Running Your Business

To run a small business successfully, you must be able to maintain the proper balance between excellence and efficiency. That means finding ways to improve productivity without sacrificing the quality of the products and services you provide. Find out what leading consultants have to say about how you can run your company with greater speed and efficiency.

Improved business solutions make it easier than ever to manage tasks and share information. Get great advice on ways that you can put those technology tools to work for your business or non-profit organisation.

"When I'm visiting this firm, I can't help but notice this [lack of people talking]. Seems odd to an outsider, but this is now pretty much their corporate culture," says Helen Chan, analyst for The Yankee Group, a US-based technology research group, who has friends at the agency.

That said, IM will benefit businesses that work in teams or on projects more than it will many retailers, independent professionals and others. That’s because IM enhances collaboration, but does not lend itself to opening new relationships. However, aside from the opportunities for time and cost savings, there are risks and downsides to its use.

Don't use instant messaging to communicate confidential or sensitive information. Take a lesson from the above example. If your company is in the business of providing professional advice regarding stocks, finances, medicine or law, chances are it's not smart to do so through instant messaging. IM is better suited to quick information about project status, meeting times, or a person's whereabouts.

Don't compromise your company's liability, or your own reputation. The courts may still be figuring out where instant messages stand in terms of libel, defamation and other legal considerations. It's likely that any statements you make about other people, your company or other companies probably aren't going to land you in court. But they could damage your reputation or credibility. Be careful what you say.

Software can help you achieve higher levels of productivity by streamlining and automating day-to-day tasks. But small business experts also show how important it is to create the right working atmosphere for your employees. Read how you can get the most from your technology and your workforce.

Manage Business Operations

Transforming first-time buyers into repeat customers is the ultimate key to success for any business. Getting to that point means improving customer satisfaction and much more.