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Operations / Technology: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Voicemail Greeting
A voicemail greeting is a statement of who you are and what your company values. A short and abrupt voicemail greeting will send a negative message to your callers. A properly composed voicemail greeting can leave your customers with a positive image of your company.
Outsourcing Advantages
Trying to make a decision about outsourcing? Here are the top 7 outsourcing advantages that a proper outsourcing project will bring to your company.
Outsourcing Disadvantages
Outsourcing has many advantages that can save you money. But there are also disadvantages to outsourcing too. If the outsourcing disadvantages out weigh the advantages, then stay away from outsourcing. Here are the outsourcing disadvantages for you to consider.
Department Voicemail
Providing your callers with an alternative to waiting on hold will give you a competitive advantage. Setting up a departmental voicemail box will give you that advantage. This article will teach you how to do it right.
Business Phone Etiquette
Business phone etiquette can make or break or your relationships with your customers and business associates. From the automated attendant to transferring a call to voicemail greetings, learn how to do it right and earn your callers' appreciation.
Vendor Management
Vendor management is more than just getting your suppliers to give you a lower price or better service contract. Your vendors supply your business with necessary products and services. Properly managed vendors can give you a competitive advantage as well as cost savings.
Outsourcing Introduction
Outsourcing is talked about a lot. Some look to outsouring as the savior of their company; others as an evil job-killing tactic of management. Before you start to evaluate outsourcing, you need to understand what it is and what it is not.
Call Transfer Etiquette
Transferring a phone call to another person or department is more than just knowing what buttons to push on your phone. How you handle the transfer of the phone call will reflect positively or negatively on your business. Here's how business telephone etiquette will make it a positive experience for your caller.
Computer Network and Internet
Information is the life-blood of the business and computers networks are the veins and arteries that connect all the parts of the business together. Tap into the Internet and the world is your opportunity.
Office Desk and Chair
The most basic office furniture that you will need is a desk and a chair. This will give your office employee the space that he or she needs to perform their task. Here is what to look for and how to make an informed purchasing decision.
Automated Attendant
The first thing your customers and business associates will here when they call your company will be your automated attendant. Learn how to write a well thought out and high-quality script to give your callers the service they deserve.
Write a Disaster Recovery Plan
Disaster recovery planning is like insurance; Everybody wants it, but no one wants to use it. Every business needs a disaster recovery plan. Creating one does not have to be a painful and labor intensive process. Follow these six steps and you will have the beginnings of a great disaster recovery plan.
Creating a Reception Area
The reception area may be the most overlooked (and looked at) area in your business. You only have one chance to make a good first impression and the reception area may be it. How much you spend on your reception area will depend on what you want to accomplish with your reception area.
How to Buy a Shredder
Just as quickly as we generate paper we must destroy it. Your business is responsible for the information it possesses. It may be an employee’s personal information, a customer list or a confidential memo. In the wrong hands, it can be devastating to your company.
Putting A Caller On Hold
The last thing a caller wants to hear is that they are going to be put on hold. By employing these simple techniques and following a few rules, your caller will not be offended when you put them on hold.
Key Performance Indicators
A Definition of Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
Top 3 Outsourcing Myths
There are a number of misleading notions that are being circulated regarding outsourcing. This article explains why each outsourcing myth is not true and the reason why it is a myth.
Request for Proposal or Quote
The third part of the vendor selection process is to write a Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Quotation (RFQ). A well written RFP or RFQ is the critical success factor in the entire vendor selection process. This guide will show you how to create a document that will detail the needs and expectations of your company.
Streamline Your Business
Do you feel that your business is not running as efficiently as it should? Are you looking for solutions that will provide results? Here are five areas that you can streamline and achieve your goals of efficiency.
Outsourcing
Outsourcing Definition of Outsourcing
Choosing Multifunction Printer
One of the easiest ways to save money is to buy less equipment. A multifunction printer that does the job of several pieces of office equipment can do just that.
