In my most recent website poll 52.6 of respondents indicated that the iPad or similar technology is essential to the future of their business.

In my view this percentage will rise significantly in coming years.

The now, not so new iPad by Apple has taken the world by storm. So much so, that even Microsoft Word recognises it as a valid word in its spell check!
So how good does the iPad shape up, compared to other tablets on the market?

Android has launched a cheaper version of the iPad, called the Maylong M-150. However, technology website, Ars Technica dubbed it the “worst gadget ever”.

Telstra has recently released a T-Touch Pad, another cheap alternative. It also got poor reviews. CNET Australia states it has an “appalling touch screen”, “dismal battery life” and “dreary hardware design”.

The only main competitor for the iPad seems to be the Samsung Galaxy Tab. It is much smaller but still looks glamorous. The Samsung Galaxy Tab and the iPad are similar in many ways however the Samsung Galaxy Tab has a camera. Despite this quality, lacking in the iPad, the Galaxy Tab simply does not live up to the standards of the iPad’s responsive screen. It is said to be ‘laggy’ and not smooth. So far, not so good for Android and it’s attempts at the tablet technology.

At this stage the iPad is the most efficient mobile device I have found. Despite its shortcomings I use it every day to:

- read the news
- browse the web
- respond to emails
- add content to my website
- watch videos
- manage my banking

and about 30 other things.

The enormous rise in popularity of social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn has seen a change in the way many people do business. Customers are becoming savvier in researching their options online before buying. Of course, they are also using social media sites to voice their grudges and complaints, if they feel justified in their concerns.

What this means for many business owners is learning to find ways to actively manage their current level of social media exposure without reducing staff productivity.

Trying to find enough time every day to log into each separate account individually and update your social media posts can be time consuming. By the time you answer questions and respond to messages, it’s easy to see why many businesses feel as though this platform for communication is a waste of time.

However, there are more effective ways to manage your social media, including using social media dashboards, such as hootsuite.com. These kinds of dashboards allow you to access all of your social media accounts all in the one convenient interface.

You’re able to update your status, spread messages about specials or products available and respond to messages sent to you all in the one place. You can even schedule your updates to be sent out at a time that is most convenient for your contacts.

So rather than simply give up on social media, try to work on ways to streamline the way you use it. You’ll be reaching more clients and keeping on top of your online exposure at the same time.

With Christmas around the corner many savvy businesses are thinking about charities.

One such business is Charity Greeting Cards, which gives away 20 per cent of its profits to nominated charities.

Owner and manager, Stephen Shubitz says his philosophy is to “give as much as we possibly can, not as little as we have to”.

In 2009 the company gave $374,000 to various charities and this year Shubitz hopes to increase the contribution to $500,000.

“The service particularly appeals to corporates because it’s an easy way for them to give back to the community through a product they would normally require anyway,” Shubitz says.

But what about your business?

Aligning yourself with a charity is good for your image. People feel good about buying things from such businesses as they see that the disadvantaged are being helped at the same time as they are gaining a quality product.

From a purely business perspective, choose a charity that will give you meaningful exposure. For example, a business marketing women’s products might support the Abused Women’s Trust or the Breast Cancer Foundation. Keep in mind your target market.

But the reality is, whether for business or personal satisfaction, your support with help people in need and perhaps this should be the primary motivation.