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Mobile Home Business – Must-Have Technology

August 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you long to take your home business on the road, there are a few bits of technology you’re going to need to have. Armed with the right equipment, you’ll save time, reduce frustration, make a better professional impression and help avoid potential disasters.

Here are must-have technology and tools to make your home business more mobile.


==> Portable Laptop

Depending on the purpose of your trip, you may opt to bring a full-sized laptop, or a much smaller and lighter laptop.
Carrying around a giant laptop is not only exhausting and a hassle, but you also risk significant financial and data loss if you carry your main laptop around with you on extended travels.

Instead, if a small mini-laptop (which costs just $200 to $300) will work, it’s often a better choice.

==> Smartphones

Tools like GPS, email on the go and checking bank accounts from your phone are almost mandatory for business people today.

On the go, bring a smartphone with you. The GPS feature especially is useful in unfamiliar surroundings.

==> Unlocked GSM Phone

This may or may not be the same phone as above. Most phones sold in the United States are locked to a carrier. Some phones can be unlocked by calling your carrier, others can be unlocked at specialty stores and other phones can’t be unlocked at all.

Most countries use GSM networks. That means you can plug a GSM SIM card into any unlocked phone and use the phone in that country.

If you’re traveling outside the US, always have an unlocked phone with you.

==> Presentation Tools

Bring an extra projector bulb for the projector you’ll be using. You certainly don’t want to be rendered unable to make a crucial presentation because you’re missing a $20 component.

Bring a laser pointer to be able to clearly point to slides on a presentation. Bring a clicker to be able to move through slides without being in front of your computer.

If necessary, bring your own mini-projector as well. Many successful business people carry their own projectors in the trunk of their cars just in case they have an impromptu sales opportunity.

Hint: The iPhone has a clicker app that allows you to use it as a clicker.

==> USB Internet

While on the road, you won’t be guaranteed internet. Some hotels provide free internet for guests, some charge an arm and a leg while others don’t even provide it.

Furthermore, many cafes, lounges and meeting spots may not have internet.

If you use internet regularly for work, consider getting a USB internet stick (also known as a USB dongle). They’re available in most developed countries.

==> Backups

When traveling, it’s always important to acknowledge the risk of your laptop being stolen or damaged.

Changes in weather and humidity are hard on the laptop’s components. Furthermore, depending on the country, there may be thieves who deliberately single out tourists as targets.

Always back up your data before you leave on a trip.

These are some of the most important tools and technologies for mobile home business owners. Leave well-equipped and you’ll save yourself both time and money.

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Home Business Tool You Should Know About – Meetup.com

May 23, 2011 By 1 Comment

profitable niche ideasOnline business owners tend to do most of their networking and marketing online. It makes sense, doesn’t it? If they provide virtual services or sell products online, it stands to reason that they should be able to reach their target markets and make business connections via the World Wide Web. But even in this age of electronic communication, there’s still a lot to be said for meeting people face to face.

That’s the idea behind Meetup.com. Founded in 2001, Meetup allows anyone to form an online group that can both collaborate online and meet in person. Some Meetups are centered around common interests or hobbies. But many are business oriented, facilitating networking and helping small business owners reach potential customers.

Here’s how to use meetup.com to your advantage as a home business owner:

You can use Meetup as both a group member or a group leader. Here are some ideas.

* Look for groups that are made up of members of your target market. For example, if you sell workout clothing, look for fitness Meetups in your area. Join the group and get to know the members, but don’t do any overt marketing. Just let them know what you do and answer any questions they may have.

* Find Meetups in your area that will attract your target market. Make a note of the date and time of the meeting, and show up with free samples and business cards in hand.

* Join a group of fellow entrepreneurs. Groups have been formed in major cities as well as less populated areas, so chances are good that there’s one near you. Joining such a group will give you the opportunity to learn from other business owners and exchange referrals. And if you’re in the business to business market, you might find some new customers, too.

* Start your own group. You could start a business networking group if there are none nearby, or a group that caters to your target market. Either way, take some time to decide what you want to do with your group and create a professional and informative home page for it. This will help you attract the right kinds of members and get the most out of your efforts.

* Keep your group active, both online and offline. Keep discussions going on the message board, and schedule regular live Meetups. As with any marketing method, it’s important to keep yourself in the front of your prospects’ minds as much as possible.

* Sponsor a Meetup group. Sponsors offer a perk, such as a discount or free meeting place to groups that meet the criteria they specify. When a group accepts your perk, your business gets publicity.

