How does technology benefit your online business? If you are thinking of starting an online marketing business, or any online business of any type, you will be relying on technology more than ever. As technology evolves, so does opportunity. Just keep in mind, giving up the corporate grind to have a career that is far more flexible is within reach, with the right technology.

I just listened to a podcast on the Affiliate Buzz, which was developed by James and Arlene Martell to help others by sharing tips and information on working online. Sometimes they feature guests who can offer advice as well. This time, it was their son Justin.

Right out of high school, Justin took a summer job in a computer store. Little did he know at the time that it would lead to developing a career, as he honed his skills in computers and technology. Today, he is manager at one of the largest Canadian computer retailers. So, he knows what he is talking about.

I am going to share some of what I learned from him today. If your business relies on the Internet, read on to learn what I did.

1. The Heart of Production

It’s no surprise that the heart of any online business will be the computer. Without it, the business wouldn’t exist. Justin shared basic tips that will help you in your production. Of course, when talking about computers, that encompasses laptops and iPads as well.

First, he recommends that you get a computer with a minimum RAM of 6 to 8 GB. RAM is an acronym for random access memory and has to do with a computer’s data storage capability.

Second, Justin talked about the processor, which he recommends going with a quad core processor, when possible. This type of processor often leads to faster speeds in computing, especially when working with large processing tasks such as graphics and compression.

Of course, with all this power, comes the need for protection as well. Some of this could be found on sites such as locksondemand.com, which offers insight on locks and cases for iPads. For laptops, find a secure case that will protect your laptop from damage when you are on the road.

Developing your Online Marketing Business through Technology

2. Staying Connected on the Road

Other than a laptop, or an iPad, one of the best ways to stay connected to your business is with a smart phone. A phone is not just a phone any longer, unless of course you opt for the most basic one. However, I was told when buying mine that all phones in the near future will have to have a wireless package, so you might want to consider one just for that reason alone. If you are paying for it, you might as well have it, right?

Here are some interesting tidbits that Justin shared, regarding smart phones:

• You can stay connected with internet access, keeping you informed of new messages, social medias, and emails
• Many are all-in-one devices, with cameras, video, texting, Internet access, and even Google Docs and Calendar with the Androids
• Smart phones are quicker than phones of just a couple years ago, with a dual core processor

These phones make it easy to check emails, post links to social media, and just stay connected when you are away from the office. To me, the main difference between a smart phone and a laptop or iPad, is that I carry my phone with me at all times.

3. Enough Lanes in Your Freeway

To avoid a traffic jam in your computer’s communications, make sure you have a proper router to support all the devices you have in your home office, as well as the entire home. Your router is responsible for all the devices such as the computer, iPad, smart phone, and even game systems that are in the house. If you have multiples of these, as many people do, that is a lot of toil on the router.

Justin used the analogy of a freeway. Each device uses bandwidth, therefore taking up ‘lanes’ in the system. It would be much easier to have a 6-lane freeway to handle 3000 cars, than a 2-lane road.

Find a router with a 300 bandwidth, and you should be fine. You should be able to find a decent one for around $200, give or take a few dollars. But, if it helps prevent a sluggish computer, or disconnected web calls, it is worth the extra money.

Technology offers us all a chance to have the flexibility in our careers, so we can produce more and live more at the same time. You just need to take advantage of it.

About the Author

Freelance writing for a couple years now, Kathy Barber typically focuses on topics such as online business, medical, home brewing, and family. Recently she took on reviews such as the iPad stand and home brewing kits. Kathy was raised in Michigan and continues to live there with her husband and young son. When she is not working, you could find her boating, camping, and attending little league and school events for her son.