I've often ranted about all the reasons why small companies have advantages, the nimbleness, ability to take risks, ability to adjust and re adjust on the fly and now the recent changes in technology add this?
The rise of cloud computing, allowing young firms to let loose the binds of buying their own high end server equipment and software, they no longer need to raise the capital or take on the debt of ten's of thousands of dollars in high end equipment.
For years I've been specializing in minding ways to let small companies compete in the big companies swimming pool, and now they've finally stuck a label on it, call it cloud computing, call it economies of scale, open architecture or even a level playing field, what we have here, is the ABILITY to communicate.
Likewise the webification of the supply chain in many industries from electronics to apparel has meant that even the tiniest of companies can now order globally just like the giants!
As the amount of data at a company's disposal grows, the opportunities to exploit that data multiply.
In the same way a musician with a laptop and some tune in his head can accomplish what record labels are doing with hundreds of thousands of dollars of hardware, software and people skills. An ambitious engineer can now imagine, model and build that new gadget with little more than that same laptop and some time on his hands.
"Involuntary entrepreneurship" is now creating tens of thousands of small business and a huge market of contract and freelance labour. Many of them will take full-time jobs again once they become available, but many still just won't.
The NEW new economy of scale has change the playing field yet again for small business, so get out there and play!
Monday, June 8, 2009
The Technology Coach reminds all Ontarians to be "hands-free".
Now we're not saying you should ever take your hands off the wheel, that's not it at all!
But with the recent passage of a new law in Ontario, all motorists will not be allowed to use handheld cell phones while driving.
So stop into your local elecronics retailer (Future Shop, Best Buy, Staples, The Source) for a wired or Bluetooth headset or car kit and get the peace of mind of knowing you can drive safely and legally wherever you need to go.
But with the recent passage of a new law in Ontario, all motorists will not be allowed to use handheld cell phones while driving.
So stop into your local elecronics retailer (Future Shop, Best Buy, Staples, The Source) for a wired or Bluetooth headset or car kit and get the peace of mind of knowing you can drive safely and legally wherever you need to go.
Beat the rush for Wired and Bluetooth headsets before the law is enforced.
Bluetooth headsets and car kits offer much more than just safety, . They enable convenient, hands-free communication as well as superior sound quality and the ability to stay in touch with anyone, anywhere at any time. With a wide reception range and compatibility with just about every cell phone, Bluetooth products keep you connected with your business and personal life while on the go.
Go wireless! Save money - and be safe!
Happy, safe driving!
Bluetooth headsets and car kits offer much more than just safety, . They enable convenient, hands-free communication as well as superior sound quality and the ability to stay in touch with anyone, anywhere at any time. With a wide reception range and compatibility with just about every cell phone, Bluetooth products keep you connected with your business and personal life while on the go.
Go wireless! Save money - and be safe!
Happy, safe driving!
Friday, June 5, 2009
10 Twitter Newbie Tips - Time to Put Twitter to Work for You
You surely must have heard of Twitter by now. It's all over the cable and network news, in newspapers, on TV commercials, and even on billboards. It's more than a trend, it's a movement. And it's time you got on board to put Twitter to work for your small business.
Recently two "momtrepreneurs," Amy Fox and Kendra Ramirez formed a new partnership -- www.SellMoreStore.com -- to teach other entrepreneurs how to use social networking sites to grow their business and make connections that matter. The cool thing about their relationship is that they met on LinkedIn -- another social network.
If you're a twitter newbie, here are 10 tips they shared to help you find your way on Twitter:
1. Twitter is a cross between a blog and a chat room, but you only have 140 characters to chat with others. You can update Twitter through the Web, cell phone, or applications created for Twitter.
2. Tweeple (people on Twitter) have user names like on other social networks. Keep your handle easy for the rest of us to remember and to be able to find you. First name and last name is just fine.
3. Twitter operates like the status bar on Linkedin and Facebook that asks "what are you doing now?" It enables companies to monitor their brand and jump into the conversation to connect with discussion topics, correct misstatements and tout new products or services. It is also a great way to drive traffic to your Web site or blog. Just remember this is a community. Please don't spam.
4. Make sure to complete your profile on Twitter so others know who you are and what you do. People will be more likely to follow you back if you have a full profile with a photo.
5. You can't sign up on Twitter and wait for something to happen. You have to find people to follow in hopes that they follow you too. To find people you can use Twellow or WeFollow. (Hint: if you have no one following you, you are talking to yourself).
6. When you type a message on Twitter, that is called a "tweet." If you see a message you like on Twitter and would like to share it with your followers, you will "Retweet" or "RT" that message.
7. Twellow is the yellow book pages for Twitter. You can look people up via location, keyword, industry, etc.
8. Check out www.wefollow.com to find others in your industry or target market to follow on Twitter.
9. Tweetdeck is another great tool for your Twitter account. It allows you to see all friends, direct messages and messages where your handle was used in conversation. (Hint: Direct messages are one-to-one conversations while all other messages are public conversations that can be seen by everyone).
