Here is what a typical ‘Share’ would look like:

Unfortunately, small and large organizations face the same lackluster results once these technologies are implemented – little to no change in overall productivity. One has to ask: Why does it seem so difficult to realize operational improvements after all of the stakeholders have agreed on a solution?

Too often, companies throw technology at the business problem or opportunity without understanding the true problem or objective. The purpose of implementing most new technologies is to improve operations. However, if operational processes are flawed or archaic in comparison to your volume of business, then an automated system will do little more than expose  those weaknesses.

Another issue is that many companies buy more technology than they need, thus making their operations overly sophisticated and foreign. Decision makers should ask themselves how much automation is required and – after looking at how those technologies can improve efficiency – make the investment.

Lastly, no investment should be made without aligning the technology to the overall business strategy.  I went into a sandwich shop recently and discovered that they had a Facebook account and encouraged customers to visit it. This is fantastic … but unfortunately they had no website. There is no menu on their Facebook page; no prices, no product pictures, no operational hours and no delivery information. All that was there was a poorly designed logo and a $5 coupon. The power to route attention to their core business was diluted. Why did this happen? Because the owner thought being “modern” was the same as having a strategy.

Before investing in automation, look for ways to increase discipline around your current processes, then make strategic selections about which technology to use. Doing so will save you time, money and cause customers to be more satisfied.

A stampede of developers is racing toward the next major communication platform, and it looks like they have chosen group texting as the latest means of bringing people together. Group texting works like a chat room (for those age 35 and over) or Twitter (for those under 35), only it uses a mobile device instead of a PC.

The technology goes beyond posting a message on a screen and allows you to have virtual conversations with several people at once. Free mobile apps like GroupMe and Hurricane Party are already making major headlines, and companies like Facebook and Blackberry are eagerly watching to see how this technology will move into pop culture.

What does this mean for your business? It opens up another channel of advertising possibilities. For instance, in the future you may be able to purchase an advertising space where you can get your message in front of a group of customers relevant to your product or service. Companies are already trying to work with this type of platform to maintain a connection with their customers – but don’t sweat. Core 4 Innovative is staying ahead of the curve by keeping abreast of what is happening in this ever-changing sector. How are you staying in touch with your customers? Contact us today and keep your social media tactics relevant.