Home Office Ergonomics: Treat Your Body Right

As traveling expenses continue to skyrocket, many people are finding it more cost-effective to work from home- whether as a telecommuter or as an independent small business owner. For these homebound workers, the quality of their work experience will be greatly effected by the equipment they use and the work environment they are able to create within their living space.

When designing a home office, acquiring equipment and other furnishings, that are ergonomically sound should be made a priority- even if it means paying a little more for these items. Not only will it help to increase job efficiency and performance, but it can also positively effect a worker’s attitude on the job.

Here is a list of the major items in a home office and what you should look for in terms of essential ergonomics:

The Office Chair: Look for a swivel chair that can be adjusted for height, arm height, lumbar and lower back support. The chair should be adjusted so that your feet can rest flat on the floor or on a footrest.

The Desk: If you are using your desk for writing or drawing, look for an inclined surface as opposed to a flat one. If you will be placing a computer on the desk then choose one with an adjustable keyboard shelf. A matted surface will also help to reduce eyestrain from glare.

The Telephone: To reduce neck strain invest in either an handsfree head set or a speakerphone. Alternatively, you could fit your phone with a shoulder cradle to support your head and neck.

Lighting Fixtures: Use halogen or other bright lights as task lighting making sure to direct it away from your computer screen to eliminate glare.

The Computer Monitor: Flat panel screens are known to reduce glare. Make sure your monitor can be easily adjusted for height and tilt.

The Mouse and Keyboard: If you need to use your mouse a lot then look for alternative input devices such as a trackball or a touch pad. Look for a keyboard that ergonomically designed and add a wrist pad for extra support.

The Laptop: Make sure to use your laptop on a hard, flat surface (preferably an ergonomic desk!) If you mostly work from a laptop and not a desktop computer the consider getting a docking station. This will allow you to plug your laptop into a full-sized monitor and keyboard.

Telematics: Getting the Most Out of Your Machinery

If you are particular about the quality and maintenance of your field machinery, then you should consider incorporating telematics into your fleet operations. Telematics has begun to make its way into the farming industry as a method of improving overall efficiency and production.

In general, telematics involves sending, receiving and storing information via telecommunication devices. Information is sent from the field via cellular network to a computer with special software that reads and processes the data.

This technology offers many possible uses and benefits for farmers that go way beyond simple vehicle location. Farmers can track fuel levels, vehicle performance, engine temperature, and hours worked in the field. Special sensors placed throughout the machine can also alert farmers about the breakdown of parts and components, even before it happens. Some systems further allow for the remote setup and control of machinery. All this monitoring is conducted in real-time from a remote location, such as a home office.

Aside from the obvious benefits, telematics technology is also becoming more affordable for the average farmer. The necessary hardware, including devices, wiring, and antennas, will run about $400-$600. There is also a small daily service charge. Equipment can be purchased directly from equipment dealers or retrofitted by third party companies.

Agrievolution Conference Reveals World-Wide Trends in Agricultural Machinery

According to presentations made at the first Agrievolution summit that was held last month in Rome, evolving and growing economies are increasing the global demand for agricultural equipment. As a result, equipment manufacturers and dealers are experiencing a world-wide shortage in farm machinery supplies.

The summit included several major farm machinery manufacturers from around the world who convened to address the issue of producing more food for thriving world populations by analyzing economic and industry trends as well as new technologies.

The summit focused on six regions that are significantly effecting the world market: Europe, Brazil, China, India, Russia, and the US. A common theme among these regions is that farmers are looking for bigger, more powerful machinery. There was also a unified call for open trade and the exchange of ideas across boarders.

In short, there seems to be a bright future ahead for the global agricultural industry.

Small Businesses Are Relying on Their Smartphones

Against the backdrop of a slowing economy, skyrocketing gas prices, and a general drop in consumer confidence, small businesses have a lot to worry about these days. In response, many small business owners are training their eyes on anything that will help them to maintain their competitive edge, increase efficiency and productivity, and reduce costs.

Perhaps this is part of the impetus underlying the increasing demand for smartphones among American small businesses. According to a recent study conducted by AMI, 31% of small businesses are regularly using smartphones to access e-mail, contact information, and their mobile calenders. The study further revealed that many small businesses are already are looking into more advanced applications such as, location-based services, CRM, field force automation, and sales force automation.