How To Start An Office
If you have never started an office before, the task may seem overwhelming. Here are the six steps to starting an office. Work through each one carefully and your employees will be able to move in promptly.
Company Cell Phones
Are you considering buying a cell phone for your employee? Here is a list of valid reasons for the company to purchase a cell phone for an employee. These guidelines will help you in your decision.
Outsourcing Office Functions
Outsourcing office functions can benefit the company, but before you jump into the “outsourcing boat,” you need to determine which areas, if any, could benefit the company if they were outsourced. This article will get you to think about the reasons why companies choose outsourcing and how they apply to your business.
Outsourcing Decision Guide
Deciding to outsource part or all of your operations is a very difficult decision. There are advantages and disadvantages to outsourcing. There are even some untruths. Learn about all of them in this article.
Office Supplies Savings
Office supplies are the little things that can add up quickly. Here are several strategies that you can use to save money.
SRM
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) - Definition of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Business Phone Features
In the market for a new phone system? This guide will show you the way through the terms, features and functions on the most important piece of equipment in the office.
Time & Attendance Tracking
Tracking employee time and attendance directly impacts the profitability of the company. Below, you will discover the various ways to measure and track employee time and attendance.
Admin/Executive Assistant
Administrative Assistants and Executive Secretaries are high trained, organized and motivated individuals. They are the ones that keep the executives and managers on track and help them run efficient and well organized businesses.
Essential Office Equipment
Office furniture will usually consume the most startup money with office equipment coming in a close second. If you are just starting an office and are trying to decide what office equipment you really need to purchase, here is a guide to help you decide.
Office Space Calculation
Are you in a quandary because you need to decide how much office space your company needs? Here is a list of items, considerations and a link to a useful tool to help you calculate how much office space you need.
Windows 7
A definition of Windows 7
Business Software 101
Computers and software give your employees a set of tools to help them move, manage and store information in an efficient and secure manner. Here are the three different types of software that you will need in your business.
Storage Cabinets & Shelves
Storing paper files requires file cabinets. Storing everything else requires storage cabinets and shelving units. Choosing the right cabinets and shelves will help your business run more efficiently and provide a better work environment by looking less cluttered.
Office Furniture Needed
Purchasing office furniture can be an expensive proposition. Knowing what office furniture you need and what is not really necessary, can save you a lot of money.
Medical Secretary/Assistant
Legal, medical, and executive assistants have special training that is required by the profession in which they work. Hiring the wrong secretary or administrative assistant will impact the way your medical office operates.
Office Jobs - Receptionist
The receptionist greets the public, is the "gate keeper" to the organization and performs a variety of other tasks that are important to the company. The tasks that are performed vary between small, medium and large businesses.
Essential Office Supplies
Here is a list of the essential offices supplies that you will need to get your office going.
Types of Phone Systems
There are three different types of phone systems businesses typically use. This article gives a brief overview of each.
Meeting & Conference Rooms
Meetings and conferences that held at your business will require office space and furnishings. The cost for these can range from the simple and economically priced to the opulent and expensive. There are several factors that will help you determine where your business should be on this scale.
Office Space Beginners Guide
If you have never started an office before, the task may seem over whelming. The decisions that must be made regarding office space are some of the most critical one you will make. But if you break apart the task of finding office space into several basic decisions, you will be able to focus on what is important for your business and success will be yours.
Save On Furniture Equipment
Instead of rushing out to buy new office furniture and equipment, great savings can be had if you know where to look.
Disaster Recovery
Disaster Recovery - Definition of Disaster Recovery
Analyze Business Requirements
The toughest part of the vendor selection process is analyzing the business requirements. This guide will show you how to accomplish this and gain consensus across all the stakeholders before you begin the vendor selection process.
Office Jobs - Secretary
The secretary focuses on supporting one individual or a small group of related individuals. The skills and responsibilities vary between small, medium and large businesses.
Office Manager / Supervisor
The job of the office manager and office supervisor is to ensure that the office functions efficiently and naturally. This multifaceted individual is the key to a successful office.
