There are a million different strategies to run a business in mainly two categories. The first is the tried and tested, the second being the adventurous, innovative style. Running a business also means you have to run people. This aspect of being a leader is slowly but surely shifting into new lanes. With the advent of the information age and blistering technologies, employees have at their fingertips a smaller version of their office. Just because it’s compact and able to be transported with them wherever they go doesn’t mean the functions are wholly limited. In fact with smartphones, tablets or the new phablets, employees can access files while on the move. This changes the game as work hours are effectively all but remain in name. Taking advantage of this new era, you should make ways for your staff to work while they commute and possibly even while on the weekend.
The information gateway
Smartphones have substantially increased in size in pretty much every way. Not only are the dimensions bigger but the internal storage capacity ranging in the 30+ GB range as standard. However, the files for your business change all the time because of new progress, new deals, new standards etc. So employees shouldn’t have to rely on old information to be stored on their phones when they choose to access work while away from the office. Cloud services must be introduced to your own business immediately. It’s understandable that you might be hesitant as the Cloud is a recent development. You’re not expected or going to know everything about this virtual vault service. However, there are IT companies that pride themselves on excellent cloud services by offering flexible scalability, mobility, i.e. real-time access to your business data and easily-made backups.
Face to face
Communication companies like Google have accelerated their servers and advanced their backroom capabilities. Sending emails and worded instant messages via such programs as Hangout, Facebook and Twitter have made business communications instantaneous. No longer do businesses and clients have to talk to a screen for the majority of their conversations. However as technology advances so must the standards in which we do business. Certain members of your team that are in managerial positions should be told to maintain a healthy relationship with your customers. This means that if the time calls for it, encourage face to face meetings without being physically close to the client. Use facetime, webcam programs like Skype and Hangout to talk with your most valuable clients be they other businesses or wealthy individuals. Easily done on the move, be open and accessible to the most important consumers so any inquiries can be met with instant responses.
If you were to stick to normal business hours you automatically put yourself at a disadvantage. The world has changed because technology is changing the way human beings interact at every level. Giving your employees the ability to access their work while on the train home, could, in fact, give them more time to reevaluate and correct mistakes that would otherwise be left alone. Being able to talk face to face with your valuable clients such as investors, trading partners and the like, while on the move prevents certain breakdowns in trust. Speaking to another human being while looking at their face is comforting when compared to pixels on a screen; especially when relationships are being made or maintained.
Great article!