8 Ways Technology Can Help You Go Global
"Manage Your Business" series sponsored by Microsoft
Small business owners have a lot of responsibilities—and all too often they can get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks that need to get done and challenges that need to be overcome. This is the fourth in a 5-part series full of tips, ideas, and solutions to help you better manage your business.
Expanding your small business to serve a global clientele is easier and more rewarding than it’s ever been, thanks to the Internet. Technology enables even the smallest business to create a global presence. How can you best use technology to manage your expansion? Here are eight tips to put you on top of the world.
1. Use the cloud for global sharing. Whether you’re setting up an office overseas, working with customers in other countries, or outsourcing to far-flung contractors, collaborating with people in different locations and time zones can easily get complicated. Simplify matters with a cloud storage solution like Microsoft OneDrive. Storing your files and data online means it's easy to organize and share them. You always have the most current version of files, so everyone is up to date—but you can restore previous versions if needed. You can even access your data offline for times when you don't have an Internet connection.
2. Stay in control of your data. Sharing business information with distant teams and brand-new global partners can feel a little risky. Choose a solution like Office 365 that lets you control what happens to your information. You can restrict access and control who sees and/or edits each document. Create project-specific team sites that share data only with those who need to know.
3. Choose flexible collaboration tools. Some people like to communicate by email or phone, while others prefer face-to-face meetings or online chat. Since you're going to meet all kinds in your global expansion efforts, look for collaboration tools like Office 365 that offer a range of options, from chat with Skype for Business to full-on HD videoconferencing. That way, you'll be prepared no matter whom you're working with.
4. Get mobile. Managing global expansion inevitably requires some business travel. Get the tools and technology you need to work efficiently on the road, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Office 365 works with Android, Windows, or iOS devices, so whatever mobile devices you and your team prefer, you can stick with what you know instead of learning a whole new way of working.
5. Save money on travel. Cut costs and save time by holding meetings virtually when possible instead of traveling overseas. Office 365 incorporates a full range of audio and videoconferencing tools that make it easy to meet remotely. Photos and videos of all meeting participants mean you always know who's talking—even if you've never met in person. Built-in collaboration tools, such as real-time note taking and one-click screen sharing, enable you to take action during your meeting so you get things done faster.
6. Be ready to meet whenever, wherever. Using Office 365, you can start a videoconference on any mobile device—Windows, iOS, or Android—and quickly hold meetings on the road. Just send a link to whomever needs to participate, and you’re set.
7. Simplify scheduling. When you're working with remote teams or customers in different time zones, you'll appreciate the simplicity of Office 365’s calendaring system. Create shared calendars among teams so you can see when everyone is free, which makes scheduling a breeze. Office 365’s Outlook integration makes it easy to set up meetings and videoconferences, too.
8. Manage your contacts. Keeping track of all your new global connections—customers, vendors, and suppliers—can seem overwhelming. Office 365 syncs your emails, calendars, and contact information across all of your devices in real time, so you always have current information about the people you work with.
By choosing the right technology tools to power your global expansion, you'll soon find the world is at your fingertips.
Be sure to read the other articles in this series:
7 Ways to Better Manage Your Workforce
8 Ways to Enhance Your Customer Relationships
Is Outdated Technology Slowing Your Business Down?
8 Smart Ways to Manage Your Marketing
About the Author
Rieva Lesonsky is CEO of GrowBiz Media, a media and custom content company focusing on small business and entrepreneurship. Email Rieva at [email protected], follow her on Google+ andTwitter.com/Rieva, and visit her website, SmallBizDaily.com, to get the scoop on business trends and sign up for Rieva’s free TrendCast reports.