Using Information Technology in Your Business
by: BMA Editorial Team B .
Almost every business in the world nowadays makes use of a computer system in one form or another. So, given that you are using a computer in your business, you might want to ask yourself if you are getting the most out of it.
1. Make A Database Of Products and Customers
Once your business grows to a certain size it doesn't make sense to keep track of everyone you do business with on paper. You will want to have a full database of customer names, contact details, addresses, and a record of their transactions with you. A number of cheap softwares are available that let you do just this, but it's also possible to make your own database using open-source technologies like PHP and MySQL. By having all of their names and addresses on file, it makes it super easy to print address labels and send them flyers or specials or anything else that you might have going on in your business. This allows you to increase the contact you have with your customer which will inevitably increase sales.
Once your business grows to a certain size it doesn't make sense to keep track of everyone you do business with on paper. You will want to have a full database of customer names, contact details, addresses, and a record of their transactions with you. A number of cheap softwares are available that let you do just this, but it's also possible to make your own database using open-source technologies like PHP and MySQL. By having all of their names and addresses on file, it makes it super easy to print address labels and send them flyers or specials or anything else that you might have going on in your business. This allows you to increase the contact you have with your customer which will inevitably increase sales.
2. Graph Sales and Make Predictions
Once you have your data all sorted neatly, you can go a step further and get your computer to produce charts, graphs, and even predict what sales will be like in the months or years ahead. Using this data, you can track what marketing campaigns work and what didn't work so well. By analyzing what worked the best, you can easily repeat your success (and avoid your mistakes!).
Once you have your data all sorted neatly, you can go a step further and get your computer to produce charts, graphs, and even predict what sales will be like in the months or years ahead. Using this data, you can track what marketing campaigns work and what didn't work so well. By analyzing what worked the best, you can easily repeat your success (and avoid your mistakes!).
3. Marketing Materials
You don't have to buy a top of the line graphic design package if you don't want to. Various pieces of software allow you to do just one thing, for example, create a business card design or a brochure. You will still have to pay for good card stock if you are making business cards, however. You can even design your own business card and have it printed at your local printing shop
You don't have to buy a top of the line graphic design package if you don't want to. Various pieces of software allow you to do just one thing, for example, create a business card design or a brochure. You will still have to pay for good card stock if you are making business cards, however. You can even design your own business card and have it printed at your local printing shop
4. Sell Over The Internet
You can use computers to set up a website that has an online store. You can also open a merchant account to use as part of your home business over the phone or by post, by simply entering the card numbers and amounts into a website to process the payments.
5. Back Up Records
Sometimes, the importance of backing things up can only come from learning things the hard way. Regardless, if you are smart you will have some kind of system-restore software installed on your computer. Better yet, make a complete backup of your computer on an external hard drive.
Article Source:
http://www.bestmanagementarticles.com
http://it-management.bestmanagementarticles.com
About the Author:
John Morris For more great business related articles and resources check out http://businessopportunityadvice.info
Can Technology Really Improve My Business? Click Here
You can use computers to set up a website that has an online store. You can also open a merchant account to use as part of your home business over the phone or by post, by simply entering the card numbers and amounts into a website to process the payments.
5. Back Up Records
Sometimes, the importance of backing things up can only come from learning things the hard way. Regardless, if you are smart you will have some kind of system-restore software installed on your computer. Better yet, make a complete backup of your computer on an external hard drive.
Article Source:
http://www.bestmanagementarticles.com
http://it-management.bestmanagementarticles.com
About the Author:
John Morris For more great business related articles and resources check out http://businessopportunityadvice.info
Can Technology Really Improve My Business? Click Here
Technology And Relationships:
Are You Using Technology as a Crutch
by: Tim Connor
Many salespeople are relying too heavily on technology today as a sales tool to:
· contact new prospects
· maintain contact with current customers
· handle after sales service issues
· cultivate relationships with customers
Are You Using Technology as a Crutch
by: Tim Connor
Many salespeople are relying too heavily on technology today as a sales tool to:
· contact new prospects
· maintain contact with current customers
· handle after sales service issues
· cultivate relationships with customers
Although technology is a wonderful tool and has made it possible for salespeople to save time and stay in touch - it is at what cost? Relationships, especially sales relationships, are about people. People want and need human contact. This email tip is a wonderful way to stay in touch with my clients and prospects, but it will never replace a personal visit or telephone call.
· How often have you sent an e mail vs. picking up the phone?
· How often have you sent a fax vs. setting an appointment with a customer to discuss the issue?
· How often have you sent an e mail vs. picking up the phone?
· How often have you sent a fax vs. setting an appointment with a customer to discuss the issue?
YES - technology lets you get more done easier and is often faster (I mean, I am sitting at my computer in my home-office with a glass of wine while I write this, and who knows where you are or what you will be doing when you read this.) I love technology, but I also enjoy talking with my friends, visiting with clients and getting to know people on a personal basis - face to face. Nothing can ever replace that - not the fastest computer, glitiziest (not a word, I know) website or smallest hand-held device.
Why not try the following for the next 30 days (if you can stand the high-tech withdrawal):
· Call 1 friend every day.
· Call 5 clients every day just to say hi.
· Call a relative to say you were thinking about him/her.
· Call 1 friend every day.
· Call 5 clients every day just to say hi.
· Call a relative to say you were thinking about him/her.
No emails except when absolutely necessary to send critical information. I know it will be hard, but, hey, they might enjoy hearing from you.
Be careful not to assume that everyone is as technologically advanced or competent as you are.
Article Source:
http://www.bestmanagementarticles.com
http://information-management.bestmanagementarticles.com
About the Author:
Tim Connor, CSP is an internationally renowned sales, management and leadership speaker, trainer and best selling author. He is the best selling author of over 60 books including; Soft Sell, That's Life, Peace Of Mind, 91 Challenges Managers Face Today and Your First Year In Sales. He can be reached at tim@timconnor.com, 704-895-1230 or visit his website at http://www.timconnor.com.
Be careful not to assume that everyone is as technologically advanced or competent as you are.
Article Source:
http://www.bestmanagementarticles.com
http://information-management.bestmanagementarticles.com
About the Author:
Tim Connor, CSP is an internationally renowned sales, management and leadership speaker, trainer and best selling author. He is the best selling author of over 60 books including; Soft Sell, That's Life, Peace Of Mind, 91 Challenges Managers Face Today and Your First Year In Sales. He can be reached at tim@timconnor.com, 704-895-1230 or visit his website at http://www.timconnor.com.