10. Remember all of these tools are free and offer countless opportunities to publicize your business.
So there you go! You really need to at least dip your toe in the twitter stream. You can begin by following me www.twitter.com/thetechcoach
Recently two "momtrepreneurs," Amy Fox and Kendra Ramirez formed a new partnership -- www.SellMoreStore.com -- to teach other entrepreneurs how to use social networking sites to grow their business and make connections that matter. The cool thing about their relationship is that they met on LinkedIn -- another social network.
If you're a twitter newbie, here are 10 tips they shared to help you find your way on Twitter:
1. Twitter is a cross between a blog and a chat room, but you only have 140 characters to chat with others. You can update Twitter through the Web, cell phone, or applications created for Twitter.
2. Tweeple (people on Twitter) have user names like on other social networks. Keep your handle easy for the rest of us to remember and to be able to find you. First name and last name is just fine.
3. Twitter operates like the status bar on Linkedin and Facebook that asks "what are you doing now?" It enables companies to monitor their brand and jump into the conversation to connect with discussion topics, correct misstatements and tout new products or services. It is also a great way to drive traffic to your Web site or blog. Just remember this is a community. Please don't spam.
4. Make sure to complete your profile on Twitter so others know who you are and what you do. People will be more likely to follow you back if you have a full profile with a photo.
5. You can't sign up on Twitter and wait for something to happen. You have to find people to follow in hopes that they follow you too. To find people you can use Twellow or WeFollow. (Hint: if you have no one following you, you are talking to yourself).
6. When you type a message on Twitter, that is called a "tweet." If you see a message you like on Twitter and would like to share it with your followers, you will "Retweet" or "RT" that message.
7. Twellow is the yellow book pages for Twitter. You can look people up via location, keyword, industry, etc.
8. Check out www.wefollow.com to find others in your industry or target market to follow on Twitter.
9. Tweetdeck is another great tool for your Twitter account. It allows you to see all friends, direct messages and messages where your handle was used in conversation. (Hint: Direct messages are one-to-one conversations while all other messages are public conversations that can be seen by everyone).
10. Remember all of these tools are free and offer countless opportunities to publicize your business.
So there you go! You really need to at least dip your toe in the twitter stream. You can begin by following me www.twitter.com/thetechcoach
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
April 30, 2009
Attn: Scott Kendall
RE: Testimonial for Mr. Kendall
I have known Mr. Kendall as a frequent guest visitor to his BNI Chapter. Several weeks ago, Scott and I met briefly to learn more about each other’s businesses. I was impressed with his wealth of knowledge and expertise.
However, I was MOST impressed with the free two minute advice he provided, and this free advice has saved me time and frustration, yet has allowed me to maintain a record of my emails that have been sent from my blackberry device. As a lawyer, one should keep records of all emails sent from the device, but with blackberry’s service, you need to send yourself an email too so that you have a record on your computer.
Now imagine this:
1. Sending yourself an email;
2. Then receiving it on your device;
3. Your device rings;
4. You have two copies on the device – one as sent, one as received;
5. However, no record exists in your Outlook, Thunderbird etc. unless you send it to yourself;
6. You need to delete your device emails constantly; and
7. Factor in the frustration and time for hundreds of emails each day.
Scott provided me with a simple, yet very efficient alternative solution.
What is the solution? Talk to Mr. Kendall!
Yours very truly,
Anurag Gupta
Attn: Scott Kendall
RE: Testimonial for Mr. Kendall
I have known Mr. Kendall as a frequent guest visitor to his BNI Chapter. Several weeks ago, Scott and I met briefly to learn more about each other’s businesses. I was impressed with his wealth of knowledge and expertise.
However, I was MOST impressed with the free two minute advice he provided, and this free advice has saved me time and frustration, yet has allowed me to maintain a record of my emails that have been sent from my blackberry device. As a lawyer, one should keep records of all emails sent from the device, but with blackberry’s service, you need to send yourself an email too so that you have a record on your computer.
Now imagine this:
1. Sending yourself an email;
2. Then receiving it on your device;
3. Your device rings;
4. You have two copies on the device – one as sent, one as received;
5. However, no record exists in your Outlook, Thunderbird etc. unless you send it to yourself;
6. You need to delete your device emails constantly; and
7. Factor in the frustration and time for hundreds of emails each day.
Scott provided me with a simple, yet very efficient alternative solution.
What is the solution? Talk to Mr. Kendall!
Yours very truly,
Anurag Gupta
Friday, May 1, 2009
Free Antivirus: Panda Cloud Antivirus
Every windows computer should make use of a Antivirus system to protect themselves from frequent attacks from viruses.
However finding a Antivirus software to suit users needs is a bit difficult task, considering that many AV softwares are known to slow down a system resulting in lesser performance for other applications.
Panda Cloud Antivirus is a new innovation which uses cloud computing to scan and eliminate viruses from your PC, regularly monitoring and protecting your computer in real-time.
Panda Cloud Antivirus is extremely fast and uses a very low memory footprint ~20MB, which is way much better than a traditional AV software.
The Antivirus is still in the beta stage and available as a Freeware, however this may change in future and Panda may start charging users, however they will still leave it as a free product for personal use.
So if you are unhappy with your current AV and want to tryout something fast, go ahead and download Panda Cloud Antivirus and keep your PC safe and secure.
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