As an SMB owner or manager, you are constantly on the lookout for new trends that will influence your business; you know that in order to stay relevant and to continue to grow your business, you have to be aware of emerging ideas, techniques and innovations. One of the biggest trends to consider is the social-mobile-cloud movement. As each element continues to grow in its own right, there is no denying that there are points of intersection. Knowing how these three elements work together can help your business stay on the cutting edge. Each component of this social-mobile-cloud trifecta has an important role in the everyday strategies of a business and, according to Forbes, can essentially change the way we do business. A company that leverages all three has the potential to stand apart from those that only engage in one or two.
Social
If you have read some of our previous blogs, we have extolled the virtues of social media for business purposes. It is a great marketing tool that, unlike some other marketing techniques, does’t require much in the way of cost. Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn allow you to reach a large number of people quickly and efficiently (more than 80% of Americans access a social network). Social media allows you to connect with potential clients, engage your audience and generate word of mouth.
Mobile
Mobile technology such as cell phones and tablets has changed how businesses communicate. These devices allow for an increased level of communication. Since most people have these devices with them at all times, they can be easily reached to discuss business items, even when they are away from the office.
Cloud
While still not as common as the other two components, the cloud is quickly gaining leverage in the business world. It allows employees to access critical data and applications from wherever they are, whether that’s in their office, at a client’s office or from a hotel room while they travel. The cloud has many benefits for businesses that choose to employ it: increased connectivity, better collaboration and lower business costs, among others.
As you can see (and probably already knew), each aspect is valid in its own right and even used individually can help you grow your business. When used together, however, the potential for growth is even greater. The aforementioned Forbes article states that these trends “will combine to create the biggest technology shift since the Internet.†The Aberdeen Group, a prominent market research company, describes the convergence of these three technologies this way: an “infrastructure that will allow organizations to provide a user-end experience in which all employees are connected (social), everywhere they go (mobile), and have access to data when and where they need it (cloud).† Ultimately, the thing these three concepts all have in common is that they make communication easier. Communication is a critical tool in terms of business (whether it is between employees, the business and its client or employee and employer), so technologies and practices that streamline communication processes are extremely important. If communication is simplified, work is done quicker and more effectively.
SACA Technologies understands the importance of staying ahead of the curve for SMBs. One crucial way to make sure you do is by leveraging cutting edge technology. As your IT Allies, we are here to help ensure that you are aware of the technologies that can keep you relevant and help grow your business.
