 |
Home Computer Business Idea? Tools For Your Business Office!Home computer business idea? Why should automation of our idea be considered? "The first rule of any technology used in a business is that automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the efficiency. The second is that automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency." Have you ever thought to yourself "How can I develop a home business using my computer"? Today more than ever the business technology exists to build a new business. A home computer business idea needs specific tools to make the business operate. Here are some suggested tools: Hardware -Computer-->A
computer workstation
is a vital component of your home computer business idea. A computer has important hardware and software that is key to your business. A laptop computer is highly recommended. A laptop gives you portability for your business. You can always access your business when you travel if you have a quality laptop with an internet connection. A PDA could also do some of the functions of your laptop such as checking your email.
-Printer-->Printer access is crucial when a hard copy of a document is required. Ideally an all-in-one printer/fax/copier/scanner is the best tool. "Now thanks to better semiconductor technology, multifunction printers have the brains to handle more information, and they can adjust their performance according to your needs." There will also be times when you need to print a high volume of copies. It is a good idea to know where to do this type of printing. A local library, job center, or copier business are possibilities.
The newest type of removable storage drives is actually just a different way to store and access files via Internet data storage. "...HP (Hewlett-Packard) puts its weight behind the growing trend of storing and backing up files via the Internet. It's part of the larger move toward "cloud computing," which lets users access computing power anywhere and anytime they have an Internet connection." Online storage allows the user to access and share large documents on the Internet anyplace there is an internet connection. This decreases the need to send emails with large attachments. Something to consider for your home computer business idea. -Web Cam-->Video is fast becoming a tool for communicating with others on-line. A quality web cam is an important tool for this type of communication. -Slingbox-->If you travel a lot a slingbox is a great tool to consider. For a one time fairly reasonable fee you can attach a sling box to your cable internet connection. This would allow you to watch local television over the internet on your laptop no matter where you are in the world. Communications -Internet Connections-->It is crucial to connect to the internet. So the laptop must have
nationwide internet connectivity.
-VOIP-->Voice Over Internet Protocal is a tool to make phone calls over the internet. You will want your customers to contact you via a business phone number. One tool to check out is Skype. Skype is helpful for several reasons: First, it is very inexpensive. Skype has a fairly low cost fee per year to make and receive calls. While prices can always change the price of Skype is a great bargain. Second, if you have a laptop you can take the phone with you. So you can travel and make phone calls anywhere as long as your laptop is connected to the internet. Third, Skype has voicemail so you can follow up if you miss a call. Software
Information -Back Up Software-->It's important to backup your laptop on a regular basis. Norton Ghost is one tool to use for this purpose. Backing up to a external hard drive with Norton ghost is a good idea. -Video Software-->Software like Cametesia is nice to have if you want to create videos in conjunction with your web site. This is a great way to teach people about your site or create videos to send to sites like YouTube. -Customer Contact Software-->When you communicate with your customers you'd like to keep a record of the communications. You'd also like to follow up with the customers. A contact software program like ACT is important to consider. -Conference Call Programs-->You will eventually want to consider software for making conference calls with multiple people. As your business grows weekly conference calls with customers or business associates is critical for your success. -Webinar Programs-->As you educate your customers or business associates you will probably want to communicate using programs that display what is on a pc. Webinar programs allow you to display something on your screen that others can see. -Legal Software-->Legal software for web sites ensures that your site is compliant with web site rules. Support -Techy Help-->A good technical person can help coordinate everything needed to make your home computer business idea work effectively. A techy friend is ideal. If you don't know anyone then Circuit City (Firedog), Best Buy (Geek Squad) or some other institution can help. Guide To Buying a PC A great tool to check out is the November/December edition of Computerized Investing from AAII. AAII is the American Association of Individual Investors. The organization helps investors to make wise investment decisions. However it also has other tools that a business owner could use. A subscription is required. The November/December issue of Computerized Investing provides great ideas for a computer purchase. How's the journey so far? Is your home computer business idea taking shape? Ready for suggestions from those who can help you in your business?
|
