Exploring Virtual Teams

The way businesses are structured has changed as technology has grown. We regularly see companies reorganizing their teams into virtual teams, often known as geographically dispersed teams (GDT). This allows people in different countries to collaborate on a single project. Like most things in life, there are advantages and disadvantages to this style of team and it is not for every business. Is it right for yours?

In the past, it was thought that productivity had a direct correlation with proximity. The thought was held that the more face-time a manager was able to provide their team the more productive they would be. Managers are realizing that this may not be true, and that building a team out of people that work well together and have very specific skill sets can generate a far more significant result. Another strong factor impacting productivity can be the mentality of the individuals the group is made up of. Some people are inspired by their personal desire to learn more so as to further their careers; this self-motivation is a trait that works well in a virtual team environment. Individuals who are motivated by social interactions or by the desire to avoid negative feedback may not be a good fit for a virtual team.

For some businesses, it can be practical to use virtual teams.  Many organisations, large and small, have embraced this innovative organizational technique. Certainly businesses that require people to physically interact to perform a task, such as construction, are not candidates for virtual teams. If you think implementing virtual teams as an enterprise wide strategy or smaller capacity is a good fit for your company, here are a few things to think about.
 
Advantages

  • Recruitment based on competence not proximity
  • Team members are able to work during the times when they operate most efficiently
  • Teams are comprised of members who are self-motivated and self-driven
  • More accommodation for team members’ personal and professional lives
  • No commuting time or expense
  • Reduced overhead, as there is no physical location
  • IT expenses are lowered as most teams use web-based tools for collaboration
  • Managers can better assess the team’s overall performance as there are less social pressures


Disadvantages

  • Less social interaction, which may be a demotivator for many people
  • Loss of trust between team members if there is not assurance that everyone is pulling their own weight
  • Creativity could be stifled, because the physical dynamics are lost
  • Team members may overwork themselves as managers can not physically see the amount of time each task takes
  • Managers may lose track of the team’s progress, i.e. out of site out of mind


Online technology is the primary way that virtual teams interface with one another, including email, audio conferencing, and file sharing programs. Here is a list of a few websites and products that support teams that interact virtually.


  • Go to meetings – a relatively inexpensive way to have remote conferences
  • Yammer – a exclusive social network for businesses that enables quick communication and interaction
  • Drop Box – a free way to share files
  • Second Life – allows for interactive meetings with the use of avatars


If you want more information on virtual teams in action, consider the articles below: 
http://www.theanywhereoffice.com/mobile-work/telework-viritual-teams-midmarket-companies.htm
http://www.forbes.com/2010/08/19/virtual-teams-meetings-leadership-managing-cooperation.html
http://www.openforum.com/articles/7-effective-tools-for-managing-a-virtual-team

Tech bubble redo

It’s easy to get a feeling of deja vu these days.

Every week delivers big news of another tech IPO. We hear about super-sized valuations for companies that haven’t turned a profit. Sounds familiar doesn’t it? It has a certain late 1990s flavor.  Are we experiencing another tech bubble? A reprise of dot-com mania?

If you’re foggy on the meaning of tech bubble, here’s Investopedia’s definition:

Tech Bubble - a pronounced and unsustainable market rise related to increased conjecture in technology stocks. A tech bubble is highlighted by rapid share price growth and high valuations based on standard metrics like price/earnings ratio or price/sales.”

So should we be concerned? Is history doing it’s thing again -- repeating itself?

You might think so when you scan headlines. Let’s go through the list of recent and impending IPOs that have made news lately: LinkedIn.com, Pandora.com, Groupon.com, Zynga.com, Twitter.com, and Facebook.com.

Are investors irrationally joyful about these companies? Perhaps. Consider that Pandora and Groupon aren't profitable. LinkedIn posted its first profit ($12 million) last year. Twitter has managed to generate a little net income, nevertheless the social network is still trying to find a long-term moneymaking strategy. On the plus side, Zynga and Facebook, which are expected to go public soon, are pocketing big profits.

(But is the maker of Farmville really worth several billion dollars?)

