What Works for Business is constantly on the lookout for the most helpful products, services and solutions for small business and startups. Many are brand new; others just haven’t been widely discovered yet. Here are my latest favorites, in 10-second bites:
Put Your Receipt Shoebox Online: Shoeboxed.com is one of those simple, super-practical solutions that can make a busy business owner’s life easier — and save money, too. Send Shoeboxed your receipts and business cards. They will scan and automatically categorize them so you can track spending, run reports and export data to accounting software. Great for tax organization, expense reports, returns and exchanges, insurance claims and more. Plans start at $9.95/month.Make Your Phone an Office: QuickOffice is quickly becoming a “go-to” app for turning smart phones into complete office productivity devices that can view, create and edit Microsoft Office documents, conduct ecommerce transactions and more. See their full suite of apps at QuickOffice.com.
Place Ads Easily on Cable: Bid4Spots is a new online marketplace for cable TV advertising that organizes cable advertising down to neighborhood level and offers new ways to get local TV airtime at a discount.
Try Web-based Order Fulfillment: Shipwire is an on-demand, web-based order fulfillment service that can take some of the hassle out of shipping, transporting and logistics. Scale up or down easily, and maybe save money on shipping over your current methods.
Get Easy Tax Answers Online: Need quick, expert answers to your specific business tax questions, 24/7? The e-Tax Hotline is a web-based service offering professional tax advice on a subscription basis at $29.95 monthly. Tax professionals will answer your toughest tax questions and offer money-saving tips.
Guard Your IP Assets: ProtectedPDF Small Business Edition, just out from Vitrium Systems, is a terrific way to guard valuable information your business has in PDF form. ProtectedPDF is a web-based app that lets you limit the number of computers a PDF can be viewed on, disable printing or set a variety of permissions.
Organize and Share Travel Plans More Easily: TripIt helps turn business travel chaos into order. Send your travel details — airline tickets, hotel bookings, rental cards, restaurants — and TripIt will organize it all into one master online itinerary that you can use yourself and easily share with others. They also throw in maps and directions. There’s an iPhone app, too.
End Phone-Menu Frustration: Hate those endless big-business phone menus that make you wade through mind-numbing lists of options? Fonolo.com can help you avoid phone menu frustrations. They’ve compiled the phone menus from hundreds of big companies into a system that gets you directly to the department you want. Use any phone; no software needed; and it’s free.
Find Franchises by State: As franchise ownership gains popularity, some of the big chains are selling out of available territories, while many newer brands are available only in select states, making it hard for prospective buyers to find what they want. State Franchises is a new franchise portal that lists franchise opportunities by state.
Buy or Sell a Business Online: BizGopher.com is a new social networking type site that aims to bring business buyers and sellers together. What’s different about this one? “We use the latest technology such as Google maps, analytical charting and raking systems,” says Christian Screen, Pres.
Compare Small Business Credit Cards: A credit card isn’t just a convenience, it’s a vital business tool for many entrepreneurs. But the Credit Card Reform Act of 2009 will radically change terms and payment rules on many cards. CreditDonkey is a site that helps small business owners compare card terms and find the best ones for their business.
Try Free Online Bookkeeping: Outright.com and oDesk.com have teamed up to make free online bookkeeping easily available to self-employed professionals. Some 220,000 professionals who use oDesk now get easy access to Outright.com’s simple web-based bookkeeping software.
Get a Free LLC Agreement: MyLLLagreement.com is a new legal site offering customized LLC operating agreements for free. “Our philosophy is that entrepreneurs deserve to have law firm qualify LLC agreements without having to spend thousands of dollars in legal fees,” says Adam Bergman, President.
Find Clean & Green Products and Services: ThomasNet just launched a new way for companies and nonprofits to find products and services that are cleaner and greener, including earth-friendly products, manufacturers building “green” parts into their machines, and more.
Take an Online Class in Social Networking: Seems like everyone’s tweeting today. And more professionals are on LinkedIn. Facebook is just as important as your own website. But how can business owners and sales professionals best use social media networking to their advantage. SellMoreStore.com has a new online Social Networking for Business Development course that can show you how.
Posted by Daniel Kehrer More New ‘10-Second Solutions’
03/18/2009 Here’s our latest collection of What Works for Business 10-Second Solutions:
Scanners Get Smarter: Fujitsu just launched two new SnapScan scanners for PC and Mac users with great new small biz features. Convert stacks of different docs to digital images without having to change settings — scanner auto-adjusts to sizes, page orientation, colors, 2-sided, etc. Speeds up to 40 images per minute. SnapScan S1500 and S1500M ($495) available at Fujitsu site.
crowdSPRING Draws a Crowd: The new online marketplace for creative design services (logos, websites, brochures, etc.) says it just hit $1 million in total deals done since May ‘08. Works this way: Post what you need, when you need it and how much you want to pay. Money goes to escrow. Creatives from a pool of 17,000 worldwide will submit actual designs – not bids or proposals – for you to review, sort, rate, provide feedback and collaborate on ’til you find the “the one.” Money back if you don’t get at least 25 entries.