Meetup offers a wealth of networking and marketing opportunities for online business owners. Try joining a group to get your feet wet, then think about starting a group of your own. It will take some time and planning, but it could pay off in a big way.

Filed Under: Home Business Tips

Home Business Idea – Mobile Computer Repair

December 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Do you have experience repairing computers?  If so, you can make good money with a mobile computer repair company.

Here are five tips to help you start it successfully.

#1 Research your rates

Most mobile repair companies charge by the hour. Before you set your rates, determine what others in your area are charging. Also take a look at how you can specialize or offer unique value and thus charge a higher rate. The national average for computer service is $100 per hour. However, your region may accept higher or lower rates.

#2 Determine your region and customer

How far are you willing to travel to repair a computer? Determine your scope and range and then advertise to your audience specifically. If you charge extra for service trips outside your range, make sure that’s communicated well.

In addition to region, you can target a specific audience. For example, you can target small business owners. Targeting a specific niche or customer will help you become a specialist. It’s easier to market to a targeted audience than to market to everyone.

#3 Market online and off

It’s essential to market your business. Online marketing can include:

* Website
* Social networking
* Article marketing
* Blogging
* Advertising
* Email marketing
* Local search
* Register in business directories

Offline you can:

* Post and/or distribute flyers
* Join your local small business association and/or chamber of commerce
* Yellow and/or white pages
* Local networking events
* Local press
* Host workshops and seminars – train people to use their computer
* Car magnets
* Local coupon books
* Ads in your local paper

It’s important to dedicate yourself to marketing your business. Once you have customers, consider also offering a referral program. Help your customers become an advocate for you. Encourage and motivate them to spread the word about your business.

#4 Stay informed

New technologies are released every day. It’s important to stay on top of technology so you can offer your customer the best service. Subscribe to industry magazines. Know the technology your customers use and can benefit from. And of course be on top of the latest computers so you can fix anything.

#5 Become a consultant

Set yourself apart from your competition by becoming more than a repair person. Be able to provide advice on how your clients can improve their productivity. For example, if you specialize in helping small business owners, then it can pay to know the best small business software and technology. Then you can guide them to buy the best technology for their business. You can even become an affiliate for some of the companies you like to recommend. It’s a great way to add value to your service and money to your bank account.

For further study:
Start Your Own Computer Repair Company, by Morris Rosenthal

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Green Business: Why Going Green is a Path to More Profits

August 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

getting retweetedGoing green is a great way to become more profitable.

Why?

Here are a few reasons.

More customers

For one thing, going green in your business will help get you business from customers looking to support green companies. There are many people who are environmentally conscious and are looking to support firms that feel the same. So you will get business from a sect of customers you otherwise wouldn’t.

How do you find people who support green businesses? One way is to just mention in all your ads that you practice green principles. Also, you might consider advertising in environmental magazines. Just don’t overemphasize it. As long as it doesn’t take away from the rest of your advertising message, this works great.

Tax breaks

The government gives tax breaks to businesses that are looking to help the environment. So if you take certain initiatives, you can save on taxes. Talk to your accountant to see if there are any green business tax breaks that apply to you.

Save money

Many people are under the impression that going green is more expensive than using traditional methods. However, it’s actually cheaper.

So what are the best methods for going green in your business?

Here are four great tips:

#1) Support green businesses - Every company has to get supplies. Why not do so from other green companies?

#2) Buy recycled items – This not only helps the environment, but it can also be far cheaper. The best place to look for these items is online.

#3) Go paperless – Many businesses use far more paper than they really need to. Most things can be done on the computer. For instance, don’t pass around paper at a meeting that nobody is ever going to look at again. Instead, have everything done by PowerPoint. If you really need paper, make sure to utilize both the front and back of it before throwing it out.

#4) Use natural energy sources – Solar and wind power are great for helping the environment, and they reduce your expenses as well. If possible, try and get as much of your energy from them as possible.

Any business, big or small, can help the environment. Your efforts might not seem unimportant. But just imagine if every company implemented these tips. Do your part, and you will not only be doing a good deed, but helping your bottom line as well.

Resources for further study:


Join the Green Business Bureau!

Help Your Company Go Green!
The Green Business Bureau has lots of resources to help your business go green. Click the link above to enroll.

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Online Invoices: How to Improve Your Online Invoices and Make Them Look More Professional

July 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Online invoicing is a part of many online businesses.