According to AMI-Partners Research Analyst Yedda Chew, “…[With] the ease of smartphones like Palm Centro or the BlackBerry Pearl/Curve, these low-cost solutions are providing [small businesses] a seamless connection between business owners and their customers and employees anytime and from anywhere. What’s more, with 13% of the SB workforce being mobile, staying connected is crucial for the owner to stay abreast of his/her everyday work activities.”

In short, mobile applications allow employees to access a powerful combination of inventory data, customer relationship information, and other company-wide knowledge. It is no stretch to say that mobile technology is changing the way small businesses do business.

The Case for Investing in GPS for Your Small Business

If you manage a fleet of vehicles or have employees who do a lot of field work for your business, then you should consider investing GPS devices. There are many benefits of using GPS devices to manage your employees and equipment. You can increase fuel efficiency, productivity, and quality control by locating the quickest route to a given destination, and by keeping tabs on your employees, you are in the best position to maximize your business’ resources.

But even with all the benefits, according to a survey conducted by In-Stat as reported in a recent USA Today article, many employers are reluctant to invest in GPS devices. It seems that in an effort to reduce costs, many businesses (especially the smaller ones) are are being cautious when it comes to investing in technology. Only 8% of those surveyed had their GPS devices provided to them by their employers. Over 70% purchased the equipment themselves.

But as gas prices continue to rise, the case for investing in GPS technology is getting stronger. The reduction in fuel consumption and idle time alone may be enough to justify the investment.

Today’s GPS units come with many added features such as traffic alerts, voice prompts that include street names, and the ability to wirelessly link a mobile phone to an in-car unit in order to get hands-free usage. Another important feature that may be of considerable value for a small business is multi-destination routing. This feature allows you to enter multiple routes into your GPS at one time so as to calculate the best route that includes all of your destinations.

Click here for a thorough review of the top in-car GPS units.

Happy traveling!

What to Do When Going Green Gets Confusing

History attests to countless social movements that took off with exuberant momentum only to create a collective backlash years later. This is the natural flow of human psychology and desire.

In recent years the public has been inundated with the concepts of green conscious, sustainability, and the necessity of protecting the environment. This was closely followed by a virtual flood of environmentally friendly products and services that was bolstered by strong consumer demand. Even at the beginning of this year numerous industry trend forecasts predicted that eco-friendly business would be a major money maker.

But according to recent studies, the call for all things green has turned into a “green noise” that many consumers are quick to shut out. Though these studies suggest that the state of the economy is partly to blame for this reduction in consumer demand, much of the consumer apathy is due to the overload of information and conflicting messages promoted by eco-marketers and environmentalists.

For those consumers and businesses that committed to protecting the environment, yet are either confused or jaded (or both), check out these helpful links:

Blog Post: Five Suggestions for Businesses Confronted with Green Fatigue and Green Noise

Simplesteps.org: Get practical advice on green living depending on if you want to spend a minute, a morning, or a month on the project.

George Carlin: A deep and humorous look at “saving” the planet

Fixing the Housing Crisis: Small Businesses Should Take Note

The current housing crisis has sent a shockwave to the economy that has reverberated across several sectors and industries. Though homebuilders and mortgage lenders have been singled out as the sole bearers of this economic burden, the truth is that numerous businesses and service providers are feeling the strain. Think carpenters, landscapers, and house painters as well as the retail outlets for home repair and supplies, such as Home Depot.

A large number of these goods and services are provided by local small businesses who have limited resources to weather the economic storm. So any action taken (or lack thereof) to fix the housing situation will impact the nation’s economy on both a macro and micro level. Since most small businesses are in some way effected by how the housing crisis is handled, they would do well to keep an eye on the issue.

If you are a little clueless about the details of recent housing legislation, CNN has a general primer on some of the different housing proposals to grace the Capitol. Small business owners should also follow the (sometimes evolving) proposals of McCain and Obama.

Being successful in today’s economy means staying informed.

The Housing Stimulus Bill: Good for the Housing Industry; May Leave Homeowners in the Cold

Last month, the US House of Representatives passed a Housing Stimulus Bill addressing the foreclosure crisis that is currently gripping the nation. While the bill includes several items aimed at helping the housing industry, some are quick to point out there is little direct help for families facing a foreclosure.The bill, which is awaiting Congressional approval, has three major provisions that could provide a significant boost to homebuilders and other businesses involved with the housing industry:

Tax Exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds

The housing bill includes a $10 billion increase in state revenue bonds to help refinance existing mortgages and prevent foreclosures. The money will also be used to provide mortgages for first-time home buyers. The housing bill will further provide another $4 billion in grants to states and local governments in order to buy and renovate abandoned and foreclosed homes.

