There has never been a better time in history for working on a corporate team project. Why is that? Well, today technology has advanced to the point that, no matter where one is in the world or even what company one works for, working collaboratively on a project is entirely feasible without sending a budget through the roof. Consider the following:
Through the Internet, emails can be sent at any time you want and will be immediately received by persons on the other end collaborating on your project, no matter where they are in the world.
Voice over Internet protocol allows business partners on projects to have real time, visually aided conversations without incurring extra costs.
Computer software allows individuals to schedule timetables, arrange meetings, and provides the software needed for both of the technological advancements above. This can now make online projects a lot easier.
In all three areas, you end up saving a lot of money on the overall project simply through the use of technology available on the Internet. Where do those savings occur?
No travel expenses. The days of catching a plane, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants for a week or more are gone. Good for the company in terms of dollars saved, good for the individual who prefers to be at home for 50 or more weeks of the year (vacation excepted of course!).
No postage, no long distance charges. Again, the only fee you have to pay for your project is the cost of your Internet connection and perhaps any online services you need. That's it; no out of pocket expenses, no unexpected communications issues that cut into the final project budget. If you work a job where you're in and out of the office a lot, then taking out one errand a day can make a big difference.
Of course, you will still need to be able to effectively communicate with other members of your team in terms of project milestones, goals, and printable materials, but again the right technology, including online collaboration platforms, can really help you to cut down the preparation in this area. All you have to do is enter the vital information on your partners at the beginning of the project and then load your project information as it is completed, and everyone involved has access. This can be useful if you're selling something or providing marketing services to other small businesses.
Nowhere is this change in the way we do business more apparent than the real estate industry. If you ever had the experience of buying or selling a home in the days before fax machines, you will recall that your real estate professional spent a great deal of time driving back and forth to have paperwork signed in person and hand-delivered to the other agent. The advent of fax machines made this process somewhat easier, but the move to scan & email technology has changed the game.
Technological advancements, specifically those represented by the Internet, mean a whole new frontier has opened up when it comes numerous industries. No matter where your team is scattered throughout the globe, or all based at home, working on a project online will make everything that much easier.
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