There are many different types of online nvoices you can use, from a simple email message to a full scale professional service. How you choose to invoice is up to you however , it’s important to make sure your invoices look professional. A professional looking invoice will help build your credibility and authority as a provider. Here’s how to improve your online invoices and make them look more professional.

1. Add your company logo. Your logo on your invoice does more than show the recipient who the invoice is from. It helps brand your business and it can help improve your image as a professional. Have a logo designed by a professional and include it on your invoice template.

2. Make sure all of your information is correct. Errors on the invoice can detract from your professional image. Make sure the date, invoice number, invoiced amount, and most importantly the client or customer’s information are 100% correct.

3. Use/create a template. Templates make invoicing easy and they provide a unified structure for your invoices so each one looks the same and customers or clients know where to look for the information they need. You can find a number of invoicing templates online or you can create your own.

4. Use a service such as QuickBooks, Zoho or Freshbooks. There are a number of online invoicing services or products that simplify the invoicing process. They also accomplish the tip above and offer a unified look and feel to your invoices and your invoicing procedure. Some of these services also help you keep track of your cash flow, sales, profits and expenses. Others are simply invoicing products. Determine what you need and compare costs and features. You’re sure to find a service that meets your needs. Quickbooks coupons and discounts are here >

5. Save as a PDF. If you’re invoicing your clients yourself using a template that you designed, consider saving it as a PDF file. This is a file format that everyone can open regardless of the system they utilize and if they don’t have a PDF reader, they can download one from Adobe for free. It’s a reputable and acceptable way to format a file and it will add some professionalism to your invoices.

6. Make it clear how the client can pay. If a client isn’t totally clear on how to pay you, it may prevent her from paying on time. Make sure it’s clear on your invoice how the client can pay. Can they pay by check? By credit card? By PayPal or other online payment service?

It’s easy to give your invoices a professional look and feel. Create a template, make sure your information is accurate and be clear on how payments can be made. Be consistent with your invoicing policies and procedures to ensure clear communication.

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How to Declutter Your Computer

May 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Computers, just like your home office, can get to be a mess. Files everywhere, no system of organization and a hard drive that’s so gunked up and slow you have time to take a shower while your system loads.

Well, invest just a little time and you can have your computer decluttered and zipping along.

You’ll be organized and ready for anything that comes at you.

Here’s how to declutter your computer:

#1  Remove unused programs.
This step is easy but it can take some time. Programs can take up large amounts of memory and storage space. If you’re not using them, get rid of them, but it’s important to get rid of them in the proper way. Each operating system is a bit different but the basic method is to get into your computer’s control panel and click on “add or remove programs.” As you scroll through the programs, simply uninstall those you’re not using. You may need to restart your computer after some programs are removed.

#2 Archive old files.
Chances are you have old files stored on your computer that you no longer access. However, maybe you don’t want to get rid of them completely. You have a couple of options. One is to burn them to a CD or DVD. Label it and store it in a safe place.

Another option is to purchase an external hard drive and store old files on that. You can also use a service that backs up your file or stores them for you. Note: Images, video and audio files take up the most space on your computer. Archiving them or storing them externally is a great way to save space.

#3 Organize your files. Each person will have their own organization system. That being said, creating a series of folders and subfolders is generally the first step. Organizing your files doesn’t take much time once you have a system. Consider including not only the purpose of the file or a main category but also a date. For example, if you’re storing articles you would label the main file: Your Business Name
Create a sub file: Articles
Create a sub file within that based on topic or date. Date probably makes more sense: August, 2009 for example. And make sure to name each file within the folder appropriately so searching for the content is quick and easy.

#4 Organize your bookmarks.
Just as you may have random files floating around your hard drive, you more than likely have a ton of bookmarks that are not organized in any particular way. Most bookmarking systems allow you to create folders for your bookmarks. This is great because it enables you to find them quickly and you can create more bookmarks without having to worry about scrolling through that long list of them.

To get the job done, simply click on “bookmarks” on your browser toolbar and choose the “organize” feature. This will allow you to make folders with logical names to store and organize your bookmarks.

#5 Defrag your hard drive and clean up your hard drive. If you’re computer is still moving slowly, consider analyzing your system and defragging your hard drive. Defragging it essentially lets your computer organize things internally and make space. It doesn’t affect where you’ve placed your files and folders so don’t worry about losing anything. Once again, get into your control panel and look for “Disk cleanup” or analyze systems. It may be in your administrative tools as well.

Stick to your system. Once you’ve created a system for storing and organizing information, stick with it. This way you won’t’ have to do a major purge every couple of months. Your computer will stay clean and clutter free.

