Ten business chores you can move to the cloud in 2012

[#1]

Got enough time? No, I didn’t think so. Running a small (but ambitious) company is an exercise in managing your time. Every hour must count. Big companies can throw big resources at a problem, but you have to use your ingenuity to find a more efficient solution.

However, unlike big companies, you can move faster. Technology can level the playing field and big companies struggle to innovate because their size makes change difficult and expensive.

Web-based cloud applications are the perfect disruptive technology to get a competitive advantage over your larger competitors. The right application used the right way can help you get more done. Here are ten business chores you can move online:

1. Keeping track of customers. Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online or Highrise let you keep track of customer interactions online.
2. Invoicing. Get your invoices out sooner and get paid quicker with online tools like Blinksale and FreshBooks.
3. Advertising. Microsoft adCenter and Google AdWords can help you reach new clients online.
4. Writing proposals. If you write a lot of proposals, try Quoteroller. It’ll speed up the process.
5. HR admin. Check out Turbine for time off requests, appraisals, HR records, expenses etc.
6. Recruitment. Online advertising on Monster and LinkedIn.com can be very effective.
7. Finding freelancers. Need a little extra help? Try Elance or Concept Cupboard.
8. Time tracking. Have a look at Harvest, it’s a great way to track those billable hours.
9. Bookkeeping. The job you love to hate but maybe Xero will make it less painful.
10. Email and calendar management. In the old days, you needed a big server to run your email system. Now, you can do it online with Microsoft Office 365.

This post is brought to you in partnership with Intel(R) as part of the “Technology in tomorrow’s cloud & virtual desktop” series. For more information please click - HERE

[#2]

The internet does provide a very convenient means of communicating with your customers. Whether it’s something like Skype, a social media site like Facebook, or even something as simple as email… going online to keep track of your customers has become quite convenient, while providing you an opportunity to connect with potential customers.