Australian Government Helps Small Businesses Adopt and Use Cloud Services

The Department of Communications has launched this week a series of guides aimed at encouraging small businesses to take advantage of the cloud revolution.

A news release posted on the official website of Malcolm Turnbull, Minister of Communications, announced that the guides were designed to help "small businesses adopt and use cloud computing services with confidence." These new and free tools for small businesses are accessible in four titles, namely:

• Cloud Computing Myths
• Questions to ask your Cloud Provider
• Small Business Privacy Factsheet
• Legal tips for Small Business Using Cloud Services.

"Cloud computing is already proving to be revolutionary for small businesses, as it significantly lowers cost barriers to ICT adoption. KPMG estimates the increased adoption of cloud services in Australian firms could boost the Australian economy by $3.32 billion a year," says Turnbull.

Prior to the documents' release, the department issued a report which revealed that only 16 per cent of small and medium-sized enterprises are using cloud computing. Lack of knowledge was noted as one of the reasons why many small businesses are still refusing to adopt cloud technology.

Cloud computing services allow users to store and access a wide range of data and programs over the Internet without the need to install a software. Among the benefits of cloud computing technology includes increased streamlined IT processes, increased collaboration, improved disaster recovery, and better document control.

6 Smart Moves Start-up Companies Can Learn from Successful Businesses

No one puts up a business without aiming to expand in the future. But getting there requires more than just having a great product and an abundance of luck. Sad to say, many start ups fail because they do not employ the key ingredients that will help them stay in business. You do not have to be one of them if only you will take the time to learn the habits of successful entrepreneurs.

So get your pen and paper now to start taking notes.

Successful businesses set goals

They know what they want. They jot down their mission, short- and long-term goals, and make concrete plans on how to achieve them.  Goal setting allows them to focus on things that really need their attention. It helps them organise their time and wisely utilise available resources.

Successful businesses build a winning team

They do not take control of everything. They review their goals and identify the skills set needed to accomplish each objective. They attract talented workers and motivate them to get the company reach its destination.

Successful businesses always look for opportunities

Successful businesses can spot opportunities everywhere. These opportunities do not always have to be original or ground breaking. If it's something they think will meet the needs of the end-users they will learn more about it, research the competition, study their options, even test the market.

Successful businesses adapt to changes

They constantly monitor the lifestyle and purchasing habits of their customers. They adjust their selling strategy to match the changes in their customers' buying preferences. Similarly, they keep track of their competition and technology in order to keep their business visible to where their customers are going.

Successful businesses focus on how to help customers

Businesses that remain in operation despite the increasing competition in their industry have their eyes on providing quality products or services. Their primary goal is not to become wealthy but to offer more value for money.

Successful businesses seek and value customer feedback

They consider their customers an important partner. Hence, they make it a point to know what their customers want and create innovative solutions to address their problems. 

3 Ways to Make Your Customers Feel Special on a Shoestring Budget

The customers are your company's greatest asset. Treat them rudely and they will spread the news through social media faster than the speed of light. That's why creating a harmonious relationship with them has become crucial more than ever.

Offering discount prices and giving away tons of freebies from time to time are perhaps among the most popular strategies in keeping customers happy. But if your business is just starting these marketing tactics may hurt (rather than help) your cash flow.

In reality, caring for your customers is not as expensive as you would expect.  In fact some approaches require very minimal budget, if not totally free.

Take time to answer your customers' questions

Responding to inquiries posted on your company blog and/or Facebook fan page is the easiest way to make your customers feel good. You do not have to do it yourself, you can delegate the task to a staff member or hire a social media specialist. The key is to show your customers that they are an important partner of your business.

Share tips and valuable materials

Your customers are always looking for guides on how to do things properly and make their lives easier. Use your expertise to create how-to articles or a downloadable white paper that solve your customers' problems or answer a pressing concern in detailed. Share the information in your business website. The useful your content the higher its chances to go viral.

Sharing links of an interesting content you found on Twitter is good. But doing it all the time is not healthy for your business. Your customers would rather go to the original source than view your social media profile or visit your blog.

Respond quickly

Your customers are not going to send an email or call just to say "Hi." It is either they want to convey feedback that would improve your service or they have an urgent question. A quick response on your end will not only show professionalism but also help build customer loyalty.