Technology often shapes our businesses in many different ways. One technological innovation that has done so for many years is the laser. Although the laser has been in use for decades, it is still something that amazes individuals who really look into what this simple device has to offer. After all, it not only helps to speed things along in many cases, there are many times when using the laser will help to reduce any error that could occur as well. Here are a few different devices that are used which can help industry to get their jobs done.

One of the laser tools that is frequently used in a number of different industries are laser measurers. These types of tools are sometimes referred to as digital measuring devices or laser distance finders. These are a very convenient item in many businesses because they are handheld and can be used, both within the company setting and also when you are on the road. The benefit of using this type of device is the fact that you can point it at any area in order to get an accurate measurements. You do not even have to point it to your reflective device. You can point it to a telephone pole, a wall across the room or even to a fence post. The distance is going to show up on an LCD screen, giving you an accurate measurement in no time.

Another beneficial type of laser tool is the laser cutting tool. This is something that is used in numerous industries and that you might be surprised with the different types of materials that are able to be cut. Just offhand, some of the types of materials that are cut with laser tools include stainless steel, spring steel, polyester and even wood. The type of cutting that is done with these tools is very accurate and it can help to increase productivity, if things are set up properly. It also helps to reduce waste, as well as to provide a clean cut that would be unavailable through other means.

Of course, it’s not only industry that makes for use of these laser tools; it is also used in the scientific field and the medical industry as well. As a matter of fact, there have been major advances made as a result of lasers in both science and medicine that would not have been possible through standard devices. As an example, who hasn’t heard of laser eye surgery? The use of lasers in optical surgery has really helped to increase the accuracy that is available and to reduce the recovery time.

In science, a good example of how lasers were used is to get an accurate measurement from the Earth to the moon. Although there was always a fairly accurate measurement, with a mirror on the moon that was placed by the astronauts, a laser was able to be used to get the measurement within inches. Although the main focus of laser usage will always be in industry, it has help mankind in numerous ways that should not be overlooked.

I know from the title you might be thinking this is a common sense topic that you already know a ton about, but time and time again people throw all their chips in on their startup without checking if there’s even a market for their product. They get a good idea, their friends agree it’s a good idea, and before you know it they’ve quit their job and gone in debt up to their eyeballs trying to get their little idea off the ground only to discover it wasn’t that original to begin with.

There’s nothing new under the sun! If there’s one thing you take away from this post, please let it be that! I don’t care how innovative you think your idea is, there is a 99.9% likelihood that someone has thought of it before and tried to do something about it. The iPhone wasn’t the first smartphone and Facebook wasn’t the first social media site to ever exist.

The aforementioned examples weren’t successful because they were the first. They were successful because they popularized their respective concepts. They made it shiny and attractive to the masses, and that’s what your goal behind market research should be.

Market research should be conducted before you start your business! I don’t care what anyone else says, you need to have some sort of a business plan before you actually start your own business. Don’t be ashamed of working at McDonald’s while you pursue your business idea. It may slow you down, but it’s always smarter to have another job lined up before you quit the one you have.

How to Conduct Market Research

Researching your idea’s marketability isn’t just using Google to see if your specific idea exists already or posting your idea to a forum and seeing how many people flock to it. You can’t just spend half a day researching the topic and expect to truly understand how well your idea will sell.

You have to research anything that’s even remotely similar to your idea and use your findings to realistically extrapolate the demand your product can expect to receive once it’s on the open market. While doing this, you need to delve deep into the reasons similar ideas succeeded or failed and critically look at your product in the same light.

Don’t be afraid or too cheap to hire some outside help. There are a ton of market research companies out there that are professionals at what they do. They’ll be able to look at your idea in a more objective and critical light than anyone else will.

All in all, if you really have faith in your idea then you shouldn’t be afraid to put the time and money into making sure you do things right.

Technology has certainly made today’s work environment a vastly different world than just a few short years ago. No longer are individuals tethered to a physical office, a desk or even a desktop computer, today’s entrepreneur is on the go – working from home, out of a car, on a plane, in the park, you name it! While this is very convenient for that person, does convenience equate to a good work environment which will produce profitable business?

So how does a business person present a professional, successful image to his or her clients? Is that conveyed effectively while meeting at Starbucks or in a hotel lobby? It is doubtful these surroundings will impress your clients or provide them with confidence in you and your ability.

Who are these independents anyway?

They are:
Home-based professionals (i.e. translators, writers, bookkeepers, designers)
Small and growing businesses (i.e. marketing, futurists, IT support)
Professional service providers (i.e. lawyers, accountants, architects)

Yet isn’t establishing an office a huge expense? Doesn’t it require hours of monthly maintenance and oversight? What about affiliated costs like administrative support? The glad news is that there is a wonderful alternative – participation in a business center. What may be news to many is that business centers have been quietly serving clients for over 30 years now.

By definition a business center is simply a workplace that provides office facilities and shared service support. A business person can rent one or more offices with 24/7 access. The business center typically provides the furniture, telephone and internet for each client. The center manager takes care of the infrastructure by providing electricity, heating and air-conditioning, and janitorial services. Support services are shared among the clients and may include copiers, administrative support, and common area rooms such as rest rooms and lunch room facilities. Services are also provided to “virtual” clients – those who need only a mailing address, telephone support and occasional meeting room space.

In today’s ever changing business environment, it is more important than ever to present the right image to your prospective customers and your clients. A business center allows you to focus on what matters most – growing your business while they concentrate on the critical details of keeping your office running. You can establish your business locally, quickly and affordably.

You can easily locate a business center near you by Googling “executive office center” or “business center’ in a town near you.