Small Business Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Solution’

There are two necessary evils for those who make a living over the telephone – constantly picking up the handset and the tortuous twisting of that curly cord. For light users, using the handset is not such a big deal, but for service agents, salespeople, and the like, two free hands are always better than one. If you are of this ilk, then you typically scan a computer screen, access information, and enter data while tending to a phone call.

The solution implemented since the inception of the call center has been the hands-free business telephone headset. The biggest issue when headsets were first employed was activating the hook switch to answer the call. Early integrations involved installing some sort of base unit or amplifier between the handset and the phone. You then connected the telephone headset to the base unit. For these installations, the user was required to lift the handset off-hook and set it on the desk to activate the headset. The handset was then placed back into the cradle to end the call. This was referred to as manual operation. Although not the optimal way to use a headset, manual operation is still found in the office environment. Its use remains because many business telephones do not have integrated headset jacks.

You can probably deduce the better way to use a telephone headset, one-touch operation. One-touch operation refers to the activation of the headset with a push of a button. The call is then ended with a push of a button. There is no need to touch the telephone handset. This is how most users operate their business telephone headsets today. One-touch function is typically a feature that is dependent on the type of business telephone that you are using. The largest business phone manufacturers, Avaya and Nortel, have integrated headset jacks built into their phones. This allows you to plug a headset directly into the phone using an adapter cord. Most of the phones also have a feature button labeled “headset.” This button is used to answer and hang up the call. If you’re in the market for a wired telephone headset, then this is the type of functionality that you seek.

Even though one-touch access is great, many people don’t like to be tethered to the desk. Many people will attest to the fact that when they first started using a wired telephone headset the headset cord would knock over their latte or gourmet coffee almost daily. They just kissed that four bucks goodbye! The solution, although more expensive, was to go wireless.

Operation of wireless business telephone headsets has come a long way. Most current models feature remote answering and ending of a call. This means that the earpiece often has an integrated answer button so that you can activate the telephone hook switch remotely. You don’t need to be at your desk to press a headset button on the phone. Simply, press the button on your wireless headset when you hear the phone ring, and the call is connected.

A variety of technologies exist for today’s wireless headsets. Basically, if you are looking to walk moderate distances away from your desk (~50-100 ft.), then 900MHz, 2.4 GHz, or DECT (1.9 GHz) is the way to go. The other technology used for the wireless telephone headset is Bluetooth. It works surprisingly well even though the range is quoted at 33 ft. Truthfully, you’re rarely this far from your desk. Some of the more advanced business telephones are even integrating Bluetooth compatibility into the phone set. Two of the larger manufacturers of wireless headsets, Plantronics and Jabra, offer products using each of these technologies.

Now, let’s get back to the important question, “Which type of business telephone headsetis best for you?” Well, it’s as easy as one, two, and three:

Manual operation telephone headsets are your last resort.
One-touch operation headsets are great.
If you’re fortunate enough to use a phone that has a wireless headset solution, then spend the money. You won’t be disappointed.

Marketing and specifically internet marketing should be a core business activity of every SME in today’s economy. Ignoring the web or not perceiving its true value to help drive SME’s out of hardship could be at the peril of survival. The internet is a cheaper forum for testing and measuring. Mistakes don’t cost as much as mistakes with traditional forms of off line marketing and advertising.

The first small business website solution is of course to build your own website from scratch. If you not particularly internet savvy this can take some considerable time and if you are not careful the end result can be less than professional. On the other hand, this is typically the cheapest way to get an online web presence and so potentially attract new business to your door.

Before you set up your website there are number of steps or stages, that you must go through before you start developing your site. These are basic things such as market research, choosing a domain, name, selecting a website hosting provider, deciding on your business model, and planning a marketing strategy.Sure, free and cheap website templates can save you money on the front end, but it’s going to cost your dearly on the back end. Small business websites using FrontPage, Publisher or clipart graphics need to be redesigned. The above technologies will seriously damage your credibility and professionalism. Step up and run with the big dogs! Web design advancements have leapt past these templates and made them virtually obsolete. If you’re still using a starter website or free website template, it is definitely time for a website redesign.

