Gain a competitive advantage through cloud computing concept

BY TERRY L. BROCK
Technology/marketing specialist

“All I want in life is an unfair advantage” — Michael Aun, CSP, CPAE

Doing business is tough today. Hey, it has been tough since the first bargain shoppers tried to get the best price at the local bazaar from the traveling trader back at the dawn of business history. Getting an advantage is something we all try to do so that we can ultimately serve more customers and help them more. Interesting how serving more customers is always the way to generate more funds for you — but that is another article.

As I type this, I’m visiting Panama, my beloved adopted country here in Central America. The business climate is good and growing. The atmosphere is teeming with potential, and I love being part of this. One of the ways you can get an advantage here — as well as elsewhere — is to embrace the concept of cloud computing.

I’ve talked about cloud computing in these columns before. Now I’m using it to get more done, be more productive and serve more customers.

In brief, the concept of cloud computing is that you have the data and the tools you need based on a server or another computer which you access remotely. The Internet has provided a platform through which you can do this now as never before.

I’m using an online service to keep all my contacts and to manage e-mail with those contacts. I get the benefit of having all my important contact information backed up 24/7/365. If my computer or iPad were lost or stolen, that would be bad, but at least I would still have access to my all-important contacts.
I’m also using Google Docs for word processing, calendar, translating (important in international work) and a lot more. This lets me keep important documents (doc, pdf, jpg and more) online. When I need that important reference or client letter, I can easily access it via Google Docs and have what I need when I need it.

Another really nice benefit of using cloud computing is that I can access my data from my main MacBook Pro, my Windows computers (I have four of these), my iPad or my iPhone. I don’t need to use all of them, but it is nice to know that I can use whichever tool is more convenient at the time. And yes, in a worst-case scenario, I can access what I need through a local Internet café or a friend’s computer.

This is the way you can gain a strong competitive advantage. You will have notes on that important conversation you had with that important prospect. You can reference it through the cloud and immediately know the history of dealing with that prospect. You can also give access to this data to others on your team via a password and then come up to speed quickly on the communication they have had with that contact.

Another advantage is that you can save money on the hardware and software you purchase. You need a Net-accessible device to use cloud computing effectively. Instead of purchasing a large, expensive computer, you can get something much cheaper like a Netbook computer. You can use your Net-accessible smart phone. I find I’m using my iPad more and more.

Cloud computing — coupled with some strong, versatile Net-accessible devices — translates to a decisive competitive advantage for you. Some of the benefits you might realize include the following:

• You can get what you need when you need it online. You can have the references you need about previous contacts with prospects and clients.

• You can use a variety of hardware and are not subject to total shutdown if your computer is unavailable.

• You save money. (Always a good thing!)

• You don’t have to worry about viruses and other nastiness hitting your computer as your data is in the clouds and protected by the server.

• You get to focus more on people. You can focus on establishing, building and maintaining quality, profitable business relationships by using the cloud.

Here in Panama I have access to all the vital documents I need. I have the vital tools I need to do business here or anywhere. That gives me the advantage of being “on the ground,” seeing new business opportunities.

If you’re not doing business this way yet, I encourage you to find out about it. If you are using it, find ways to expand what you’re doing. Armed with a device like the iPad or a Netbook computer and some key cloud computing services, you will have a strong competitive advantage. That will help you build more in your relationship marketing. And ultimately, that all flows through to your bottom line.

You’re welcome!

Terry Brock is an international marketing coach and professional speaker who works with businesses to generate profitable results. He can be reached by e-mail at terry@terrybrock.com or through his website at www.terrybrock.com. Join the Twitter adventure with Terry through his Twitter address: @TerryBrock. Join Terry’s Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/SpeakerTerryBrock.