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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Web 2.0 and social media for PR and internal communication: collaboration in action

The much anticipated and most comprehensive white paper on the digital landscape in Britain – Digital Britain 2012 - is being published today. This report is expected to help establish the Government’s blueprint for the future development of all things digital (technology, the internet and broadcasting) throughout the UK. As the report's author and Minister for Communications, Lord Carter of Barnes stated earlier this year: "Delivering Digital Britain will depend upon a smart industry, working with a committed Government to produce lasting solutions."

Smart industry collaboration is indeed essential to help address some of the more complex challenges faced both within and between an organisation and its publics when embracing Web 2.0. And the time is right for businesses to share, partner and integrate their expertise and knowledge – in the true spirit of this digital age.

Therefore, in collaboration with our sister company theblueballroom (internal communications) and Redcatco (social media and collaboration technology), we are offering companies 360-degree online communications consulting, as well as implementation and training on how best to embed Web 2.0 and social media into business and communications strategies.

We believe this collaboration presents a unique internal and external end-to-end offering for the diverse business function owners who are benefited by the opportunities and impacted by the potential pitfalls that online strategies and tools can bring. This approach will ensure that marketing, IT, customer services, communications (corporate, external and internal), lead generation, new business and HR can benefit from an enriched understanding of how Web 2.0 and social media can enhance internal and external communications strategies.

Social networking, Surrey style!

Last night thebluedoor was networking both on and off-line at a fantastic event at Surrey University. Co-presented by Surrey Chambers of Commerce and SCEPTrE, the evening kicked off with short talks on networking by Avalon Solutions and an introduction to Web 2.0 by Casey Cohen from meterorite. After this excellent informative introduction, we were able to join other local businesses and put the networking tips into action, as well as watch demonstrations of social networking technology by local students.

From podcasting to interactive video, through Flickr, YouTube and Twitter, the many tools available were brilliantly presented by students. Talking from their perspective about how they interact with these technologies, they also outlined the potential these tools present companies to develop their business.

In a spooky coincidence, the reality of the use of social networking in business was the discussion topic on Radio 4's Woman's Hour programme today. Heather from Wiggly Wigglers, a small farm in Herefordshire, explained how her farming business won the Dell Small Business Excellence Award for its use of podcasts, Twitter and blogs.

Her comment that, "markets are conversations, and conversations are markets" really struck home to me and echoed the talks from last night's event.

Social media can be a huge influence on a business - to build a brand and gain access to the thoughts and desires of your target market. The overriding advice - take a bit of time to do some research, listen to the conversations taking place, then engage. The key being to share information in the same way you would in face-to-face networking. The results can be astounding.

We wish the students at the University of Surrey well with their studies and future careers. I'm sure everyone who attended came away with something valuable - and I'm sure are spending a bit more time online today than usual!