Overwhelmed by information-overload and nonstop technology? Bombarded with options? As a customer-focused media company, BNP Media is committed to delivering information that will make your job not only easier, but also more efficient. You can thrive by strategically managing how and when you receive information.

1. Go Online for Training and Certification

Online training has come of age and keeps getting better. Early attempts at Webcasts and Webinars were clunky, strained affairs. Fuzzy images and lost connections were the norm. Today, high-speed connections, in-house projection, enhanced software, improved two-way communication, and experienced providers make Web-based training an engaging experience.

Most webinars allow for a Q&A period. Additionally, providers often include video links and related websites for further research.

Many webinars also provide a link that allows you to print a course completion certificate for CEUs, in turn cutting travel costs.



2. Use Online Community to Obtain Real-Time, Real-Life Answers

Perhaps you’ve avoided places like You Tube, bulletin boards, and blogs. For a growing number, online communities are an essential source of their business success.

A huge benefit of an online community is free access to people just like you who have already tackled similar challenges. Whether you are fixing a broken part, launching an initiative, or revolutionizing your company, someone is waiting to tell you how they succeeded or, equally valuable, which pitfalls to avoid. Many sites also offer video that shows you how to do it.



3. Find Information With Lightning Speed

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a geeky way of saying “fast answers.” If you are even a bit Web savvy, then you’ve Googled something. But Google can be overwhelming when you pull up 101,234 results.

A better option is vertical search – using the search functions of industry-specific websites. Some, like BNP Media’s sites, license Google technology for speed but limit the search to a highly defined universe of data, making your search vastly more efficient.

4. Locate Products Quickly With Online Directories

Finding products poses a problem when you need specific items to complete a project. Online directories are a great solution. Most allow you to enter a company name, product category, or a brand and then provide a defined list.

Although print directories remain excellent resources, they are updated annually, whereas online directories can be updated daily. Online directories also include links to supplier Websites, spec sheets, and even product videos.



5. Read Breaking News

Whether you’re a leader in your company or headed up the ladder, staying informed has never been easier with these tools:



• Websites. Some sites are updated daily, while others languish for weeks. Limit your visits to sites that are updated frequently and offer professional coverage.

• E-newsletters. Electronic newsletters offer a big advantage because they come directly to your mailbox at your request.

• RSS feeds. Real Simple Syndication (RSS) is a way to assure you are alerted whenever certain news breaks on the web. RSS requires you to sign up for a reader and select the topics you want. Those articles collect until you access them.



6. Study In-depth Content For Personal Development and Strategic Planning

While the web is fantastic for immediacy, it is equally strong in providing content that will help you obtain comprehensive knowledge, perspective, and leadership skills.

Archived articles stored on industry websites allow concentrated study of a topic or in-depth analysis of an expert’s opinions.

White papers allow you to read thoughtful analysis on new products and procedures, and often include statistics and projections.

Finally, Syndicated research can help you maintain a high level of expertise on a topic or industry, and provides insight for strategic planning.