What about the businesses that aren’t making much or any money? Are investors crazy to pour money into them? Maybe, maybe not. Remember, profitability today is not the same as profitability tomorrow. Amazon.com didn’t post profits until 2004 -- nearly 10 years after launch. But now the organization takes in money by the truckload. Last year the Amazon's net income exceeded $1 billion.

So who knows, maybe Twitter will find a way to parlay its big user base into a moneymaking machine, a la Google and Facebook.

If you’re concerned, you might find comfort in Jolie O’Dell’s recent Mashable column, which points to some important differences between the today’s tech climate and the dot-com era. To begin with, the number of tech IPOs in 2011 (25 so far) pales in comparison to 1999 (308), the height of the dot-com bubble.

Another difference is quality. In 1999, you could take a vague idea, write a half-baked business plan (or not), and somehow convince investors to throw money at you. This year’s crop of IPOs are extremely buttoned up in contrast.

But there’s still reason to fear a bubble, even if things have changed since 1999.

If Limp Bizkit stages a comeback, I suggest hitting the panic button.

QR Codes and How to Use Them

We’ve all seen the bizarre black squares that are constantly being photographed by smartphone users. They’re called QR codes, an innovative re-imagining of barcode technology. Originally used for tracking components in vehicle manufacturing, these codes are now used in a much broader context. The use of QR codes is even finding new life in creative business ventures and interactive advertising.

What is a QR Code?

    A QR, or Quick Response code, is a unique matrix barcode that is readable by specialized scanners and, more commonly, smartphones. Because QR codes are two-dimensional constructs, they can hold thousands of alphanumeric characters of information much like the traditional barcode found on most purchased products. They are practical tools for business due to their capability to hold large amounts of easily translatable information.

    When you scan or read a QR code with your smartphone, the code links you to web-enabled digital content. Similarly to when a barcode is scanned to generate the price of a certain item in a food store, in a much more complex way, when a QR code is scanned, increased amounts of information can then be generated.

How are QR codes used in Business?

    Creating a QR code is simple. It’s a simple process of entering the appropriate data into a QR generator. There are several free versions of this code online, if you’d like to check one out try using the Kaywa generator.

    After you’ve created your QR code, you are able to print it on business cards, posters, billboards, or publish it on the web. Once the code is accessible, potential customers are able to scan the code using their phone and then access whatever information you would like them to see.

Why it works

    Creating a QR code is a unique way of creating an interactive ad campaign. You give the mysterious code to the audience; the audience deciphers the code and is then rewarded with the information you’ve coded. It adds value to that information by making it a fun activity. Though QR codes are still new to America, they have been a popular way of creating brand loyalty in Japan for over a decade. If you’re trying to create a conversation with your prospective clients, consider using this innovative device.

The Connected Age

Technology has advanced to a place that allows for constant connectivity. Getting a hold of someone is as easy (and as impersonal) as sending a simple text message.   Regardless of where we go, as long as we have a smartphone in our pocket, we are within reach. This has been a beneficial change in many respects, but what are the negative effects of growing up in the age of connectivity? Communication is evolving digitally; aspects of this will be positive where others will be negative. In this blog we will take a look at a few of the pros and cons of staying connected digitally.

The Pros

  • Being connected means enhanced safety. No mater what emergency you face; contacting the appropriate help is no longer a serious concern. Through increased technology, cell phone range is greater than ever. Car accidents and unexpected accidents and illnesses even in remote locations can be quickly relayed to emergency help services.
  • Connectivity makes staying in touch easier. A current example of this benefit is international communication.  With the help of an Internet connection and a web cam, soldiers deployed overseas can communicate with their families, face–to-face.
  • Technology has made offices portable. Everyone knows at times the drive to work can be challenging. Thanks to telecommuting, working from home while sick or on personal leave is as simple as opening up your laptop.


