Virtual Business Virtual Communication Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.

Virtual Business

Virtual Communication

Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved

Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved 2

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Communication with . . .

Customers, and potential customers

The client

Employees

Suppliers

Competitors

People contracted to outsource functions

Virtual assistant

3Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved

Web 2.0 Tools

• What is “Web 2.0”?– Second generation Internet use focusing

on collaboration and interacting socially– Online tools to help online businesses

with many functions


Types of Web 2.0 Communication Tools

Wikis

Blogs

QR codes

Social media

E-mail

Online surveys

Video conferencing

Wireless web

Cell phone


Cell Phones

• Cell phone apps to increase your sales

• Ease of access to your site• Text messages for upcoming events• Immediate communication, except

for voicemail• Relatively low-cost option• Not intended for file transfers or

large audiences


Wireless Web

• Wireless Internet connection• Access the office without being at an

office• Any time, anywhere access• Vehicle for web 2.0 tools• Used extensively for document

transfers


Video Conferencing

• Communicate visually• Real-time communication• Live meetings• Options for low-cost services• Immediate communication• Immediate decision-making• Not intended for file transfers


Online Surveys

• To get customer feedback• Obtain customer preferences• Aid with product design• Can help improve service• Can put a deadline for responses


Email

• Business purposes:– To advise employees on procedures– To provide a record of events– To pass on information to a large number

of people– To promote goodwill– To direct others to perform a task– Good tool if cost is an issue– May not be opened, read immediately


Social Media

• Can build brand awareness• Market products on social media sites• Form of communication• Customer reviews


QR Codes

• Resemble bar codes• “QR” means quick response• Contain data such as:

– Product information– Contact information– Web address– Pricing information

• Providing information without file transferring


Blogs

• Customer comments about products• Customer comments about

companies and customer service• Status updates• Employee comments and stories• Can include links to company web

site and other information• Can create interaction among people


Wikis

• Great for teamwork• Marketing campaigns• Collaboration among employees• Provide information for potential

customers• Projects


Activities Requiring Virtual Communication Tools

Finance

Human Resources

Sales

Organization

Business Projects


Finance Tools

• Online spreadsheet applications to make sharing data easy

• Budgeting tools• Tools for making investment

decisions• Credit tools


Human Resources

• Online recruiting tools• Tools for checking bookmarks in

specific subject matter areas to conduct research on job trends

• Benefits information• Performance reviews• Training and career development


Sales

• Tools that can generate leads through tracking web site traffic

• Tracks communication related to sales

• Customer outreach tools


Organization

• Tools to collect resources– notebooks– binders

• Share resources with others• Web-based bulletin board to post

notes and files• Task management

– calendars– task reminders


Projects

• Project-based collaboration• Online task management• Scheduling tools• Time tracking• Gantt charts• Calendars• Managing documents


Independent Practice Assignments• Media Solutions Chart Assignment #1 – Students

will create a spreadsheet with types of communication tools displayed on one axis and criteria (or situation) displayed on another axis. The spreadsheet data itself should include how well-suited the communication tool is for the situation. For example, if urgency is important to the situation, would the medium of email or fax be more appropriate? Another example is a customer complaint issue – would a blog be appropriate or a phone call or email? Use indicators that identify most appropriate, average, or inappropriate for each situation as it relates to each tool.

• The Social Networking Connection Presentation Assignment #2 – Students will research the effect that social networking has had on business today. They will create a presentation using presentation management software or an online presentation web site that students can register for addressing the following topics on different ‘slides’: 21

Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved

Independent Practice Assignments (continued)

• 1) what general purposes businesses are using social media for, 2) the most common social networking sites, 3) benefits to business in using these sites, and 4) a list of three businesses who are using social networking sites and what they are specifically using them for.

• Web 2.0 Tools Brochure Assignment #3 – Students are to create a brochure that displays at least five different Web 2.0 tools and at least two ways they would be used for different business purposes. They are to clearly identify each tool with the appropriate use of design principles. Identify one company for each tool. Students are to use appropriate graphics, explanations, and labels for each of the tools.


Virtual Business Virtual Communication Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.

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