If you want find ways to use the cloud to better grow your business, you need information first. Since cloud computing includes so many different potential business applications, fully grasping the potential becomes a challenge.
See the unique and effective ways your fellow small business owners are developing to use the cloud for everything from improving security to facilitating collaboration. Learning from other businesses as a way to improve your own cloud strategy.
That’s exactly why entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals joined a live Twitter chat this week on Thursday, November 10 between 1-2 p.m. EST. Small Business Trends CEO Anita Campbell (@smallbiztrends) served as a moderator for the session entitled “Ways to Leverage the Cloud to Grow Your Business,” sponsored by Microsoft (@Microsoft). Microsoft’s VP of Worldwide SMB Sales David Smith (@DavidSmithSMB) also participated in the chat.
You can see some of the helpful and exciting insights from chat participants below.
First, participants discussed what they think the cloud actually entails.
Q1: What is your definition of “in the cloud”? Hosted email? Online software? Cloud website hosting? Other? #MSBizTips pic.twitter.com/ajOJis8OXt
— Anita Campbell (@smallbiztrends) November 10, 2016
A1) In the CLOUD means NOT on your hard drive – on someone else’s drive accessible always and anywhere #msbiztips https://t.co/sHHUDUpiZi
— Ivana Taylor (@DIYMarketers) November 10, 2016
A1 Basically software and storage that extends the digital muscle of your business without huge extra investment. #MSBizTips
— Shawn Hessinger (@Shawn_Hessinger) November 10, 2016
A1. Lose a chapter of a book you are writing when your computer’s hard drive crashes & you learn about “in the cloud” in a hurry! #msbiztips
— Steve Strauss (@SteveStrauss) November 10, 2016
Then, entrepreneurs talked about some of the most prevalent benefits of using the cloud in business.
Q2: What is top benefit of cloud services to your business? #MSBizTips
— Anita Campbell (@smallbiztrends) November 10, 2016
A2:#cloud computing equals easy of access and use for #smallbiz owners. I can work remotely – never having met some clients #msbiztips
— Cathy Larkin PR (@CathyWebSavvyPR) November 10, 2016
q2 I love that I can literally access all my info anywhere I want, even at the docs office – working while waiting
#msbiztips
— Ti Roberts (@tiroberts) November 10, 2016
a2 The cloud saves money, you don’t have to constantly buy new software, it updates in the cloud #msbiztips
— Rieva Lesonsky (@Rieva) November 10, 2016
Chat participants also shared some specific examples of how they’ve actually used the cloud in a business environment.
Q3: How do you use the cloud in your business? How has it helped your business? {Examples would be great!] #MSBizTips pic.twitter.com/oFSDQSB4yU
— Anita Campbell (@smallbiztrends) November 10, 2016
A3: I work remotely a lot, so knowing my files are available wherever I am (and on multiple devices) is a big win. #msbiztips
— Robert Brady (@robert_brady) November 10, 2016
A3: I use it For uploading files For my podcasts, protocols For board meetings, etc. #msbiztips https://t.co/quGEsjA2Bg
— Martin Lindeskog (@Lyceum) November 10, 2016
A3: Mostly to work on relevant files. It’s cost effective. And I don’t have to manage biz apps from specific location. #msbiztips
— Thomas Oppong (@Alltopstartups) November 10, 2016
Using the cloud doesn’t have to just be about keeping your business efficient and on budget. There are some other creative uses you might consider to actually grow your business, which chatters discussed next.
Q4: Is cloud mostly about cutting expenses, or or efficiency, or can it help you grow bigger or faster? Why? #MSBizTips
— Anita Campbell (@smallbiztrends) November 10, 2016
Q4 The cloud helps you scale your capabilities without massive investment making for a lean and nimble business. #MSBizTips
— Shawn Hessinger (@Shawn_Hessinger) November 10, 2016
A4: How about all things below?!
#msbiztips If I have to pick one: to work in an efficient way. #msbiztips https://t.co/pMSjgWdsbA
— Martin Lindeskog (@Lyceum) November 10, 2016
A4: I think it can definitely help companies grow bigger/faster, especially those that have remote employees and want to collab #msbiztips
— Annie ??? (@AnnieHP) November 10, 2016
More specifically, Microsoft has many services that can potentially help businesses succeed. So chatters shared some of their favorites.
Q5: For our guest VIP sponsor, @DavidSmithSMB, a question: which @Microsoft services are most popular with small biz? #MSBizTips
— Anita Campbell (@smallbiztrends) November 10, 2016
A5 I’ll make this simple: Word #msbiztips
— Joel Libava ? (@FranchiseKing) November 10, 2016
.@smallbiztrends P5: Visit https://t.co/0n2Z0rkIgw to learn more about how @Microsoft solutions meet the needs of today’s #SMBs. #MSBizTips
— David Smith (@DavidSmithSMB) November 10, 2016
a5. And since Apple update has messed with Apple Mail, I’ve been relying on MS Outlook for email #msbiztips
— Rieva Lesonsky (@Rieva) November 10, 2016
The chat covered these topics and even more cloud-related questions. You can see the rest of the discussion by checking out the #msbiztips hashtag on Twitter.
Winning with the cloud image via Shutterstock
This article, "Microsoft Twitter Chat Highlights Benefits of Cloud Technology #MSbiztips" was first published on Small Business Trends
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