 

Net Operating Loss Carry Back Expansion

This provision allows any housing-related business that loses money in 2008 and 2009 to use those losses to offset the taxes they paid in the previous four years, as opposed to the two years currently allowed by law. By allowing operating losses to be claimed now, homebuilders and other businesses that are suffering will be given instant financial resources to help them get through the economic downturn.

 

Tax Credit for Purchase of Homes

To encourage the purchase of foreclosed or newly built homes, a tax credit of $7,000 would be available to new home buyers which could be claimed over two years.

While the powers-that-be debate the provisions of the housing bill and the extent to which it will actually help families facing foreclosure versus the housing industry itself, one thing is for certain: any intervention on the part of the government will bring some measure of welcomed relief to an ailing industry.

Scalable Storage Solutions for Small Businesses

One of the biggest issues facing many small businesses these days is Data Storage (that’s capital “D,” capital “S”). An emphasis on data storage really involves several factors, such as managing a large data capacity and intense data flows, setting up proper data security systems and reliable data backup solutions, and making sure all the data is organized and usable. So when we say scalable storage we don’t just mean a solution that can be easily expanded and upgraded to handle newer technologies and increased data flow, but also one that provides data reliability, security, and usability.

What are your Options?

• Upgrade your existing equipment. If you have used up much of your available hard disk space, you can purchase a new internal drive to increase your processing power and storage capacity.

• Add external enclosure or external USB hard drive. An external enclosure for an internal hard drive offers a good combination of performance, reliability, and scalability and can be used with one or more servers. External USB hard drives usually come with back-up software, and most have a one-touch back-up button.

• Get an NAS server. A network-attached storage device (NAS) is by far the most practical (but expensive) storage solution for many small businesses in terms of versatility, scalability, and management. A NAS is a dedicated server that can store software to be used by multiple computers on a network and also back-up files. Look for units that have two or more SATA, SATA II, or SCSI RAID-configured hard drives.There are several leading NAS manufacturers that offer comprehensive customer support. Check out HP StorageWorks 9100 Extreme Data Storage System, Dell’s PowerVault MD3000i, and Sun’s open source storage server that supports the Zettabyte File System and the OpenSolaris operating system on its Thumper hardware.

• Look into Online Storage. There are many companies offering online backup and security solutions. Small businesses may opt for this method to avoid purchasing costly equipment and having to manage the data. But do your research before choosing this solution. Data security and speed (you really need a fast Internet connection for this) are two factors to consider. Also, only do business with an established company. Click here for a list and review of the major online storage companies.

Can Your Business Handle Intense Data Flow?

Many businesses that process massive amounts of data are not prepared for a sudden surge in data flow even though these companies predict a future spike in the demand for data, a recent study finds.

Business Performance Management Forum (BPM) an organization dedicated to promoting performance accountability and process improvement in global organizations, conducted a survey of 125 IT professionals to assess data performance and the effect of downtime on a business’ operations.

Over half of those surveyed have already experienced losses in productivity due to data overload at critical moments, and more than a third of those surveyed expect a significant increase in data volumes and user demand in the coming year, yet 56% are not fully prepared to handle it.

Moreover, even though 80% responded that storage performance and data access by employees, partners and customers are important to their business, 78% of these companies are not adequately prepared to handle a surge of data flow 10 times greater than their average daily processing volumes

It is quite obvious that the success of a business that handles a massive data flow depends on its being prepared for those unpredictable yet inevitable spikes in data generation and user demand. Chalk it up as yet another concern on a long list of IT objectives.

The Case for Connectivity: Why Small Businesses Need to Invest in IT

I have written several posts about topics in business technology including the hyperconnected workforce, the use of open source software, methods of teleconferencing, and recently a brief primer on smartphones for the uninitiated.

Among all of these posts there is a central theme: Small businesses are operating in a world where Information Technology is extensively changing the way people live and work. The emergence of Web 2.0 and the proliferation of versatile mobile devices supports a culture of instant information and global connection. People are not only itching to share both themselves and their knowledge with the world, but they want their own queries to be fulfilled efficiently and accurately.

Small businesses should take note. In order to run a successful business these days, it is essential that you get a foothold in several key areas, namely:

• The Internet. Don’t underestimate the power of the Web on your bottom line. A Web presence, no matter how small or basic will let online users know that you exist. Even if you do not have a website, it is essential that you register your business by any local search engines as well as relevant Point of Interest databases.

