Many of us could benefit from the use of new technologies that empower conferencing and other means of communication and collaboration. There has not been a better time to adopt new technologies to further enhance your productivity. The following ideas are just a handful of recommendations.

Leverage a free conference call service

In the last few years, there has been escalating virtual collaboration between geographically diverse businesses. Technology is an important part of the motivation.

But equally important is the availability free from teleconferencing providers such as Rondee.com and they operate on a similar core method.

They offer you a PIN and a number to call. If all conference call users dial the same toll number and enter the same code, they are put into the conference.

Use an automated electronic platform

It wasn't too long ago that sending out an email newsletter was time consuming and tiresome. That has now changed. On-line systems are making it feasible to use scalable newsletters. These services reduce the work load by as much as 75% and in so doing enable you to concentrate on content development rather than content delivery.

Develop your online professional network

The most advanced advocacy groups create strong networks of supporters who buttress their philosophy and goals. While the word networking often gets an undesirable connotation, the general reality is that these networks can provide significant help to organic advocacy communities. Today in the San Francisco Bay Area, the expectation is that professional people will have at least a basic profile on these services.

Keep focused

The most effective leaders are ones that stay clearly focused on their mission and do not get enmeshed in peripheral goals. Most folks operate under substantial resource limitations. Tackling three goals with total effort will generally yield superior results compared to tackling six goals at 50% effort.

Learn how to lobby

Many people believe that lobbying is the domain of political types. While that may be the reality in some cases, many successful leaders have developed a real advantage through succeeding in the art of lobbying. Whether to secure necessary reforms in public policies that affect your community or the backing of public leaders, lobbying can be an effective method to accomplish your goals.

Use data based decision-making practices

One of the key trends recently has been the increasing reliance on evidence based decision-making. Leaders can apply the same practices with simple to use Excel or Lotus spread sheet applications to ascertain what works and what does not work. Increasingly, the hurdle for quality decision-making is rising and thus reliance on conjecture is being replaced by empirical evidence to justify processes.

Desktop sharing

Some leaders have distributed leadership groups, and it is difficult to have in person meetings. Technology is addressing this problem by way of desktop sharing.

Whether it's sharing a PowerPoint presentation illustrating the group's initiatives or a spreadsheet showing the performance, desktop sharing can be extremely helpful.