Logon-ni met with Ursula, owner of Ursula’s of Armagh, a ladies boutique in the heart of Armagh City Centre. We met during one of our mobile ICT demonstration events held in Armagh. Our ICT mobile events take place around the province and can be found on the Events section of this site.
Ursula requested assistance upon how to operate her tablet computing device; as well as assistance to promote her business online.
Following on from an assessment of current ICT usage within the business and the many benefits broadband and IT ‘can and does’ bring to companies, we demonstrated to Ursula specific key functions on her device which would most benefit her business.
We began by demonstrating the touch based method of interacting with the tablet operating system as opposed to a mouse driven one and how to use her tablet PC to access the internet via a mobile internet connection. We explained the ways in which the device could connect to the internet, e.g. Wi-Fi, and mobile broadband and stressed that different levels of mobile internet service would affect the ability to operate online. While the roaming option remains on, there was the potential for excessive charges and therefore it was demonstrated to Ursula how to switch the roaming facility off. Following on from this Ursula received instruction on how to create and add bookmarks for her most popular websites, such as her supplier’s websites, email, and storage. Ursula was then shown how to create 'home screen' shortcuts; to enable easy access of popular programs to allow her to access her business email on the tablet via a web based client. Ursula was also informed how to use the memo and calendar functions on the device to create appointments and reminders of up and coming events.
Once the discussion on the tablet pc was completed; we continued with a demonstration of free online map listings. These listings advertise your business 24/7 at no cost at all. Ursula was assisted in creating an online business map listing. We provided assistance on how to add relevant contact information such as telephone number and email address along with a short introduction to the company, instruction were also given on 'how to add photos' of her business products and service. Ursula was provided with details of several other online business directories with which she can register her business details and further market her business online.
Details of Ursulas can now be found online using a free service to advertise her business to potential customers. Customers will also be able to find her shop easily by reading the online information about the company. Using a device such as an iPad in a shopping environment helps you to stay connected to your suppliers and your email in a discrete way. When customers walk in, you can simply put it under the counter, rather than have a laptop between you and the customer.
After the meeting Ursuala sent us this comment ‘really helpful in connecting with my new iPad and also setting up my map listing. I really recommend this helpful advice to other businesses.'