The Cloud! Why It’s Mission Critical For Entrepreneurs

What's The Cloud
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    Sometimes I picture Tattoo running around Fantasy Island declaring “Ze cloud! Ze cloud!” when I start talking about one of the latest frontiers in technology. It is amusing, and maybe a bit reflective of how most people view cloud computing. Something to be pointed to and exclaimed about, but not really well understood.

    What is “The Cloud?”

    Here’s the basics, the cloud is simply software and services that run on the Internet instead of your computer (definition courtesy of via CNN Money). Simple right?

    Yes, in fact, the concept is simple. And, it is also very powerful because it means that services like Canva, Google Apps, Dropbox, Hulu, iCloud, OneDrive and Facebook can exist.

    The reality is that you are already using Cloud services, whether you know it or not. While there is lots to discuss about potential pitfalls of using the Cloud, what you as a business owner should focus on is maximizing the value of these services.

    Why You Need The Cloud

    For an entrepreneur or small business, technology has leveled the field and allows you to play as big as any other company. You just need to know you can. From hosted PBX (that’s the ability to use an army of cell phones and have it operate like a company phone system) to online accounting systems (like Xero or Freshbooks [affiliate link]), all of the tools you need are available for relatively low cost and very low acquisition effort.

    Your obligation as a business is to share your unique gifts with the world. Whether it be photography, business coaching, ethical jury selection, opera or technology (yes, had to include it), you must focus on doing what you were born to do. Don’t settle for systems that are “fine” or that eat into the time you need to be spending plying your trade. There are better solutions out there, go use them.

    The Cloud is one of the most important technological developments for entrepreneurs because we truly have all the systems we need at a price we can afford. In fact, the problem now is that there are likely too many options and making a decision about which one to use is paralyzing (a subject I’ll tackle later).

    Know It, Use It, Love It

    Now that you know better, stop using apps or software that trap your information. Use Google Apps or Office 365 for email, contacts & calendar. Choose an online storage provider and use it (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, whichever one you want). Thinking you need a phone system, accounting software, graphics program or something else? Go find out what other entrepreneurs are using. I’ll bet it is likely a Cloud solution, and they love it.

    What Cloud services are you using? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

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