Always remember that specialists work affordable and efficiently. They use a powerful combination of a proven process and a comprehensive suite of of advanced site-building tools,to make sure that you are successful on-line. Leaving you with more money and time for other parts of your business, the productivity benefits are passed on to you.

Nevertheless, it is not easy to build a website and it does cost too much time, in addition you have to deal with codes that you might not be familiar with. However do not be skeptical because there is always a solution. There are so many web developers out there that are ready to help you and get their payment in return. There are as well website development tools that can help you although you have to deal with the codes yourself and spend most of your time on it.

Most of the small business firms waste their time in convincing potential customers about their quality products and service. If you want to get noticed, and wish to promote your small business in a competitive market, you surely want to create a website that is professional and user friendly. By studying the client’s budget, their present marketing strategy and business targets, the website design firms deliver small business website design services that meet your needs.

Many small businesses target local market and end consumers, while large corporations may aim at national or global market and try to please business users. The differences between markets and user characteristics are reflected in the layout, design, navigation and online content. For instance, websites that target end consumers may use a crispy layout and less formal language with easy navigation. One of common mistakes in Web Design is the over-use and even abuse of graphics. Even today, a certain percentage of the web users at home doesn’t have high speed broadband connection, not to mention the over-use of graphics prevent the visitors from spending time on your online content.

Small business website development.- All you need to do is hire a specialist, that will together with you develop information about your niche, so that prospective clients will visit your website. This enables you to own your on-line niche, by giving information and solutions to your potential customers. The frame work and the foundation of your business website, will please both humans and the search engines. Once approved by you, your domain name will be registered.

Putting up a small business website content writing service isn’t really a novel idea. Given that there are so many people who are switching to a freelance career, there are more ways for small businesses to be able to get somewhat of a consulting or PR service for significantly less the cost compared to how big publicity companies/advertising agencies would usually charge. It would also prove to be very beneficial if you are able to provide them with samples of your work.

Get the right small business bookkeeping software and you will save time, money and stress. Now up to a point a manual bookkeeping system is all you need. One good manual system is the Dome Simplified Monthly Bookkeeping Record. You can pick this up at Office Depot or Office Max. That will even work OK with a couple of employees. But if you’re ready to step up to a computer system, you face a flood of products to pick from. Following are 7 tips to help you choose the best bookkeeping system for your small business.

Tip 1: Decide what you want.

If you’re upgrading from a manual system or switching from a bookkeeping service, there must be a reason. Decide what you want from a bookkeeping system and you’re more likely to get what you need. The best system should save you money.

Tip 2: Free might work.

A free system might work. Microsoft offers a free version that’s limited, but may be good enough. Usually if you have any employees a free system isn’t for you. But if you don’t have employees, consider the Microsoft free option.

Tip 3: Simple will work.

Buy more system than you need and you’ll pay hidden costs. Learning any system and using it is part of the continuing cost of software. An overly complex system will cost you as long as you try to use it. Simple is good if that’s what you need.

Tip 4: Software in a box.

Look at the major accounting software suppliers like QuickBooks and Peachtree. They sell software in huge volumes and there are thousands of users who have gone before you. No need to be a pioneer.

Tip 5: Easy upgrades.

Cheap software may be a dead end. If you ever need to upgrade, is there an upgrade version or do you get to start all over with a new software vendor? Maybe you can’t even easily transfer your records to the new software. Oh my!

Tip 6: Online for less stress.

Online software may be an option. Especially for payroll, you can forget about keeping up with endless regulation changes and just let the software people worry about that. Lots of bookkeeping automation is available really cheap with online accounting software.

Tip 7: Who can you call?

What happens when you have problems? Who can you call? Software has been known to just lock up and there you are. So know who can help you if you get in trouble, because trouble will come with any software.

The right small business book keeping software makes running a business easier and less stressful. The problem in choosing the best software is you have so many choices. Think through what your real needs are before you buy anything. Pick overly complex software and you’ll pay too high a price in learning and using the programs. But on the other hand, buy too little system and you may find yourself stuck and forced to learn a whole new system. The good news is that you have several options from major companies that are already used by thousands. You can easily buy a proven product that will do the job.