As a Small Business Owner, I’m always looking for ways to save money when traveling overseas. We’re planning a business trip to London England from San Francisco. I’m only traveling with an iPhone, iPad and a Bluetooth keyboard / case for this trip. The laptop stays on my desk in the office.
I set up a basic (but expensive) international data plan with my main AT&T account as a backup wireless resource. However, I want to use WiFi services as much as possible to save money. I need WiFi for Voice-Over-IP (VOIP) phone Calls, sending / receiving Text Messages, Managing Social Networking, checking eMails and working on Web Applications.
We just completed extensive research on the lowest cost and best options for WiFi services in London, UK and Ireland. The bottom line is that it’s a confusing mess of choices…and there are lots of options for using WiFi. To begin, I always check with my hotel before leaving on a trip, as well as plan for other WiFi services.
The following is a summary of the other best WiFi options I could find:
Top 10 Small Business Tech Trends
that will make you money in 2013
In 2013, there is a much larger opportunity than in the last few years for non-technology oriented Small Businesses to implement the latest technology. All of them will help you increase your sales and/or reduce your costs. In addition, technology prices have dropped like a rock and they are so much easier to use (and learn) than ever before. This article was written for the non-technical owner or manager of a Home or Small Business.
Microsoft has significantly changed the Windows 8 and Office user interface. Your employees are going to have to re-learn how to use Office Applications after you upgrade your PCs and Laptops. Here are a few key tips to help evaluate this upgrade for your Small Business.
Small Business “Windows 8″ Planning Tips:
1. Read the Walt Mossberg article (see link below) on Windows 8 before you spend any money
2. Increase (or establish) a budget for employee Office Software training
3. Line-up extra help for your staff, including: phone and one-to-one coaching
4. Make sure your existing software will work with Windows 8
5. Identify and Implement any business process changes
6. Re-write any office manuals
7. Confirm who in IT Support actually knows anything about Windows 8. It’s new to everyone….
8. Check that all your existing PC & Laptop accessories will work
9. Budget lots of extra money to deal with the unknown
10. You may want to wait for the rest of the industry to come up to speed before you invest in this upgrade.
The bottom-line is that your Small Business Staff & Information Technology Resource “Productivity will likely go down” and your “PC Costs will go up” by implementing Windows 8 this year.
Hope these tips help….
Note: It’s important for a Small Business Owner to read the Mossberg review below before you upgrade or buy a new Windows PC.
“Microsoft is giving Windows its most radical overhaul since 1995 and even its most devoted users won’t recognize the venerable computer operating system in this new incarnation, called Windows 8, when it appears Oct. 26.” Walt Mossberg
Recently, my wife and I went to the Los Altos Art & Wine Festival. I had a great time shooting photos and videos with my iPhone 4 while Alana checked-out the booths.
On our way back to the car, I tried putting my iPhone away in my backpack while walking, talking and not paying attention to what I was doing…. bad idea! Unfortunately, the iPhone slipped out of my hand and dropped on the edge of a concrete sidewalk. I picked it up, turned it over, and saw that the back of my iPhone glass was smashed to bits.
About 9 months ago, I needed to replace one of my older laptops. Instead, I bought an Apple iPad, an iPad case and a Bluetooth Keyboard. So far, I do NOT miss the laptop…and at this time, do NOT plan on buying another one again!
I’ve researched and tested over 100 iPad Apps so far. The following are my favorite Apps that help me get my job done in 18 key areas of our Small Business. Please don’t get overwhelmed by all the application (app) options. Start with a few apps that you need every day and then add the others over time. You’re in for a real treat. Using an ipad is like no other PC, Mac or Laptop you have ever used. The iPad is much easier to use and a lot more fun.
