Why do 21st Century businesses need collaborative working tools?
Because when people have set up a virtual business with colleagues and associates working remotely the response "I'm sorry, he/she is on holiday" probably also means that all of the information needed to answer the client call properly is stuck on their laptop (accompanying them on their trip to the Algarve!)
This is one of our prospects telling us why the VHQ WebOffice looks like it could help run their business.
Gareth
Virtual HQ Solutions Ltd.
Web-based software tools and business support services.
http://www.vhqsolutions.co.uk
024 7699 8070
Friday, January 23, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
New VHQ Article - "Practice Development...Are you in control?"
The latest VHQ Solutions articles provides an insight into how consultancy practices can overcome issues like reliance on one or two big clients and managing associates teams using virtual office technologies such as collaborative working tools and web-based business management services.
Practice Development...Are you really in control?"
Gareth Edwards
Virtual HQ Solutions Ltd.
Web-based software tools and business support services.
http://www.vhqsolutions.co.uk
Practice Development...Are you really in control?"
Gareth Edwards
Virtual HQ Solutions Ltd.
Web-based software tools and business support services.
http://www.vhqsolutions.co.uk
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Helping enterprises through the recession
And so, as one interesting day follows another, I find myself in a busy little Enterprise Hub in Grimsby meeting with more committed, energetic people determined to drive enterprsiing activity in their area.
After a long discussion about internet services in enterprise support we part with lots of ideas to ponder, an then someone asks "how should the focus of enterprise support change in a recession?" Great question, I just wish they had asked it earlier, but we all agreed that one thing changes for certain, the emphasis moves from growth to survival. This means helping people to 1) Reduce Costs, fast and 2) Market themslves like hell ... here are you thoughts.
First, look at your client's sunk cost in office facilities ... a virtual office can slash the cost of rent & rates instantly, and replacing fixed staff or even Temps with pay-as-you-go virtual office services can be more cost effective.
Second, you'll need to help you client be a canny marketeer and they'll have to work extra hard to get leads in a tight market ... better sales opportunity management is then essential to convert every possible lead to an order. No-one can afford to waste hard-earned leads in this climate and this is the subject of one of a business management articles that Gareth's writing next month.
How does this sit with you? ... this can't be it, there must be more. If you have any thoughts and ideas to share, we'd love to hear about them.
Denis
After a long discussion about internet services in enterprise support we part with lots of ideas to ponder, an then someone asks "how should the focus of enterprise support change in a recession?" Great question, I just wish they had asked it earlier, but we all agreed that one thing changes for certain, the emphasis moves from growth to survival. This means helping people to 1) Reduce Costs, fast and 2) Market themslves like hell ... here are you thoughts.
First, look at your client's sunk cost in office facilities ... a virtual office can slash the cost of rent & rates instantly, and replacing fixed staff or even Temps with pay-as-you-go virtual office services can be more cost effective.
Second, you'll need to help you client be a canny marketeer and they'll have to work extra hard to get leads in a tight market ... better sales opportunity management is then essential to convert every possible lead to an order. No-one can afford to waste hard-earned leads in this climate and this is the subject of one of a business management articles that Gareth's writing next month.
How does this sit with you? ... this can't be it, there must be more. If you have any thoughts and ideas to share, we'd love to hear about them.
Denis
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
LEGI Spots a Gap in the Accommodation Ladder
I had an interesting conversation today with the Programme Director of an LEGI in the North West (LEGI is Local Enterprise Growth Initiative in case you've not heard of them). This reinforced my view that most LEGIs are missing an obvious trick by not exploiting the internet.
Of the 18 or so LEGIs across the UK, only 1 has embraced the internet to provide practical support for start-ups, to my knowledge. I've met few who are interested, but they don't really understand it ... and that makes it feel risky. But today I met a man who confidently identified an obvious gap in the provision of incubation and office facilities.
LEGIs often refer to an "Accommodation Ladder" where companies can grow into increasingly expensive office space - great if you have cash and we have an abundance of space - but alas, neither is generally the case. So what better idea than to include a Virtual Office in the ladder? Today I was given real examples of companies that had lamented that they feel betwixt home office and real office, neither providing the image or environment they need. This sounds ideal for them.
Perhaps we should be surprised that UK business people are not aware of what's on offer and more importantly what's possible with a raft of low cost and often free technology. Or, perhaps after a decade of government interventions such as UK Online for Business and Business Links, we should be.
If you're interested in finding out more, Gareth has penned a useful article about Virtual Offices that includes a relevant case study.
Denis
Of the 18 or so LEGIs across the UK, only 1 has embraced the internet to provide practical support for start-ups, to my knowledge. I've met few who are interested, but they don't really understand it ... and that makes it feel risky. But today I met a man who confidently identified an obvious gap in the provision of incubation and office facilities.
LEGIs often refer to an "Accommodation Ladder" where companies can grow into increasingly expensive office space - great if you have cash and we have an abundance of space - but alas, neither is generally the case. So what better idea than to include a Virtual Office in the ladder? Today I was given real examples of companies that had lamented that they feel betwixt home office and real office, neither providing the image or environment they need. This sounds ideal for them.
Perhaps we should be surprised that UK business people are not aware of what's on offer and more importantly what's possible with a raft of low cost and often free technology. Or, perhaps after a decade of government interventions such as UK Online for Business and Business Links, we should be.
If you're interested in finding out more, Gareth has penned a useful article about Virtual Offices that includes a relevant case study.
Denis
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