FLOWER MOUND, Texas, Aug. 14, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, small businesses can't afford to conduct business solely from their offices. The ability to stay connected to the office, business partners, and customers is vital to success. The effective responsiveness of small businesses means more than just having a business cell phone and making an occasional call from the road. It means collaboration, sending and receiving e-mail, and keeping calendar and businesses documents updated wirelessly by synchronization among other tasks. Learn how you and your employees can stay on the go with business travel or personal obligations and still conduct business as usual.
Six productivity trends will play a major role in how small businesses (SBs) stay competitive with larger corporations, reduce costs, and better meet customer needs, according to the American Small Business Travelers Alliance (ASBTA).
ASBTA's research identifies the following trends that will have the biggest effect on SBs in the next two years:
Top Six Travel Productivity Recommendations for Small Businesses (SB):
-- In-Flight Wi-Fi - Now offered in-flight, Gogo(R) Wi-Fi allows
you to stay connected to your business while flying. Each paid
Gogo session includes full internet, VPN and e-mail access.
Gogo(R) Wi-Fi costs $12.95 for three hours or longer, and $9.95
for shorter trips. From the sign in page, American Airlines
offers complimentary AA.com, The Wall Street Journal Online
Headlines and Frommers destination guides.
https://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/urls/gogo.jsp
-- GPS Technology - A GPS unit is absolutely invaluable if you're
trying to navigate an unfamiliar city. A GPS unit will ensure
you'll get to your meeting, even if you miss a turn. The GPS
unit recalculates routes and revises directions based on your
location, no matter where you are.
More advanced GPS units include the option to download local
attractions, gas stations, stores and restaurants. To maximize
GPS productivity, look for a GPS unit with a traffic receiver
accessory to give the most recent route updates.
-- Security - Security continues to be a significant issue for
small businesses. Wireless connectivity increases that concern
for everyday activities. Companies must defend against viruses,
spy ware, and system intrusions.
According to Chuck Sharp, President of ASBTA, "Internet security often is a vulnerability many small businesses haven't adequately addressed. If businesses are not proactive by implementing anti-virus, firewall, and spyware solutions, the result may be disrupted productivity. Begin immediately and be proactive by continuously updating the virus and spy definitions."
-- Technology adoption and life cycle - The adoption of new
technologies has been a vital component to the increased
productivity of small businesses. According to ASBTA surveys,
more SB employees are traveling with a laptop. "Technology
continues to evolve, so it is important to set realistic goals
and schedules to purchase new technology," Sharp said.
-- Wi-Fi Hotspots - Rapid growth, diversity in technology, and
the widespread deployment of Wi-Fi hotspots have greatly
increased business traveler productivity. Businesses utilize
Wi-Fi connections at Hotspots, airline clubs (e.g., AA Admirals
Club), hotels, coffee shops, and restaurants as well as
utilizing Google or Yahoo to find Wi-Fi enabled locations.
The need to stay connected has led to an increased demand for
laptops, PDAs and 3G cell phones.
http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/remotely/hotspots.aspx
"Small businesses have readily embraced the concept of the Extended Office," said Sharp. "The ability to conduct business wherever you are, whenever you choose, with the same capabilities significantly improves productivity."
-- Airport Conference Facilities - Productivity advances during
travel begin at the airport. Major airlines and the airports
themselves are making it possible for business travelers to
effectively utilize any wait with greatly improved and easily
accessible facilities. For example, American Airlines enables
businesses to save valuable time and travel expense by meeting
onsite at the airport, utilizing state-of-the-art meeting
facilities at Admirals Club Executive Centers(R). Executive
Centers are fully equipped with everything from computer data
ports and speakerphones to slide and data projectors, and
customers have access to other necessary office equipment,
such as paper shredders and copiers. (For more information,
visit http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/travelInformation
/airportAmenities/AdmiralsConferenceRooms.jsp
CONCLUSION
These are challenging times for small businesses. Sharp suggests, "Recognizing and embracing new productivity trends for everyday activities will keep small businesses relevant, while affording them the opportunity for incredible impact and growth in their industries."
American Small Business Travelers Alliance (ASBTA) is a national organization serving small business travelers by providing information regarding resources and services, savings on air fares, car rentals, and accommodations, as well as technology designed to improve and enhance your travel experience. If you're a small business owner and want to learn more, visit our site and register free at www.asbta.com.
The ASBTA logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1907