Featured Member ~ AT&T

Being Wireless Savvy is Good Business for Small Business
Wireless devices and services represent some of the most critical technologies for U.S. small businesses. In fact, a recent study commissioned by AT&T revealed that virtually all (96%) small businesses use wireless technologies as part of their operations, and nearly two-thirds of small businesses could not survive - or it would be a major challenge to survive - without wireless technologies.
Bottom line: Anytime, anywhere connection is critical to success for small businesses, so wireless devices become a lifeline - helping them juggle personal and business needs while on the run. For many, their wireless device becomes an "office in their pocket," enhancing productivity and enabling them to take their business wherever they go, whether it be a client meeting or a family vacation.
As they grow, they often need to extend capabilities to more employees and implement more advanced applications, which enable small businesses to improve productivity and maximize efficiencies. There are many innovative mobile applications to meet business needs, everything from sending and receiving e-mail and browsing the Internet to remote time sheet entry and fleet management solutions that offer navigation and tracking capabilities, helping drive efficiencies and reduce fuel costs. Some key mobile applications include:
o Fleet management to keep mobile workforces connected to the information they need, enhancing fleet efficiencies for small businesses and improving customer service.
o Field service automation gives field-based employees real-time access to work orders, parts lists, and other essential back-office information.
o Sales force automation provides field based employees with key information, including contact information and history, sales lead tracking system, sales forecasting, order management and product knowledge.
o GPS Locator applications provide real-time visibility into the location of mobile workforces.
For those small businesses that are not sure which mobile apps are best for them, AT&T offers a free easy to use online resource via its Small Business Mobile Application Recommender Tool (SMART), which can be found by visiting www.att.com/smart. The tool allows business owners to build a business profile by selecting from a list of industries, mobile worker types, and mobile devices of interest, and then indicate which of several different functions they would like to be able to perform. Based on that input, the tool returns a list of recommended business solutions.
AT&T provides 24/7 customer care and dedicated small business wireless specialists, who know how to connect productivity needs with solutions. In addition, the company offers group discounts on devices and service plans that provide small businesses with the access and the expertise that growing businesses need to most effectively use wireless services.
AT&T also provides the nation's fastest mobile broadband network to ensure business can be conducted at the speed needed in today's competitive environment, and the largest Wi-Fi network with more than 24,000 hot spots in the U.S. and more than 135,000 worldwide. Some key Wireless from AT&T offerings include:
Smartphones Increase Productivity
Staying Efficient While Mobile
Global positioning systems- Instead of buying a separate global positioning system device for your car, you can download GPS software into your handheld device. Most applications, such as Google Maps let you get directions to your destination and map your route, while others are able to receive real-time traffic data to circumvent slowdowns. (Some are geared toward more pleasure-oriented pursuits, such as using GPS data to map golf course greens and bunkers.)
Payment processing- When on business travel, you don't want bills to pile up on your desk. Stay on the good side of creditors with mobile bill payment applications that work with financial institutions including CitiBank, Bank of America, and e*Trade.
Smart plans- There are plenty of competitive calling and data plans out there and reduced overseas calling rates for customers in Europe, Mexico or anywhere. AT&T has the best international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider, providing access to voice service in more than 220 countries and data service in more than 200 countries.
Faster, Faster- Don't forget many smartphones and laptops are Wi-Fi capable. AT&T's Wi-Fi network includes more than 24,000 U.S. hotspots - like retail stores, restaurants and airports from coast-to-coast.
How AT&T Can Help? Stop by your local AT&T store at Spradlin Farm Shopping Center on Spradlin Farm Drive in Christiansburg. Specially trained associates can give expert guidance in determining which AT&T wireless devices, mobile broadband plans or mobile applications best suit your specific business needs.
Stay in touch with your business wherever it takes you with AT&T. Learn more