Thursday, December 27, 2012

Streamlining Your Information Technology Needs



With the New Year fast approaching, it’s time to take a look at how to streamline your business’s information technology setup. Many businesses seem to go one of two ways when it comes to their information technology: too much, or not enough. But what exactly is Information Technology (IT)? How do you know whether or not you have it already? And how do you know if you have too little or too much of it?

Information technology is made up of the computers, networks, software, storage devices, and anything else that stores, manipulates, or transmits/receives data. In fact, reading this blog right now on your computer, you are using one of the pieces in your IT arsenal. But how do you know if you need more or less of it?

A good way to determine whether or not you have all of your bases covered is to see how effective your business is during the course of daily business. Do you have processes that could be simplified with new software? For example, are you maintaining digital files and paper files only to find discrepancies later on? This could be a sign that your business should move towards a more complete digital file management system.

On the other hand, if you take a look around your office and see empty desks, unused computers, and a network of data storage that would look more fitting in a massive credit card company’s headquarters, then you have too much IT. Take stock of what your company utilizes during the course of the business day. Anything that you are paying extra for and not using should be reconsidered.

It is important to keep your business’s operational needs consistent with the technology that your business has or needs to operate at full capacity. Too little IT and you won’t see the benefits of what expertly implemented IT can do. Too much IT and you are likely dipping in to your company’s profits to pay for it.

TeleDirect is another way to streamline your business. We offer 24/7/365 call center services to businesses looking to make their efforts as effective as possible in a challenging economy. See how we can help to improve the way that you do business!

Thursday, December 20, 2012

5 Technology Based Business Solutions to Improve Your Business



Growing a business to profitable proportions in no over-night task. It takes more than the will to succeed - it also takes the right tools. But what tools does the modern business need to make the most out of every work day? How can technology step up to the plate and help us do business better?

Customer Relationship Management - If you have ever needed to reference an in office database while you were on the road, then you probably ended up calling a co-worker and owing them a favor as a result. With CRM software you have all of the access you would have sitting at your desk, only mobile. Now the sales numbers you were looking for won’t mean buying donuts for the guy in the cubicle next to yours!

The Video Call - Skype and companies like it have revolutionized the way businesses communicate, saved countless hours of travel time, and saved a ton of money for companies in search of a way to reduce their spending. With the video conferencing or video calls you maintain the in-person feel of your meeting, while reducing the headaches and cost of traveling to your client for the aforementioned meeting.

File Sharing - You have not managed documents until you have used a file sharing program like Dropbox. With typical documents you run into the trouble of keeping track of the latest version, or a loss of accountability as it shuffles throughout your office. Not so with a file sharing drop box. It allows you to manage the latest version, see who has modified it, and access it from anywhere with an Internet connection.

WiFi On-the-Go - In the fast- paced world of a small business, you cannot afford to stop into a cafe every time you need WiFi on the go. That’s why a small investment in a WiFi card may be a good choice for your business. These devices mean Internet access whenever and wherever. The benefit is obvious, especially if you travel as a result of your daily business.

Mobile Device - Nowadays you could run a small country from most mobile devices - which is advantageous for anyone trying to run a business from one. That being said, that ridiculous 90’s flip-phone you’ve been carting around just won’t cut the mustard anymore. Investing in up to date technology will greatly reduce frustration when it comes to answering email, accessing client info, and fielding calls.

TeleDirect can be a useful resource for your business! Visit our website to see the long list of services that we have supplied to companies just like yours to improve their daily operations.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Technology Focus - The App



Nowadays, there is a mobile app (application) for everything. Reminder apps, finance apps, travel apps - you name it and chances are someone has made it into an app to somehow make life just a little bit easier for someone somewhere. So, it should come as no surprise that businesses everywhere are capitalizing on the app explosion to make their business easier to access and support.

Apps are used with mobile devices and smart phones - which if you hadn’t noticed by now, everyone has and uses like crazy. Why not make your business app accessible to increase your businesses profits? After all, apps are designed for ease of use, and many were designed to function like a full website from a device that may have limitations like a small screen or keyboard. This lets customers access functions, informations, and resources from anywhere on a mobile device.

Apps make it easy to buy products and services. It doesn’t take a business whiz to know that when a product or service is easier to buy, it is also easier to sell. Many businesses are relying on apps to not only promote services they offer, but they are also making themselves visible in the eyes of their clients as the app is downloaded to their personal mobile devices, therefore being seen on a daily basis.

You may be asking: Do I need an app for my business? Deciding what exactly the app will do is the first step. It could be as simple as a scheduling software that allows clients to book appointments, or as in-depth as an advanced sales assistant where your clients and customers can learn about your company and make purchases on the go. Making the app free to download and use will make the risk non-existent for your customers and drive business to you as a result.

If it is done right, your app can help you to gather leads and customer information. You can use this information to expand your business. The best part of apps is that the sky is the limit. If your company needs a certain function, then the chances are that it can be done through you app!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Mobile Integration from TeleDirect



The mobile integration of your business is no longer a dream that you have to chase, it is the way most business conduct their daily operations. Huge businesses have been doing it for years, and up until recently, it was something that small business could only hope for. Well, that is a thing of the past with TeleDirect. Whether we make daily trips to the office, work from a home office, or work from the road on sales trips, being tied to your information resources no longer means being strapped to a desk.

With our Instant Sales Expert your leads, tasks, and opportunities are all presented right before your eyes on your mobile device allowing you to hit the road and keep your business moving full steam ahead. No more missing calls or opportunities because you were away from your computer or phone. Instant Sales Expert is more than just a central hub for your business’s outreach efforts. It is also a way to measure your progress while using TeleDirect services. Accessing your reports, changing vital profile information, tracking recent activity within your business, and managing team member access to the ISE has never been easier.

ISE allows your sales team to pursue hot leads and book appointments with perspective clients, while leaving the initial outreach to us. This Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is sure to become a driving force for your business to increase sales, maintain and exceed client expectations, and monitor progress as you go to make sure your valuable resources are being allocated properly. It’s almost like hiring more employees to only focus on tracking down leads.

As you may have figured out by now, TeleDirect is so much more than a call center. We are part of your team, and are driven by your successes. Improving your sales strategy can be as easy as contacting us today. Our low cost, high reward design has made a valuable asset to many businesses.

Learn more about ISE services through our ISE website www.instantsalesexpert.com, or by contacting one of our representatives today!