Tag Archives: Kimberly Stansell

About 4828 days ago E-Commerce

Maximize Freebie Online Tools

Implementation of the right technology tools can empower you to save time, make money, and work smarter. Whether you’re starting a new business or trying to bring an existing one into the 21st century, the Internet can work as your ally. It’s loaded with tools that can increase productivity and improve efficiency. Here are three online tools that can help you communicate and manage information — all available free of charge. Hold small meetings online. Looking for ways to improve productivity and slice meeting costs with customers, colleagues, and partners? Then check out WebEx.com. The offering distinguishes itself from other virtual meeting centers with a unique mix of capabilities, enabling real-time meetings in which to discuss projects, mark up documents, and show presentations and product demonstrations. Six people can participate at no charge, although it’s best suited for live meetings. Manage your database online. You can easily set up and maintain a database with Bitlocker.com. With the free program, you can create multiple databases and organize, share, export, and publish data using only a Web browser. Bitlocker works as a stand-alone service or can be included in your Web site. The company participates in the Trustee Privacy Program, so its privacy policies have been reviewed by an industry-sponsored watchdog agency. Respond automatically. The average prospect needs to be exposed to your message at least seven times to become a buyer. Work this “rule of seven” in your favor with Autoresponders — automated mail systems that send a form letter to all inquirers. You write responses and then put these e-mail addresses on your Web site or other material, and inquirers will automatically get the information. You can set up several; for example, you could create one for your customers, one for job applicants, and one for general queries. Visit MyReply.com. Copyright © 2000 Kimberly Stansell. All Rights. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.

About 4888 days ago Data Security

Beef Up Your Disaster Preparedness Plan

If your office were affected by flood, fire, earthquake, or another natural disaster, could you bounce back? Your recovery from a disaster begins with having adequate insurance coverage. However, your insurance coverage should be supported by a disaster recovery plan. Consider one entrepreneur’s experience. The Northridge, Calif., earthquake of January 1994 wiped out Sue’s Secretarial Service. The facility housing Sue Clamage’s business was so severely damaged that she was never allowed back inside. She lost important computer files, customer records, and completed assignments. Her equipment losses included five computers, three printers, a Xerox machine, and a phone dictation system, totaling about $65,000. Although her standard insurance policy helped recoup some of the losses, the experience prompted Clamage to beef upher disaster preparedness strategy. Your business can recover quickly from a disaster if you plan in advance. Safeguards to consider: Keep duplicate records off the premises. Back up your computer system regularly. Keep duplicate copies of important records, documents, and other important numbers in a safe-deposit box. You should also develop a communications strategy to prevent loss of clients or customers. For example, check with your local phone carrier to find out about available service routing options to keep your business going. Consider alternative facilities that you could use in the interim, such as sharing a space with another business owner. Verify whether your equipment suppliers can provide you with loaners. Also, consider having an additional credit line so that you can buy what you need while you’re waiting for your insurance claim to be processed. Write up your plan and make sure your employees know whom to contact and what to do if you’re affected by a disaster. Along with renewing or revising your insurance policy, you should dust off your disaster plan annually – tweaking it to accommodate any growth or changes within your operation. For more information on how to plan and adequately insure your business for disaster, visit the Insurance Information Institute’s Web site at www.iii.org. Copyright © 1999 Kimberly Stansell. All Rights Reserved.