Many of us could benefit from the use of new technologies that enable conference calling and other means of collaborating and communicating. There isn’t a better time to use new technologies to help increase your productivity. The following ideas are just a handful of tips.

Leverage a free conference calling application

In the last few years, there has been more virtual coordination between geographically diverse organizations. Technology is a large part of the motivation.

But equally important is the availability of free conferencing from teleconferencing start-ups such as Rondee and they work on a similar core idea.

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

Deploy an automated electronic system

It was not that long in the past that sending out an electronic newsletter was time consuming and difficult. That has now changed. On-line systems are making it feasible to use scalable newsletters. These solutions cut the work load by as much as 75% and in so doing allow you to concentrate on content development rather than content delivery.

Develop your online professional network

The most advanced lobbying organizations create strong networks of supporters who buttress their values and mission. While the word networking sometimes gets an unfavorable connotation, the simple reality is these networks can provide significant help to organic advocacy groups. Today in the Bay Area, the expectation is that professional folks will have at least a rudimentary profile on these services.

Keep focused

The most effective leaders are ones that stay tightly focused on their mission and do not get enmeshed in peripheral goals. Most folks operate under serious resource limitations. Addressing three goals with 100% effort will generally yield superior results compared to tackling six goals at 50% effort.

Learn how to lobby

Many folks think that lobbying is the domain of political sorts. While that may be true in some situations, many successful leaders have developed a real advantage through succeeding in the art of lobbying. Whether to secure desired reforms in public policies that affect your community or the backing of public leaders, lobbying can be an effective way to accomplish your goals.

Use data driven decision-making

One of the key trends in the last several years has been the escalating reliance on evidence driven 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 excellence in decision-making is rising and thus reliance on conjecture is being replaced by empirical evidence to support processes.

Desktop sharing

Some leaders have far flung leadership groups, and it is impractical to expect in person meetings. Technology is solving this problem by way of desktop sharing.

Whether it's displaying a PowerPoint presentation illustrating the group's initiatives or a spreadsheet showing the tracking of performance, desktop sharing can be quite useful. And these solutions work quite well in parallel with free conference bridges.

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Bob Letterman resides in California. Letterman helped in architecting Rondee's free teleconference call toll.