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How to Protect Your Online Information: 17 Tips

April 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment

There’s no denying the fact that when doing business online – whether you’re a consumer, a business owner, or you’re simply searching online and utilizing tools like email – there’s a risk to your information and the technology you’re using. People like identity thieves and hackers can cause all sorts of trouble. This article identifies simple ways you can protect yourself – steps you should take to protect your online information.

1. Make sure your turn Firewall ON. And make sure you update it when renewal comes due or updates are available.

2. Likewise, install, update and use Anti-Virus software.

3. Consider using a website validation service or technology to make sure the websites you’re visiting aren’t corrupted or malicious.

4. Don’t access important websites or accounts when using a public computer at internet cafés, libraries, and other public sites. You run the risk of your information being copied and re-entered after you leave.

5. Be aware that there are misleading and scammer websites designed to trick you and collect your personal information. It’s generally called phishing and it’s when someone sends you to a fake website made to look like a real financial institution or facility. Instead of clicking on a link from an email, simply type the business into your browser to make sure you’re using the real web address.

6. Create a system of changing your password on a regular basis.

7. Buy from well-known companies – and only provide bank or credit card information in secure sessions. Look for the https in your browser and look for the padlock in the lower right hand corner to signal it’s a secure session. You can also look for the VeriSign or other security certificate.

8. Don’t share your passwords with others and don’t write them down.

9. Avoid using the same password for all your accounts – if someone figures out one, they’ve got them all.

10. Try to create a unique, non-personal password that would be difficult to guess.

11. Be wary of files without file extensions, for example .doc or .jpg because it makes it easy for viruses to hide in them. And don’t open a file with a double extension because it probably contains a virus.

12. Don’t open emails from people whom you don’t know and don’t open attachments if you are suspicious or don’t know the sender. Attachments and emails can easily contain viruses and your computer and the information it contains can be at risk.

13. Don’t open an e-mail attachment that contains a file ending .exe, .pif, or .vbs as these are commonly used with viruses. If you receive one of these files from someone you know, give them a call or jot them a quick email to make sure they intended to send it to you.

14. Review your ISP, Internet Service Provider, and see what protections they offer you as a customer. Do they offer virus protection services?

15. Read your bank and credit card statements. Make sure all of the charges and transactions are legitimate. If not, call the institution immediately.

16. Review your bank and credit card statements for any unusual transactions or withdrawals and notify the bank immediately if you suspect any discrepancies. And take care where you use your credit card or bank card. Carry cash and if a place or person feels suspicious, don’t share your credit card or bank number with them – pay in cash.

17. Finally, back up your information with an online back-up service and/or with an external hard drive. How often should you back up? Some experts recommend daily back-ups, others weekly or monthly. It depends on how often you add new information and how valuable that information is to you. You should also back up your website, because a hacker can get in there in a blink and mess everything up. If you have your website backed up, repairing the damage is relatively painless.

In this age of technology we have wonderful tools and freedoms. However, with this technology also come risks: risks of identity theft, risks of theft in general, and hackers and viruses which can destroy computers and years of hard work. You can mitigate these risks by taking a few simple, but savvy, steps to protect your online information.

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7 Ways to Make Your Small Business Look Bigger Online

April 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The perceived size of a business can instill a certain degree of confidence to potential clients. And there are lots of ways that you can make your small business appear bigger. The key lies in creating a very professional image for your company.

Here are seven ways to make your small business appear larger on the web:

#1 Look into alternatives to the sole proprietorship. This is a minor change that can make a big difference. Your company name shows up in your online signature, your communications, and on your website and people notice. Consider the beneifits, for example of an LLC (Limited Liability Corporation). You’ll need to talk to your accountant before you make any such changes.

#2 Hire a professional to design a logo for your business. Branding and company identity are vital to the success of any business.

#3 Make sure your website is clean and polished. A well designed website radiates professionalism. There are a lot of messy and unprofessional websites out there. Make sure your online presence is clean, easy to navigate and brimming with valuable content and resources.

#4 Don’t underestimate the power of quality content. The more good, original content you have on your site, the better. Use article marketing to increase your brand awareness and boost your credibility. Network with other complementary websites to provide content for them. Provide value-added comments on notable industry blogs. When your company name is all over the internet, and you are making a true contribution to your industry, your business will automatically look bigger – and more valuable.

