Week 12 Part A: Using Business Specific Online Tools

In this post, I will try to summarize my findings in the research I did on some online tools for business specific purposes. I will divide it into two sections: the first with the tools that I am familiar with and/or I have already used it for my business or as a client of someone else’s business. Among those are LinkedIn, Google Business, Google Map, Yelp, BandCamp, Spotify and TikTok. The second section is about the other tools that are new to me and I had never heard about it before this class introduction. Snacknation, Meetup, SoundCloud, Reverb Nation and Twitch. 

I see Google Business/Google Map and Yelp as online tools that offer many features that are appropriate to my fictitious restaurant business. I know a few small business companies and service providers who rely on their numerous and highly rated Yelp reviews to reach their target audience. This is also true for the reviews posted on other retail online platforms such as Amazon, The Home Depot, TripAdvisor, Airbnb, VRBO and more. I personally do not use music stream tools. Commercial ads are usually displayed only at the free option accounts. I am not very enthusiastic about these platforms as a means to reach my customers and I do not see it as an important way to develop business connections.

 
Snacknation is in fact an online platform that delivers a mix of snacks and drinks direct to consumers in their offices and homes. They have a blog and there is a post with an article on some of the best online collaboration tools and software platforms for business teams to work together on projects from anywhere in the world. Some immense knowledge and information are available and surely can be a big help to the people who have small medium business. I especially like the information with pros and cons of each solution. I am familiar with the listed Google tools (Drive, Keep, Docs) as well as with Dropbox, Evernote, Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams. The majority of the other solutions would require more in depth analysis to understand its fit to the business.

Meetup is an app that encourages people to meet face-to-face. While it does host online events, it focuses on promoting events and groups in your community. I read a few Meetup reviews and it seems that it is still an excellent way to make new friends and experience fun events. Although some users have reported bad experiences in certain groups, it is important to define your exact location and select groups and activities that relate the most with you. Sign up for events that are realistic for your time-management. Join as many meetings as you like, but try not to over-commit. Meetup is also as safe as other social media websites, so long as you exercise caution when meeting with those you are connected to through the website.