The Cons

  • Turning your phone off is challenging. Being continuously connected can result in a decrease of personal space. With communication barriers being redefined, finding time alone is now more difficult than ever. Remember, it’s important to disconnect and relax.
  • Technology has made it more difficult to leave work at the office. It’s increasingly hard to walk away from a long day of work, knowing that simply opening up your computer can effortlessly access any project you left unfinished. While connectivity continues to be a great productivity tool, it also enables people to become workaholics.
  • Constant connectivity can make us seem distant to those close to us. Remaining in contact with a far-away friend is easy to do through text messages, but that communication can be a hindrance to personal face-to-face conversations. Increased connectivity can, ironically, make it more difficult to connect.


The age of connectivity has changed the way we communicate. The key to keeping ourselves in check is remembering to interact with these new experiences with moderation. We all have to strike the balance between inadequate and too much connectivity.

For more information on connectivity, as well as an interesting look at unplugging yourself from technology, take a look at this article

Tablets Take Root operating a business

Hold on a second -- are tablets productivity boosters?

You’re not alone if you thought tablets were merely shiny toys for consuming media. Most of the television spots advertising these gadgets show game playing, video watching, and web surfing -- and not much in the way of work.

But that hasn’t stopped businesses from adopting these devices for their own gain. Infoworld recently reported on a New York law firm that deployed iPads to its team of attorneys. The firm, Proskauer, has had some hiccups with the rollout, but they’re not looking back:

"Today, more than 500 Proskauer lawyers use iPads to create superslick PowerPoint slides, Excel spreadsheets filled with sky-high figures, and verbose Word documents. Lawyers pass this electronic paperwork back and forth among clients. They even present information on their iPads to judges."

Businesses that are ready to hop on the tablet bandwagon should prepare for the occasional bump. Early adopters must work through issues on the fly, without the benefit of others’ experience. Proskauer faced a number of tough questions as it prepared for its iPad rollout.

“Rolling out the iPad actually turned out to be quite a significant investment in time, much more than I would have thought,” said Steven Kayman, chair of Proskauer’s technology committee, in an interview with Infoworld. “There’s just a hundred decisions that have to be made along the way.”

Such as: Do we give our team members a blank check when it comes to downloading apps? Or should we install a preset app menu before distributing the devices? Who are the best vendors for document management and remote desktop apps? How will all of these new endpoints influence our network security?

The tablet/app marketplace is still quite young and unruly, and that poses challenges to businesses that don’t want to spend a lot of time and money testing new systems and tinkering with half-baked apps that were rushed to market. (Even big software makers like Citrix, Google, and Microsoft have debuted some real clunkers.)

But these drawbacks are likely temporary, and businesses are undauntedly rushing into the tablet realm regardless. According to Apple CEO Steve Jobs, 3 out of 4 of the Fortune 500 have plans to deploy iPads to their workers. Health care organizations have similar ambitions, particularly those who have deployed EHR software to manage patient health records. According to a May 2011 survey from Quantia Communications, 32 percent of physicians currently have an Apple or Android tablet, and another 34 percent plan to purchase one within the year.  

Small businesses are predicted to get in on the action too: a March 2011 study from AMI-Partners anticipates that tablet adoption will grow 1000 percent by 2015, with 1 in 3 SMBs eventually using tablets on a daily basis.

As the Internet grows, what can we expect from spam

Spammers made a large amount of money during the early days of the Internet. However, if some tech-savvy delinquent wished to earn some extra money via spam on today’s Internet, they might want to give some thought to a new line of work. The truth is, since the all time high of spamming attacks in 1997, spam filters have become too good. Basic mathematics make spamming an un-profitable business, thanks to the increasing amount of hardware and time needed to spam effectively. In fact, spam is currently at its all time lowest levels since 2008. The question is, why has spamming decreased, and how will spamming adapt to new Internet changes?

Profitability

    There were a few high profile arrests in 2010 that made a obvious dent in the spamming industry. However, more than increased monitoring, spammers have noticed a decline in income. For a time, with each increase in spam filters, spammers would also increase the number of sites attacked. Though with increased efforts, the amount of money that can be made through spamming is at record low levels. It’s just not worth it for most professional spammers.

    Though spamming is now a money-losing business, spammers are known for adapting to new security updates. How can we expect spamming to evolve along with the changes being made to the Internet?