Office Clerk / Data Entry
The office clerk or data entry employee focuses their effort on accomplishing a variety of basic office tasks that keep the office running and information flowing throughout the business. This elementary office job is necessary for the efficient operation of the office.
Selecting an Office Location
You have decided to setup an office outside of your home. Selecting an office location is your next step. Making the decision is easy if you follow this guide.
Disaster Recovery Keys
Disaster recovery planning is a great idea until someone actually has to do it. There are many reasons and events that will try and sabotage your disaster recovery planning project. Here are 10 keys to developing a successful disaster recovery plan and implementing it successfully.
Save on Employee Training
Employee training can cost a lot of money. Not training your employees can cost even more. Find out how to accomplish the right employee training and save money doing it.
Leasing vs. Purchasing
If you are not going to work out of your home, leasing or purchasing office space for your business are your only choices. The lease vs. purchase decision for office space is not as hard as you think and this guide lays out the advantages and disadvantages to help you decide.
The Disaster Recovery Guide
Disaster recovery planning is like buying automobile insurance. Nobody likes to do it, but when you need it, you're glad you bought it. Disaster recovery planning is not difficult if you understand the steps, the goals/objectives and the keys to success.
Disaster Recovery Goals
Disaster recovery planning is necessary to any business. Without it, your business is sure to fail if disaster strikes. Once you develop your plan, here is a checklist to test its feasibility.
Essential Office Jobs
Deciding which office jobs you will need to staff your office may be easier said than done. If you are just starting an office, or your business is growing beyond the mom-and-pop size that you can handle by yourself, then you will need to start hiring office staff. This guide will help you decide what type of office jobs you will need to fill. Each essential office job is covered for every size of business.
Rent Office Furniture
Need more office furniture, but your financial situation is preventing you from buying more. Maybe credit is tight and leasing isn't an option. Here is an alternative to help you get the office furniture you need right away.
Operating System
A Definition of Operating System (OS)
Credit Card Payments Online
Do you want to start accepting credit card payments online and over the Internet? The process is simpler than you may think. In a matter of minutes you can start taking credit card payments safely and securely online.
Vendor Search
The second part of the vendor selection process is to perform a comprehensive vendor search and create a "short list" of vendors to pursue. Done correctly, this will position your business to find the right vendor and create a competitive atmosphere between competing vendors. This guide will show you how.
Choosing File Cabinets
If filing paper documents will be part of your office operation, then filing cabinets will be part of your office furniture. Before you buy just any file cabinet, use this guide to help decide what type of cabinet you need.
Proposal Evaluation
In the vendor selection process, this is the most crucial step of all. Lack of preparation and not paying attention to detail can lead your vendor selection team to recommend the wrong vendor for your company. This guide will help you organize your selection process and lead your team to a unified vendor selection decision.
Providing a Break Room
A break room for your employees may be the best money that you will spend furnishing your business. We hear many times that "The most valuable resource we have are our employees." But how many businesses really show their appreciation. The break room can do just that.
Linux
Linux - Definition of Linux
Reasons to Telecommute
Telecommuting has become more attractive to employers in recent years. From the high price of gasoline to the push to do more with less, the pressure is on to allow employees to work from home. But how do you know if allowing employees to work from home will benefit your business? Here is a guide to help you decide.
Firefox
Firefox – A Definition of Firefox
Computer Workstations
Special office tasks may require special or customized office furniture. Here is a guide to help you decide if your business will require special computer workstations.
Refurbished Equipment
To differentiate between used and refurbished equipment.
Local Area Network (LAN)
Local Area Network (LAN) - Definition of Local Area Network (LAN)
Accounting Manager/Supervisor
The office job of the Accounting Manager or Accounting Supervisor is to insure the integrity of the financial processes that need to take place.
Bill of Materials
Bill of Materials - Definition of Bill of Materials (BOM)
Business Telephone System
Your primary means of communicating with customers and vendors will occur over the telephone. Understanding what services, features and options are available will help buy the right sized (and right priced) phone system for your business.