• Mobile Technology. This is extremely important if your small business has employees who do field work (work outside of the office) or who frequently go on business trips. According to research conducted last year by Aberdeen Group, 48% of nearly 700 respondents stated that the challenge of managing a decentralized workforce was a prime motivation behind investment in mobile business solutions, while 33% stated that the motivation stemmed from trying to reduce operational costs.

• Software as a service (SaaS). On-demand software (also called software-as-a-service or SaaS) may be the perfect solution for many small businesses that are lacking the infrastructure to effectively operate various aspects of a business such to payroll processing, and reporting on sales and marketing. These software applications that are leased over the Web or to mobile devices from an outside vendor. There are also industry-specific SaaS programs designed to help businesses operated more efficiently.

• Proper data security. To be successful these days small businesses need to know how to properly protect any sensitive business data and customer information including as names, social security numbers, pin numbers and access codes. You can do this by installing up-to-date anti-virus software on all computers, setting up a corporate firewall, securing your mobile devices, and making sure that you have a reliable method of data backup.

The Smartphone Demystified: For Those Who Are Still A Little Clueless

What is a smartphone?

A smartphone has all the features of a regular mobile phone combined with the computing power of a PDA. This means that in addition to making regular calls, you can access the Internet, download e-mail, read or edit document attachments, send instant messages, listen to MP3s, synchronize data with your computer, determine your location with GPS and watch videos- all from one compact device.

If you also take into account a wide range of mobile software applications and business tools, it is little wonder why smartphones are making their way into the realm of small business. Some small business owners are going so far as to run their entire operation on their mobile devices.

If you are new to smartphone technology here is a brief rundown of several common features that you can expect to see in many smartphones currently on the market.

Email Capabilities:

The smartphone can access browser-based email accounts such as Yahoo Mail and Gmail and can display full HTML email messages. It can also be synchronized with Outlook to exchange contact information

Voice Commands:

There is voice recognition for auto dialing

Multimedia Text Messaging and Instant Messaging:

The cell phone has the ability to send multimedia text messages, consisting of text, audio, photo or video files. It also supports instant messaging through popular chat services like MSN, Yahoo and Google.

Synchronization:

Smartphones can be synchronized with your desktop computer to update contact information, emails, and files. Phones that use the Windows Mobile Smartphone edition with ActiveSync can easily synchronize with Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint files. Synchronization can either be wireless via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth or through a USB port.

Internet Features:

Many smartphones support full web page access (ie not just web pages designated for mobile devices) with a highspeed wireless Internet connection.

Network Connection:

Smartphones use the GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) network for voice transmission and the GPRS and 3G networks for data transmission. Most smartphones now offer EDGE (Enhanced Data GSM Environment) connectivity which provides high speed data transfer, particularly for Web and multimedia over the GSM network. Many devices also offer Wi-Fi allowing for highspeed surfing.

Data Input:

Some smartphones sport a full QWERTY keyboard, others, such as the iPhone, have a touchscreen interface.

Multimedia:

Many smartphones come with a high resolution digital camera, MP3 player, camcorder with video playback, and video player.

Who Are the Major Players?

So which smartphones are making the top of the review lists?

• Apple iPhone 
• RIM Blackberry Curve 
• Blackberry Pearl 
• AT&T Tilt 
• Palm Treo 750 
• Motorola Q 
• T Mobile Dash 
• T Mobile Sidekick 

Click here for a list of major smartphone reviews.

 

 

Small Businesses Can Save Money on Airline Tickets: Think Teleconferencing

As the cost of airfare soars in response to the ever-rising price of fuel, many small businesses may be forced to find alternative ways to communicate with their distant clients, prospective customers, and remote partners.

Due to advances in technology and green consciousness, teleconferencing is becoming a popular business travel alternative among small and mid-sized businesses. Some of this technology is not as expensive as you may think and bringing it into your company can dramatically enhance the way you do business- not to mention save you precious time and money in the long-run.

Here is a quick rundown of the different options:

Audio Teleconferencing:

This is a popular choice for many small businesses since it does not require a lot of additional equipment- only a telephone for each person involved in the conference call. Some companies also opt for a VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) line which allows them to use their Internet connection to communicate over the phone.

There are several ways to customize your audio telecommunication to fit the needs of your business, including the number of participants you can have on your call, and the availability of pass codes, secure access, local or toll free call in numbers, and operator assistance.

Video Teleconferencing:

This technology is similar to audio teleconferencing, except in this case video is added. It is best suited for distance lectures, brainstorming sessions, or conferences that require visual presentation.