Smart Spam

    Spammers are getting crafty. Instead of overloading an inbox with traditional spam messages, personal email accounts are being hacked, allowing spam messages to be sent from more reputable accounts. The same can be said for social media mediums like Facebook and Twitter. Just recently, actor Simon Pegg had his twitter account hacked. Spammers then sent a link to spyware to over 1 million of his followers. Spammers have combined their skills with hacking in order to overcome a more secure Internet.

    To protect yourself, remember to always be wary of odd-looking links, even if they are sent from friends. Being diligent of suspicious activity will help keep you safe in a future of more subversive spamming. For more information, take a look at this article.

Understanding consumer-based technology

Technological growth is now motivated by consumer trends. Companies like Apple, Google and Microsoft are all growing because of the innovations being made in line with consumer demands. These consumer-based technologies are providing fantastic advancements and creating deeper levels of practical implication. A perfect example of this is the Google search engine. At the core of Google’s success is its ability to develop technology in response to consumer trends. It is obvious that most modern technology is consumer-based, but how has this trend affected technology as a whole? Here are some examples:


User-Generated Content


Consumer-based technology has created a stronger market for independent developers because consumerist technology favors the creative.  Proof of this is the recent onslaught of user-generated content. Small and independent development groups create some of the most popular apps for the iPhone and mobile-based devices. If you want to build an app to tell you which restaurant is the best in your area, you no longer have to look to Microsoft or Apple for the answer.  Instead, you can look to the coding expert who works in your office.

User-Friendly Applications

Any market reliant on consumers will inevitably adapt to the ability of those consumers. Basically, this means that a company must provide an easy to use product in order to survive. Consumer-based technology is no different. As technology has progressed, it has become more user friendly. Compare Linux to Windows 7, the developments made between the two operating systems is a direct result of consumer trends favoring products that are easy to use. Technology has become a part of our every day lives because of the innovation behind it is consumer-based.

User Involvement

Consumer-based technology is now a normal part of growing up. Believe it or not, video games have been a large motivator for technological advancement. Game creators are always looking for new ways to involve and include users with their technology; a perfect example of this is the Xbobx Kinect. The Kinect is the latest in motion-capture technology that allows the player to interact with a game by moving without being connected to any device. This technology has found other applications; with your actions you can now search for a movie on Netflix, visit your favorite website, and send a voice-dictated email.

As for most things in this world, a big motivation for technological advancement is profit. The profitability of any technology is dependent on the consumer, and as such, we have seen a tremendous uptick in consumer-based technology. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as these advancements have amazing possibilities. Doctors could one day customize a program to accurately diagnose diseases from patient to patient; program code could soon be so user friendly that anyone could become a web developer; and the technology behind user involvement could lead to all kinds of advanced motion capturing devices. The value inherit to natural technological evolution is vast and important for society as a whole.

To see some specific ways consumer technology is being implemented practically, take a look at this article.

Attitude Matters in Small Business

Being successful in business is due in large part to your mindset. Professional skill and connections can take you far, but if you lack a personable demeanor, you may find success to be unrealistic. At its core, business is about relating to people by way of offering services or goods. While being ambitious and passionate are important character traits for business success, it’s also important to realize that you have to sell yourself before you can sell a product. Here are some important things to remember when developing your attitude in business.


1.    Stay positive

It may seem obvious or even obtuse, but staying positive is of great importance.  Studies show that workers who praise others in the office, set realistic goals and practice being grateful for even small accomplishments are the ones that get ahead. Being pessimistic sets a personal expectation for failure and can lead to a lack of success. To learn more, please read this article.

2.    Think assertively without being aggressive

Assertiveness is one of the top traits of those successful in business, however it is often coupled with aggressiveness. The most important thing when attempting to be assertive without being aggressive is communication. When asserting yourself in the office, allow other people as much time to describe their needs as you’ve allowed yourself. When they are articulating their needs, try not to devalue their perspectives; doing so will help you stay open to meeting them halfway.

Considering these tips will help make you a team player and, in turn, make advancement an obtainable goal. For more tips, read this article.