#5 Outsource when it makes sense to do so. This is particularly useful if you outsource your virtual help and/or your bookkeeping and accounting help. Give them names such as “project manager” “customer service manager” “accounting department” and sound like you have a warehouse filled with cubicles and happy employees, when in fact you have a few wonderful contractors who make you look good. Try AskSunday.

#6 Don’t use free email addresses. Most hosting package come with email addresses. Use them. Yourname@yourcompany.com looks much better than yourname@hotmail.com. And the same goes for your telephone number. You can get a toll free number for a small fee each month. Vanity numbers cost a little more but they can provide a perceived image of a larger size – 1-800-call-now!

#7 Automate. Automate your phone service and your customer service with easy tools. Phones can be automated with a virtual assistant or by using a system such as OneBox – which screens, answers, and forwards calls automatically based on your preferences and settings. Autoresponder services (we recommend GetResponse), live chat and other automated assistance help customers and prospects get their questions answered quickly, and it provides an image of size and responsibility.

When using the tactics above, remember to always keep your customer in mind. You aren’t trying to be deliberately deceptive in any way. You are just projecting a professional image. The user experience of your customers is what it’s all about.

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Managing and Motivating Virtual Employees

April 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment

In today’s globalized, decentralized, wireless economy, more and more businesses are hiring “virtual employees” – employees who work remotely, often from home, and who may rarely or never come into the office. Needless to say, managing these employees from afar can be challenging. Effective virtual management begins with hiring the right people and continues with regular, frequent communication and recognition of success.

1) Hire the right people. The successful virtual employee is a disciplined self-starter who is productive in an isolated environment but is wise enough to maintain connections with other outside communities. The employee must also be trustworthy, self-reliant, organized, efficient, and dedicated to their own and the company’s success.

2) Get to know them. Hold one-on-one, 20-minute meetings (or longer) at least once every two weeks with direct reports. Let the employee set the agenda, and encourage him or her to discuss any questions or concerns. Assure him/her of your trust and respect, and ask questions about his/her aspirations, quality of work life, and sense of career advancement. Work to resolve any problems quickly, and keep the employee apprised of your progress.

3) Make them feel like a part of the team. Virtual employees should be included in all team meetings. Teleconferencing and web-enabled tools like GoToMeeting.com, webinars, live chats, etc. make team meetings among scattered employees easy.

Include some form of recognition in these meetings, such as acknowledging an insightful comment, remarking on small accomplishments that contributed to the end result, and praising those who honor their commitments. Organize employee retreats once a year so that virtual and traditional employees can interact with one another, to discuss success and/or make improvements, to create a sense of unity and teamwork, and to share information.

4) Communicate, communicate, communicate – in as many ways as possible, including newsletters, electronic message/discussion boards, the company intranet, etc. The level of communication should correlate directly to the distance of the employee.

5) Set realistic benchmarks and expect regular status reports. Establish criteria for measuring progress and success – for example total contacts made or products generated. Reserve a particular time of day or the week for check-in chats and/or web-enabled staff meetings. Set interim deadlines for projects to avoid surprises or gaps.

6) Reward and recognize. Reward virtual employees’ desirable behavior in ways that are meaningful to them. A virtual employee might like an upgraded computer, a Starbucks gift card (since many of them work from coffee shops from time to time), learning and development opportunities, or simply time off. Ask virtual employees to list two or three rewards that they would find motivating and then recognize them accordingly.

Managing virtual employees is challenging but gratifying, as these employees are among the most reliable and entrepreneurial. Give them room to innovate and grow, and you’ll be rewarded with success.

You might like:
AskSunday™ – an affordable and award-winning personal assistant service that allows you to outsource tasks.


Learn more about our award-winning services!

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Need to outsource business tasks?

April 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

AskSunday™ is an affordable and award-winning personal assistant service that allows you to outsource tasks.

The service offers two service plans.

1. Dedicated Assistant Program assigns one of its assistants to work especially for you. This is a highly personalized (yet affordable) service. The Dedicated Assistant Program is offered at various service levels.

Dedicated Assistants can perform a variety of tasks, including:

  • Data entry/analysis
  • Internet research
  • Outbound calling
  • Document editing
  • Uploading content onto websites
  • Coordinating and booking travel plans
  • Much more.

2. 24/7 Assistance Service gives you the resources of a 24/7 personal assistant, travel agent, and project assistant – available via both email and telephone.

Both services are affordable and available anywhere in the world where tasks can be performed in English.

Visit AskSunday to learn more.


Learn more about our award-winning services!

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