Reviewing the products and services your business uses in 2012
William Willems, Regional Vice President Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia, Regus.
What are the benefits of using a virtual/serviced office over a home office?
All our global research indicates that only around 12 percent of people want to work from home full-time. With a host of distractions from pets and kids to the TV, the benefits of using a serviced workspace are clear: a professional environment in which to concentrate and get down to work. Also, a huge advantage of using a business centre is the professional admin support, meeting rooms and the host of other services available.
What are the benefits of using a serviced office over renting your own office?
Far too often companies make the mistake of needlessly tying up their capital in real estate. The long-term commitment of leasing your own space is a millstone around the neck of any business owner. We give businesses the flexibility to grow, and the ability to rapidly scale their workplace to fit their needs.
What misconceptions do people have about serviced offices and why should small business owners consider using them?
People sometimes don’t know that there are a whole host of options, from business lounges, day offices and shared space to virtual offices and corporate campuses. What you get is a pay-as-you-go solution that allows you to use only what you need. Most importantly you can concentrate on managing your business, not your office.
Seamus King, Country Manager, Citrix Online Australia and New Zealand
How can a business go about working out which meetings they need to make in person and which they could use web conferencing for?
It really depends on the context of the meeting, where the attendees are located and what the overall cost will be to the business of attending that meeting in person. However, the latest developments in web collaboration tools, particularly with high definition video, mean that web conferencing now provides a near in-person meeting experience. For those that need to regularly collaborate from multiple countries, web conferencing really is a no-brainer.
What puts people off using web conferencing and how would you respond to those fears/misconceptions?
We actually asked this question in our latest ANZ Online Training Trends Research, and the top two inhibitors of the use of web conferencing were an “inability or unwillingness to use new technology” (42 percent) and “entrenchment of the current way we do things” (36 percent). In our experience, those who initially had reservations about using new technology have been surprised at how easy it is to use, and we have seen an increasing adoption rate. Like any new way of working, it takes that initial leap of faith to try something new, but it really does bring people closer together and improve the way we collaborate.
Why is this a good time to review your business’ software needs and what you currently have?
The end of the calendar year is always a great evaluation and reflective period, both in our business and personal lives. For the majority of small business owners, these are one and the same and it’s an ideal time to clear the deck and reassess the business processes and tools that are in place, ready for next year.
Oriel Bastalic, marketing manager, Kmart Tyre and Auto
How can small businesses look to manage their fleet better in 2012?
Vehicle running costs are usually the second biggest expense after wages and salaries for a business. Many small businesses don’t realise that by consolidating their tyres, servicing and fuel costs can, significantly reduce their fleet running costs and the administration associated with managing their fleet. Businesses should always look for a national provider who is able to provide great national coverage, opening times that support today’s busy lifestyles and pricing that is competitive.
What are some of the mistakes they may be making in running their fleet currently?
Not having a policy or any guidelines means businesses may be paying too much for their fleet maintenance with drivers taking the vehicle to any outlet. Using a national repairer also means your drivers don’t always have to come back to a central location, which may be inconvenient and result in excessive employee downtime.