3.    Be compassionate when confronted with conflict

Interpersonal conflict is an unavoidable part of every work culture. Try approaching resolution with compassion if and when you are at odds with a coworker. Entering conflict resolution with an open mind instead of defensiveness will often result in a more positive outcome. Adding compassion to your business attitude will strengthen your skills at resolving conflict. If you’d like to read more about being compassionate at work, take a look at this article.

Every successful businessperson has a well-cultivated and implemented business attitude. Professional advancement is dependent on your ability to deal with other people, because all businesses readily involve personal interaction to some degree. These tips and bits of advice will be helpful when evaluating and improving your business attitude, making success even more obtainable. Keep in mind: having a good business attitude takes work. Don’t forget that a good personality is an essential business skill.

Attitude Matters in Small Business

Being successful in business is due in large part to your mindset. Professional skill and connections will take you far, but if you do not have a personable demeanor, you may find success to be out of reach. At its core, business is about relating to people by way of offering goods or services. While being ambitious and enthusiastic are important character traits for business success, it’s also important to realize that you have to sell yourself before you can sell a product. Here are some important things to remember when developing your attitude in business.

1.    Stay positive

It may seem obvious or even obtuse, but staying positive is of great importance.  Studies show that workers who praise others in the office, set realistic goals and practice being grateful for even small accomplishments are the ones that get ahead. Being pessimistic sets a personal expectation for failure and can lead to a lack of success. To learn more, please read this article.

2.    Be assertive without being aggressive

Assertiveness is an important aspect of a good business attitude, but it’s important to remember that assertiveness can easily turn into aggression. When asserting your opinion in the workplace, remember to hear the opinions of those around you. It’s O.K. make your point clear, but make sure that you keep yourself open to the ideas and ideas of others. To avoid being overly aggressive, practice your communication skills.


Considering these tips will help make you a team player and, in turn, make advancement an obtainable goal. For more tips, read this article.

3.    Be compassionate when confronted with conflict

Interpersonal conflict is an unavoidable part of every work culture. Try approaching resolution with compassion if and when you find yourself at odds with a coworker. Stepping into conflict resolution with an open mind instead of defensiveness will usually result in a more positive outcome. Adding compassion to your business attitude will strengthen your skills at resolving conflict. If you’d like to read more about being compassionate at work, take a look at this article.

Every kind of business involves dealing with other people. Having a good attitude, especially towards your business and those who interact with it, will make professional advancement a realistic goal. These tips are small changes you can make in your personal outlook that will help improve your effectiveness in any work setting. Being successful in your business starts when you are successful with other people, and the best way to achieve that success is by having a good attitude.

Details about IPv6

Virtually all of us have heard rumblings about the Internet transitioning to IPv6. What exactly it will mean, however, is still lost on many. Continue reading for an explanation of IPv6 and how it may possibly affect you.


What it is

IPv6 is a version of IP (Internet Protocol) that has been created due to the previous version having a limited number of addresses. IP is the method by which data is transmitted over the Internet. Running out of addresses essentially means that new websites will no longer be able to be created.


IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses as opposed to the 32-bit addresses used by IPv4. The longer number strings allow for more addresses because there are a greater number of possible combinations. 


How the transition may affect you

Most likely, some challenges will arise during the transition. Most problems you may run into will likely be related to the browser you’re using and/or the Web server of the site you wish to visit. Some potential problems include:

  • If you’re using IPv6 and you attempt to access an IPv4 site, you may receive a “404” error.
  • If you are on a network that only supports IPv4, you may not be able to access IPv6 sites – you can reconfigure your network in order to fix this.

Despite the potential for problems, many people agree that you will probably still be able to view any site if you are using IPv6.


How to avoid IPv6-related problems


Fortunately, if you are worried about problems you might encounter during the transition, there are a few resources designed to help you out. http://omgipv6day.com/ and http://test-ipv6.com/ are two websites that will alert you if you are likely to see any problems due to the IPv6 transition. 


Overall, IPv6 will be a much-needed change that will allow for a greater volume of information and activity on the Internet. For more information on IPv6 and the transition, take a look at this article.