How are you maximizing the use of technology within your company? Are you
utilizing the technological tools to maximize business efficiency in the workplace?
Are you offering corporate training on the
latest software to keep your staff current
with the constantly changing technology
trends? Or, does your company approach
technology in a lackluster and unmotivated
manner, believing the technological wave of
computers replacing humans is merely a
bubble waiting to burst?
“Technology is here to stay,” says Rebeca
Searcey, communications specialist with
Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance. “The
younger employees and those just entering
the job market have lived with technology
all their lives. They are not afraid of it and
are ready to explore uses that may not even
yet be available. The use of technology is
going to continue to grow. Businesses wanting to grow are going to have to grow with
it.”
Smart Business talked with Searcey for
additional insights into incorporating new
technology into today’s business.
What are some examples of the current technology that is helping businesses grow?
Web sites, teleconferencing and online
training are three options used in today’s
workplace to maximize operations, deliver
quality customer services and an overall
better customer experience. Today’s consumer is accustomed to a high-tech experience. Most companies are making an
attempt to employ some, if not all, of these
tools in order to maximize their competitive edge. The need for technological
advances to provide efficient business
services is growing. Companies that want
to be a part of the competitive business
community understand that as business
technology grows, so shall a company’s
knowledge and reliance on it.
Aren’t most businesses already using Web
sites?
Web sites came into popular use in the
early 1990s. But, what companies are realizing is that static Web sites have lost a
valuable opportunity to engage their customer within the first three seconds. Ten
years ago, these static Web sites were the
norm and the business, not the client, was
the most important piece of the puzzle.
With the emergence of Web 2.0 and the
tools associated with this evolution, the
Internet and Web sites have evolved to
become consumer-based and user-generated. A majority of customers use Web sites
to research and actively engage with your
company. Through the use of blogs and
other consumer-driven functions, clients
are in control and can have significant
influence in the market. The platforms in
use today have far-reaching and much
more instantaneous abilities.
How can video or computer conferencing
help my business?
Video and teleconferencing options can
reduce liability of travel and thereby
increase productivity. Investing in teleconferencing technology can facilitate meetings with multiple attendees from numerous locations and enable the viewing of
documents or presentations from each
individual’s computer. You can virtually be
face to face with one or more customers or
colleagues from miles away.
How does telecommuting differ from teleconferencing?
Telecommuting is the option of the
employee to work from home. It utilizes
the same technology as teleconferencing
and, in many cases, the same technology
vendor can offer both solutions.
Telecommuting offers flexibility and can
be a boost for creativity and can reduce
office-related distractions. By working
from home, the employee saves, on average, two to four hours of commuting time.
At first mention, telecommuting can frighten most employers, perceiving that they
don’t have direct control over their
employee from home. Telecommuting may
not be for all employees. But, it is up to the
company to determine a workable policy.
Also, in hurricane-prone states, such as
Florida, 25 percent of companies without
this technology may be vulnerable to stoppage. With telecommuting technology and
a plan, a company could resume business
within a few days.
How can online training benefit my organization?
Online learning enables student-centered
teaching approaches. Every student has a
way of learning what works best for them.
The online environment makes instructors
more approachable. Students can talk
openly with their trainer through online
chats, e-mail and in newsgroup discussions
without delay. Users can sign on at their
convenience, without the need for coordinating schedules and logistical details.
How can I become more technologically savvy?
Research. Educate yourself on new technological advances. Organizations such as
the Tampa Bay Technology Forum can be a
great resource and offer workshops and
seminars that provide great insight into
new technologies. IT schools and the
chambers of commerce also offer informative opportunities for companies.
REBECA SEARCEY is a communications specialist with Tampa
Bay WorkForce Alliance. Reach her at (813) 740-4680 ext. 227 or
at [email protected].