Office Software Suite
Definition of Office Software Suite
Customer Support / Service
Customer Support or Customer Service Representatives are your voice and ears to your customers. A well organized customer service area can be the difference between your company growing or becoming another statistic in a tough economy.
Budget Your Furniture Expenses
Furnishing an office is an expensive proposition. In the excitement of planning and shopping, it is easy to get carried away. Follow these simple steps and you will stay on track and under budget.
Separation of Duties
Separation of Duties (SoD) - Definition of Separation of Duties (SoD)
Data Backup
Data Backup - Definition of Data Backup
Total Cost of Ownership
A definition of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Shred-it Document Destruction
Do you have too many documents that need to be destroyed every week? Have you ever burned out a shredder? If so, a document destruction company can help. Find out if Shred-it is right for your company.
Computers & Software
Information is the life-blood of any successful organization today. The key to leveraging information to your advantage is purchasing and implementing the right computers and software for your business.
Offshoring
Definition of offshoring
Malware
A Definition of Malware
Selecting an Answering Service
Communications with your customers does not end when you turn off the lights and lock the doors at night. If it is important for your customers to reach you after hours, it must be important to you. Here are some tips to help you select an answering service and better serve your customers.
BlackBerry
A Definition of BlackBerry
Twitter
Definition of "Twitter"
Malware Protection Guide
New malware is being written every day. It targets home computers as well as the computers in your business. How do you protect yourself against this ever evolving threat from malware? Find out here.
Cloud Computing
A Definition of Cloud Computing
Mailing Equipment
Documents, product samples, catalogs and statements are just a few examples of items that will be shipped out of your company. The proper mailing equipment and scales can save your company valuable time and money.
Internet Service Provider; ISP
A definition of Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Setting Up a Work Room
Don't forget about the "other work" that goes on in an office. Filing, spreadsheets, answering the phone and taking orders are all part of the work that goes on at the office. But there may be other work that goes on that can't be accomplished at a desk. Additionally, if the work would cause a disturbance in the office, the answer is a "work room."
Answering Service
Answering Service - Definition of Answering Service
Crapware
A Definition of Crapware
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Wide Area Network (WAN) - Definition of Wide Area Network (WAN)
Work At Home?
Thinking about starting your own business and wondering if you can run it from home? Many factors come into play in making this decision. Here are 7 considerations to help you decide.
Legal Secretaries
Legal, medical, and executive assistants have special training that is required by the profession in which they work. Hiring the wrong secretary or administrative assistant will impact the way your law office operates.
Multifunction Printer
Multifunction Printer - Definition of Multifunction Printer (MFP)
Rewards Credit Card
Rewards Credit Card - Definition of Rewards Credit Card
Cashiers
The office job of a cashier extends beyond handling just the money in the office. It doesn't have to be a full-time job, but a well designed office will have checks and balances built in order to protect the monetary assets of the company.
Socially Engineered Malware
A definition of Socially Engineered Malware
Operations / Technology - Articles
An index of articles for the Operations / Technology guide site.
Operations / Technology - StepBySteps
An index of StepBySteps for the Operations / Technology guide site.
Equipping a Mailroom
Even in today's electronic world, the mail has become a significant part of any business. For some businesses it is a larger part of the day-to-day operations than others. Here is a guide to help you decide if you need a separate mailroom.
Tweet
Definition of "Tweet"
How To Avoid Outsourcing
Outsourcing is a common business practice. With businesses looking to save money, your job may be in jeopardy. Here are four tips that you can use to save your job.
Operations / Technology - GuideReviews
An index of GuideReviews for the Operations / Technology guide site.
Patch
A Definition of Patch (computers)
Voicemail
To differentiate between answering machines, voice-mail and answering services.
Answering Machine
Answering Machine - Definition of Answering Machine
About - Operations / Technology Buyer's Guide
Find Guide reviews, top picks, and advice you can use before you buy.
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