Technological innovation is a guaranteed way to make waves in most industries especially if it delivers cost and productivity savings.
And for those small companies that are not in the business of advancing technology, being on the ball and identifying the most promising new developments can be the next-best thing.
In this way, Jacqueline Evans, creative director of Art Street Design, has been able to publish an article of her own on CNN Money, 'Pen 2.0: Your scribblings go digital'.
As the owner of a graphic design studio, she explains that she is familiar with pens and computers. And Ms Evans has leveraged her expertise in these fields to highlight what she believes could be a groundbreaking innovation - the smartpen.
These devices are electronic pens that can remember everything a person writes or sketches and then upload this data to a PC.
Although most require the use of special paper filled with tiny dots to help their infra-red sensors track movement on the page, newer models include bonus features such as the ability to record audio.
A regular laptop user, Ms Evans explained she often uses her computer in meetings with clients - although this can be problematic depending on space constraints and some clients might be put off by someone continuously typing away.
She tested several smartpens including the Adapx Penx, Livescribe Pulse and IOGear Mobile Digital Scribe.
"Despite its clunkiness, I found the Livescribe to be the best tool because of its audio features. I'd love to use it to replace my laptop in meetings - as long as my clients are okay with being recorded," she concluded - glowing praise indeed.
By sharing her own experiences with a wider audience, Ms Evans will no doubt have also secured some vital online PR for her own company.
Art Street Design was established in 1996 and refers to itself as a "progressive website development, graphic design and creative solutions firm".
The company, which is based in Northeastern Pennsylvania, also offers services in visual marketing and branding to a wide array of clients.
http://www.artstreetdesign.com/
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