheck.

Other Technological Tools

The world of technology is always evolving. As technology continues to grow and expand, we will continue to feature additional uses for new technologies that have a positive impact in business. The possibilities only come to an end when you stop using your creative abilities in effectively marketing your company!

With the emergence of netbooks and now tablet computers such as the iPad, it's exciting to see how these will be best used in the business world. The possibilities are endless, but be sure to keep an eye on how these new technological tools are incorporated into day to day marketing and commerce.