Ask the Experts - Got a question? Get an expert answer

Ask the Experts

Got a question? Get an expert answer

Whatever your business needs, there's now a team of Microsoft experts on hand to help make IT work in your small business, whether you're just getting started, thinking about a website, or want to boost your marketing with a newsletter or database. If you have a question that you would like to put before the panel simply email us at smartadv@microsoft.com, including your first name and contact details.

Latest Questions

Q. Is there an easy, low-cost way to help our small business grow quickly?

Question: We’re a small group of busy people trying to grow our business as quickly as possible. We’re conscious that we need to use technology to help achieve this, but we haven't got the expertise or the time to get too involved in that side of things. And we don’t really want to hire an in-house IT specialist right now. Is there a low-cost, low-hassle answer? - Tom

Ann says: Many small businesses share your problem. Technology is a key driver in helping companies grow and make more profit; but without experience of managing IT systems, that much-needed technology can take up valuable time that’s better spent dealing with customers...

Read Ann's full answer here

Ann MerrickAnn Merrick
Managing Director, Infineo

Q. What type of CRM system will be a cost-effective investment for our business?

Question: Our small business has grown to the point where paper records are no longer adequate for keeping track of our customers and developing our relationship with them. We’ve always thought that CRM systems are only for large companies, but lots of our competitors seem to have them now. What type of system should we be considering in order to make CRM a viable investment? - Catherine

Robert says: You’re absolutely right: there’s a popular misconception out there that Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is only for large organisations who enjoy bombarding us with junk mail! But that’s no longer the case - today my company has many clients with only a handful of employees...

Read Robert's full answer here

Robert PeledieRobert Peledie
CRM Consultant, Chorus IT

Q. How can I synchronise between my PC and mobile phone?

Question: The current downturn means my colleagues and I are spending a lot more time out on the road chasing business, so we need to pick up messages and keep track of our diaries on the move. Is there a way we can synchronise email, calendar appointments and Outlook contacts between our PCs and mobile phones? - Richard

Paul says: You’re absolutely right - staying competitive these days means you really have to be mobile, which in itself can presents challenges – not least staying in touch while you're out and about. That’s never more true than for smaller companies where it’s a case of “all hands on deck”...

Read Paul's full answer here

Paul DadgePaul Dadge
Senior Consultant, PC Paramedics.it

Archived Questions

Question: Can Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising help me to win more customers? - John
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Question: Can you recommend a simple software package to cut down office admin? - Angela
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Question: Can I cut costs and work smarter by switching to VoIP? - Fran
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Question: Should I be thinking about buying my first server? - Mike
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Question: Which Office 2007 upgrade package should I buy? - Sophie
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Question: Why do I need a website? - Barrie
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Question: How can I share files with colleagues without spending too much money? - Luke
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Question: Is Cloud Computing relevant to my small business? - Steve
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Question: How can I tell whether pop-up updates are real or spam? - Toby
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Question: Will I need to re-learn Word, Excel, Publisher etc if I upgrade to Office 2007? - Rob
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Question: Why should my business upgrade from Windows XP? - Oliver
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Question: How can I manage my mobile staff more efficiently? - Mark
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Question: How can I take the headache out of financial paperwork? - George
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Question: What can I do to reduce duplicate data entry and admin? - Graham
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Question: How can I access files from different computers? - Ashley
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Question: What do I need to create a good website? - Lucy
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Question: What's the best way of collating metrics from different sources? - Sanjay
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Question: How do I move to a client/server environment? - Mike
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Question: How can I rid my inbox of spam? - Izzy
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Question: I run my own business (a store) and have been doing my own VAT returns in Excel for some years. Are there any templates to make this job easier? - Simon
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Question: How do I get my website to the top of Google? - Nick
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Ask the Experts is not a technical support service. If you have a technical issue which needs urgent resolution please go to our Contact Us page where you will find the relevant assistance for Product help and support queries.

Please note:

  • Microsoft cannot guarantee to answer all questions personally.
  • If your question is selected to be answered, Microsoft will contact you directly and to seek permission to post live onto the Small Business Centre.
  • Posed and answered questions will be posted on this page each month.
  • If you would like to share your tips and tricks too, don't hesitate to get in touch.
  • Microsoft cannot enter into private correspondence, and if you seek advice specific to your situation, Microsoft's network of Certified Partners can offer specialist knowledge to help you.

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