The accessibility of technology has changed the way that we communicate and receive information. But, in the business world, are we early adopters - or are we struggling to keep up?
I was struck when I noticed my 12 year-old cousin with her own smartphone -long before I had bought one for myself. What could she possibly need that for?! To my surprise, she explained that she had incorporated her smart phone into her science project -a project that would mostly determine her grade for the year and the class that she could get into for the following year. Even though it seemed a bit excessive for a science project, I was still impressed by how she was thinking of ways to track, capture, analyze, photograph, and work -all on the go! It forced me to think about ways that I could apply the technology to my business practices -even when I am away from the office.
There are countless ways to receive leads, but which do you utilize? Let's explore some ways to stay connected -even if you are out of the office, traveling, or at a tradeshow.
Smartphone apps. The iPhone, Blackberry, and Windows Mobile are the first phones to break ground with SalesForce.com to have official apps. If you have other Apple products, you can also use the SalesForce Mobile App on an iPad or an iPod Touch -it just requires iOS 3.0 or later. With these apps, you can receive leads and track your closes 24/7. If you are an Android user, the rumors are flying that an app might be coming soon. In the meantime, you can still access the website from a browser on your phone. Or use another app that is compatible, such as MintFly, where you can access and edit information in your SalesForce account.
I was struck when I noticed my 12 year-old cousin with her own smartphone -long before I had bought one for myself. What could she possibly need that for?! To my surprise, she explained that she had incorporated her smart phone into her science project -a project that would mostly determine her grade for the year and the class that she could get into for the following year. Even though it seemed a bit excessive for a science project, I was still impressed by how she was thinking of ways to track, capture, analyze, photograph, and work -all on the go! It forced me to think about ways that I could apply the technology to my business practices -even when I am away from the office.
There are countless ways to receive leads, but which do you utilize? Let's explore some ways to stay connected -even if you are out of the office, traveling, or at a tradeshow.
Smartphone apps. The iPhone, Blackberry, and Windows Mobile are the first phones to break ground with SalesForce.com to have official apps. If you have other Apple products, you can also use the SalesForce Mobile App on an iPad or an iPod Touch -it just requires iOS 3.0 or later. With these apps, you can receive leads and track your closes 24/7. If you are an Android user, the rumors are flying that an app might be coming soon. In the meantime, you can still access the website from a browser on your phone. Or use another app that is compatible, such as MintFly, where you can access and edit information in your SalesForce account.
Text messages or email. If you receive targeted leads through
BuyerZone's Quote Connect Program, you can receive leads via text
message while you are on the go. This feature allows you the same speed
as a smart phone, but without having to pay for a data plan. Or, you
can also have your BuyerZone leads sent to your email -just make sure
that you are checking your inbox frequently when you are on the road.
Web conferencing. Now that a lot of businesses have web conferencing capabilities, participating in meetings remotely has become much simpler. Web conferences have great capabilities -from whiteboard brainstorming sessions to slide show presentations. Learn more in this Introduction to Web Conferencing.
Tried and true strategies. When all else fails, scheduling check-ins with your team will keep everyone in the loop. Even if you can't access your laptop, a check in can keep you briefed about what's going on back at the office. Although, if you won't be checking email, make sure that you set up an auto responder, so that people will know when you will return. Also, make sure that you delegate! You don't want to lose sales just because you were out of the office and couldn't call a prospect. Have someone else on your team follow up for you.
These are just a few options for when you are on-the-go! What is your strategy?
Web conferencing. Now that a lot of businesses have web conferencing capabilities, participating in meetings remotely has become much simpler. Web conferences have great capabilities -from whiteboard brainstorming sessions to slide show presentations. Learn more in this Introduction to Web Conferencing.
Tried and true strategies. When all else fails, scheduling check-ins with your team will keep everyone in the loop. Even if you can't access your laptop, a check in can keep you briefed about what's going on back at the office. Although, if you won't be checking email, make sure that you set up an auto responder, so that people will know when you will return. Also, make sure that you delegate! You don't want to lose sales just because you were out of the office and couldn't call a prospect. Have someone else on your team follow up for you.
These are just a few options for when you are on-the-go! What is your strategy?
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