Cloud Computing and Social Media: How Can They Help My Business?

Viz-Witch Solution Center: New technology is such a mind-bender for most of us, but don't we need to know what's out there to help our business grow?

The other day I was in one of my favorite local boutiques when the owner popped out of her office to say hello. During the course of conversation, I mentioned to her that I had "tweeted" about her sale on Twitter to my following of hundreds in the area. She gave me an odd look, then said, "Mary, you might as well be speaking Chinese to me. I know nothing about this Twitter thing." Then she turns to the two teenage girls she had working the counter and asked if they knew anything of Twitter. In synchronized fashion, as if watching a tennis match, these two bobbed their heads left and right. "Nope," says the owner, with a confirming grin, "we know nothing of this thing."

I departed the boutique with a complete understanding of how techno geeks must feel. But, I also left with another thought...I just told this business owner that I gave her free advertising to a target market. Wouldn't you think she'd be at least even a little bit curious about this Twitter thing?

This isn't unusual.

So, for the sake of those out there who are "still learning Chinese," I thought I'd ease us into the subject of cloud computing with a more basic approach. Hey, when I want to learn about some new technological "thing" out there, I head over to YouTube and hunt down a "for dummies" video. Here's one just for you. It's really worth taking the time to check out this whole video, because, even if you are a small business with a basic web site, you can't really close your eyes and plug your ears much longer.

By all intelligent accounts, (whether you believe Ashton Kutcher is or isn't) this is the new way of communicating and managing relationships. No flash in the pan here. Just like the Internet has evolved, cloud computing has evolved into a better way of utilizing the Internet's power.

My first introduction to the "cloud" was through a friend I met on Twitter. His name is Michael Sharp and he is the owner of Eastern Carolina Technologies. A true "techno geek," Michael knows volumes of stuff I'll never wrap my head around, but he's really good at simplifying. During the process of restructuring my web site, Michael advised that I should move my e-mail communications to Gmail for the sharing opportunities that exist there. So, I did. I've had a Gmail account for a while, but used it primarily to put up reviews and analyze my web site functionality. Little did I know how valuable this change would be for my business. The cloud aspect to this for me has to do with being able to share documents. Examples: Last week, I shared a contract with a client in Europe so that we could quickly nail down details. With two clients, I've shared an excel sheet where I keep professional networking contact and progress information. Only those I give permission have access, and it works beautifully. Don't have to clutter up my computer nor do I have to spend time on e-mails with big attachments.

Just about anything you do at your Gmail account can be shared (like calendars) to maximize communication. Look at it as a virtual communication hub, whereby information, brainstorming, document editing, scheduling, real time chat, video/audio conversations, and more can take place.

Now, let's ramp up from simple for a moment just so that you can feel a little more of the scope of cloud computing. Here's one creative approach to utilizing the "cloud." www.cloudprofile.com

Click the block. Here, you can create a profile, provide blog postings that are automatically sent to your Twitter account plus most major social media sites. Cloudprofile has instant real-time communication features built in (a customer at your cloudprofile can simply click to call you right then...right there.) Highly searchable...a link to your cloudprofile could show up high in search results even for the name of a product you sell. The cloud aspect to this (while not quite the same) is similar to Gmail in the sense that you are "situating" in a kind of Internet-rental space, creating a seamless flow of communication instantly with customers and with outlets to reach customers.

I've had conversations with the founders/leaders (more techno geeks) at cloudprofile and they tell me they are rolling out new features all of the time and encourage user feedback. They allow a free trial period - so, I'd advise giving it go. They've made it very easy to use, but, if you're still having trouble with "Chinese," they've got your back with customer support.

If you know of other cloud computing examples, good videos, etc., feel free to share.