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Business-Building Ideas from Terry Brock
[Note: This article is tied to the audio at the end of this Blog posting. Be sure to listen to the audio. It is designed for a monthly audio program I’m honored to do with my friend, mate (in the Australian sense of that word!) and buddy, Winston Marsh. You’ll enjoy the audio so read the article and listen to the audio (6:17) as well. I look forward to your comments here on the Blog!— Terry]
“All I want in life is an unfair advantage“ Michael Aun, CSP, CPAE
Doing business is tough today. Hey, it has been tough since the first bargain shoppers tried to get the best price at the local bazaar from the traveling trader back at the dawn of business history. Getting an advantage is something we all try to do so we can ultimately serve more customers and help them more. Interesting how serving more customers is always the way to generate more funds for yourself, but that is another article!
As I type this I’m visiting my beloved adopted country of Panama here in Central America. The business climate is good and growing. The atmosphere is teeming with potential and I love being part of this. One of the ways you can get an advantage here as well as elsewhere is to embrace the concept of Cloud Computing.
I’ve talked about Cloud Computing in these columns before. Now, I’m using it to get more done, be more productive and serve more customers.
In brief, the concept of cloud computing is such that you have the data and the tools you need based on a server or another computer which you access remotely. The Internet has provided a platform through which you can do this now as never before.
I’m using an online service to keep all my contacts and manage email with those contacts. I get the benefit of having all my important contact information backed up 24/7/365. If my computer or iPad were lost or stolen, that would be bad, but at least I still have access to my all-important contacts.
I’m also using Google Docs for word processing, calendar, translating (important in international work!) and a lot more. This lets me keep important documents (DOC, PDF, JPG and more) online. When I need that important reference or client letter, I can easily access it via Google Docs and have what I need when I need it.
Another really nice benefit of using Cloud Computing is that I can access my data from my main MacBook Pro, my Windows computers (I have 4 of these), my iPad and/or my iPhone. I don’t need to use all of them but it is nice to know I can use whichever tool is more convenient at the time. And yes, in a worst-case scenario, I can access what I need through a local Internet cafe and/or a friend’s computer.
This is the way you can gain a strong competitive advantage. You will have notes on that important conversation you had with that important prospect. You can reference it through the Cloud and immediately know what has happened through the history of dealing with that prospect. You can also give access to this data to others on your team via a password, and then come up to speed quickly on the communication they have had with that contact.
Another advantage is that you can save money on the hardware and software you purchase. You need a Net-accessible device to use Cloud Computing effectively. Instead of purchasing a large, expensive computer, you can get something much cheaper like a Netbook computer. You can use your Net-accessible smart phone. I find I’m using my iPad more and more.
Cloud Computing, coupled with some strong, versatile Net-accessible devices translates to a decisive competitive advantage for you. Some of these benefits include:
1. Get what you need when you need it online. You can have the references you need about previous contacts with prospects and clients.
2. You can use a variety of hardware and are not subject to total shut-down if your computer is unavailable.
3. You save money (always a good thing!).
4. You don’t worry about viruses and other nastiness hitting your computer as your data is in the clouds and protected by the server.
5. You get to focus more on people. You can focus on establishing, building and maintaining quality, profitable business relationships by using the Cloud.
Here in Panama, I have access to all the vital documents I need. I have the vital tools I need to do business here — or anywhere. That gives me an advantage of being “on the ground” seeing new business opportunities.
If you’re not doing business this way yet, I encourage you to find out about it. If you are using it, find ways to expand what you’re doing. Armed with a device like the iPad and/or a Netbook computer and some key Cloud Computing services, you will have a strong competitive advantage. That will help you build more in your Relationship Marketing. And ultimately, that all flows through to your bottom line.
You’re welcome!
Copyright (c) 2010, Terry Brock and Achievement Systems, Inc. Terry Brock is an international marketing coach and professional speaker who helps businesses generate profitable results. He can be reached by e-mail at terry@terrybrock.com or through his website at www.terrybrock.com. Join the Twitter adventure with Terry through his Twitter address: TerryBrock. Join Terry’s Facebook Fan Page at: http://www.facebook.com/SpeakerTerryBrock
