Technology sets entrepreneurs free – or does it create a Second Life?

We’re in the middle of Global Entrepreneur Week, so it’s no surprise that there is a focus on start-ups and entrepreneurs in the media at the moment. Although there have been some conflicting messages.

New research conducted by business advisory firm, Deloitte found that 75% of entrepreneurs in the East of England have found business opportunities during the recession.

However, another piece of research conducted by small business specialist Intuit UK showed 40% of those interviewed were waiting until the recovery kicks in before they start up their new ventures – hoping for better conditions.

The Times newspaper today gave a good overview of the possible scenarios, but two messages remain clear to maintain those great initial business ideas:

– the need for effective funding

- a well-considered business plan.

Having attended an excellent seminar by Business Link in Guildford last night, it was great to be in a room of self-starters. The scale of operations being run by the people there varied, but everyone in the room was keen to learn more about how technology can help small businesses manage their time to help them focus on their core business.

It was an insightful whistle stop tour as there are so many technologies that help companies across a range of areas, such as:

- Organisers/ virtual assistants

- Remote working tools, like GotomyPC

- Collaborative software, for example Webex and Sharepoint

- Internet based communications, such as Skype

All great ways to cut out time spent on administration or needless travel – how many of us travel 3 hours each way to attend a one hour meeting?

What interested me particularly this week is that social media is still considered a technology for the future for businesses.

Considering the number of companies effectively using the virtual world of Second Life already - for training, meeting with prospects, etc. - it seems a shame for this free medium to be ignored now. Its popularity within corporates is supported by the creator’s (Linden Labs) launch of Second Life Enterprise earlier this month targeted at the corporate world.

And it doesn’t have to be an expensive investment. There are numerous free tools available to aid collaboration – the key word that describes Web 2.0 – which make them perfect for small businesses looking for cost-effective ways to enhance their operations.

Whether it’s a Blog that provides a direct channel to a wide potential audience or Twitter which can work as an effective customer service tool, there are easily accessible tools to suit every need.

The main concern for most entrepreneurs and small businesses is finding the time to research these tools and try them out – yes, how ironic! As with any business equipment, from computers to mobile phones, it’s important to find the right tools to meet your individual needs.

Take some time to really think about what help/ support you need:

- What are the areas of the business that take up the most time (travel, administration, etc.)?

- How comfortable are you with existing technologies (phone, computer, etc.) and how do you use them now?

- What is the key focus for your business currently?

- Budget!

Once you take the time to review these things, your range of options will become clearer and easier to select from.

Trying them out can then be much easier to schedule into your day and the benefits are outstanding – in the short-term as well as the long-term future.

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