Google Wave Part 2: Grab your surfboard and catch a Wave

So we know that Google Wave is the latest in online communicative technology. We know that we can create or join a 'wave', post links or chat or pictures, and keep that wave as a record of the process. We know that the wave is paving a way for easier communication online. But how, you ask, does this exactly affect my business? Sure, it's great for fun and definitely pretty interesting, but can it help my online marketing campaign? At the end of the day, can it boost my sales?

Google Wave is all about collaborative communication. This is the main reason why you need it as a business tool for your company - because after all, good communication between you and your customers or clients is a key to success. This communication can work in two ways - internally (that is, for communication between you and your colleagues) and externally, for sharing information with and getting feedback from your clientele. Better communication means a more efficient workplace that is more in line with its customers' needs.

Wave and make new friends

Say you sign up for Google Wave and put the application onto your website. Not only will this new device make your visitors think 'hmm, I might give that a try' but you can allow visitors to provide feedback and questions that you then answer in a public domain. It takes the recent attraction of Twitter and Facebook for businesses - the appeal of getting closer to the consumer - but lets it happen on your own site. This sort of direct communication creates a more equal, open relationship between seller and buyer. Customers will get a sense of 'being apart' of the bigger picture that your business is, and if they feel a part of your business, that is where their loyalties will lie.

Share the ride

Internally, the wave can do wonders for your business. Imagine you need to brainstorm with colleagues about an issue or upcoming project. All you need to do is go to the Google Wave Inbox and create a new wave, adding the people you want to have access to it. You jot down some starting ideas and questions in the Wave, and sit back to wait for the input from others to come flooding in. Shouldn't take very long, as you can see in real-time, character by character, what others type into the Wave. You can swap ideas, post photos or files, edit each other's work. It's a bit like all being gathered around a boardroom table with a giant bit of butcher's paper, all armed with pens and white-out. But the Wave enables everyone to share their ideas and comment in an easy, orderly and efficient manner.

Ni Hao Ma, Google Wave

The free application can end up saving you valuable dollars. The ability to be able to work together on a wave means faster communication, without misinterpretation. Need to correspond in real time with workers or clients overseas? No problem - Google Wave has language translation, meaning that if you are writing to a client in China, your words will be automatically translated to Mandarin as you type them. No more blank stares over international teleconference calls. More efficient communication means less costs, and a generally well-organized workplace.

The Wave means communication can be generated in the one space. Many of the individual communication modes that you want for your business - say, a blog, Twitter notes, a newsletter, feedback, and notices - can all be posted in the one area that your visitors can easily access.

There's no two ways about it. The latest in communication technology can enhance your business identity, relationships and efficiency. What are you waiting for? Go to wave.google.com and request an invitation to join. Your business will thank you for it.