The choice of which video conferencing equipment and tools you will need will depend on the needs of your business, but the main components of a typical video conferencing setup include a conferencing phone, video cameras and television screens, and web access.

There are several companies offering video conferencing solutions including: IVCi, Polycom, Sony, VCON, Smart Technologies, and RADvision.

Web Conferencing
As the name suggests, web conferencing is conducted via the Internet and can incorporate many different features that cannot be supported with video or audio conferencing, such as streaming video or audio, application sharing, text slides, white boards, polling, web tours, and PowerPoint presentations.

For web conferences, all parties involved will need a computer, a video camera or webcam, a microphone, a set of speakers and a high speed Internet connection.

You will also need a video conferencing system. There are two forms of video conferencing systems- either a dedicated system or one that is run from a desktop. A dedicated system is generally used for conventions or technologically advanced conferences. They typically require expensive equipment and considerable training to set it up.

With the desktop version, however, the equipment is basic and can easily and relatively inexpensively be upgraded. Web conferencing software is available for download as part of any modern instant messenger package. There are also several higher-end software packages that work with specific video conferencing services, such as WebEx and WiredRed.

As with the other two conferencing options, there are are many different features offered through a wide-range of providers. Knowing which solution is best for you will depend on the needs of your business.

As the price of business travel increases many small business owners may find that it is just cheaper and easier to do business from home.

Gas Saving Tips for the Small Business

As the price of gas inches (or maybe we should say leaps) its way to $4 a gallon, it has sparked a fervent cry for better fuel efficiency. If your business depends on transportation by car, truck, utility vehicle, etc then the added cost of a gallon of gas can be a real strain on your cash flow- especially at a time when business may be slow due to the cooling economy.By following these simple tips on fuel-conservation, you can take advantage of significant fuel savings so you can use your resources where you need them the most- running your business.

Change your driving habits:

The bottom line here is that aggressive driving will ruin your fuel efficiency. Therefore, stay away from revving up the engine and quick acceleration. Also try to avoid high speed travel. According to the Department of Energy, for every 5 mph that you drive over 65 mph, you will experience a 7% decrease in fuel economy. On long stretches of relatively flat highway, use your cruise control set at the posted speed limit, and on a downhill allow the vehicle’s momentum to pick up speed in order to coast up the next hill.

Stay away from the crowds:

Where possible plan an alternative route to avoid stop-and-go traffic, and congested roads, and try to schedule your business travel outside of rush hours and peak shopping times.

Maintain your vehicles:

By keeping your vehicles in good working order, you can improve your gas mileage up to 15%. Make sure to send your vehicles for regularly scheduled tune-ups. Also remember to replace your air filter and properly (but not overly) inflate your tires.

Plan for multiple destinations:

According to the Department of Energy, a vehicle uses more gas with a cold start than when the engine is warm. Thus, several short trips that began with a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a single, longer trip with the same mileage. Plan out beforehand where you need to go and combine several destinations into one trip. You could also carpool among several employees.

Don’t sit idle:

If it looks like you are going to be stuck in one place for a short while (ie not long enough for the engine to completely cool down) then turn off the engine. Idling can waste up to a quart of gas every 15 minutes.

Get an eco-friendly vehicle:

There are a huge selection of hybrid and fuel efficient vehicles on the market. Check out this site to find the best vehicle to suit your needs.

Lose weight:

The more weight that you have in your vehicle the more gas it takes to make it go. Therefore, make sure to take out any unnecessary items from the trunk or truck bed.

Know when to use the AC:

When traveling at higher speeds, it is better to use the AC and to keep your windows up in order to lower air-resistance. With slower driving you should open to windows to cool down.

For more information on gas-saving techniques and fuel-efficient vehicles check out http://www.fueleconomy.gov/

 

Construction in a Slowing Economy: A Rough Road Ahead

Analysts and academics may disagree about whether or not the economy is in recession, but for the construction industry such discourse may fall on deaf ears. Across the country new home sales plummeted 26% in 2007, and 2008 has already seen the beginnings of a slump in nonresidential construction that is only expected to worsen as the year progresses.

The fate of many small home builders and construction companies may depend not only on how they weather the recession (that is, if we even decide that we are in one), but also in their ability to adapt to the current economic climate. Some home builders, for example, are looking for creative ways to sell their homes.

One notable trend is the recent rise in existing home sales driven by bargain hunters and first-time home owners. This could mean an increase in the demand for remodeling and extensions.

Whatever strategy they use, small home builders and construction companies still have a rough road ahead.

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