Get Notice of Packages or Mail: I keep a mailbox at a UPS Store as a convenient place to receive packages and some types of mail. But I hate making a trip there for an empty box. Now UPS Stores (there are 6,000 worldwide) will send a text message or an email when there’s a package — great What Works for Business time saver. And contrary to popular belief, you can get regular mail or FedEx deliveries there, too. Locations and details at The UPS Store website.
How to Send Big Files over the Web: YouSendIt is a monthly subscription service that many biz owners are using to cut costs of sending documents via courier or overnight. A medical consultant, for example, saves some $8,000 yearly sending files digitally rather than large binders, paper manuals or burned CDs. Companies of all types of using this technology to cut costs and speed projects along.
Get Tech Security via the Web: Computer security — like anti-virus protection — isn’t a service most small and mid-sized businesses think about getting via the Internet. But Panda Security, a giant global IT security solutions company, now offers simple, cost-saving ways for smaller businesses to get hosted computer security solutions they can tap into online. Details at Panda Security site.
Digital Signage can Spark Retail Success: Amazing (and affordable) new digital signage technology is a great way for small businesses to turn heads, and attract customers. A small firm called advancedMethod has a new express digital signage system that’s easy to use and includes the basic player and software needed to create your own content right out of the box, plus industry-specific templates.
Scanners Get Smarter: Fujitsu just launched two new SnapScan scanners for PC and Mac users with great new small biz features. Convert stacks of different docs to digital images without having to change settings — scanner auto-adjusts to sizes, page orientation, colors, 2-sided, etc. Speeds up to 40 images per minute. SnapScan S1500 and S1500M ($495) available at Fujitsu site.crowdSPRING Draws a Crowd: The new online marketplace for creative design services (logos, websites, brochures, etc.) says it just hit $1 million in total deals done since May ‘08. Works this way: Post what you need, when you need it and how much you want to pay. Money goes to escrow. Creatives from a pool of 17,000 worldwide will submit actual designs – not bids or proposals – for you to review, sort, rate, provide feedback and collaborate on ’til you find the “the one.” Money back if you don’t get at least 25 entries.
Get Notice of Packages or Mail: I keep a mailbox at a UPS Store as a convenient place to receive packages and some types of mail. But I hate making a trip there for an empty box. Now UPS Stores (there are 6,000 worldwide) will send a text message or an email when there’s a package — great What Works for Business time saver. And contrary to popular belief, you can get regular mail or FedEx deliveries there, too. Locations and details at The UPS Store website.
How to Send Big Files over the Web: YouSendIt is a monthly subscription service that many biz owners are using to cut costs of sending documents via courier or overnight. A medical consultant, for example, saves some $8,000 yearly sending files digitally rather than large binders, paper manuals or burned CDs. Companies of all types of using this technology to cut costs and speed projects along.
Get Tech Security via the Web: Computer security — like anti-virus protection — isn’t a service most small and mid-sized businesses think about getting via the Internet. But Panda Security, a giant global IT security solutions company, now offers simple, cost-saving ways for smaller businesses to get hosted computer security solutions they can tap into online. Details at Panda Security site.
Digital Signage can Spark Retail Success: Amazing (and affordable) new digital signage technology is a great way for small businesses to turn heads, and attract customers. A small firm called advancedMethod has a new express digital signage system that’s easy to use and includes the basic player and software needed to create your own content right out of the box, plus industry-specific templates.
More 10-Second Solutions for Small Business
02/27/2009 “Ten-Second Solutions,” from What Works for Business, are quick takes on what’s new and interesting for small business and startup entrepreneurs.
Here’s a new batch to start off the month of March:
Free Website Creation Platform Launched: DevHub is a promising new web publishing platform that lets Internet entrepreneurs easily create free, media-rich websites, including content and advertising that can start making you money immediately. High quality ad partners include CareerBuilder, Shopping.com, Priceline and others.
Low-Cost Press Release Help: Free press release distribution services
have one problem: You have to write the release yourself. A new site, Lowcostpressreleases.com, solves that with cut-rate help on wordsmithing starting at $49.95. Distribution included.
Save Cash with Remote Tech Support: With budgets thin, biz owners are turning to remote tech support for savings. PlumChoice is a remote, 24/7 tech support service catering to small biz. Certified techs offer a full range of support, plus advice and training. Starts at $9.95/month (first month free).
Save Money with Priority Mail Shipping: If your biz ships lots of packages that need to arrive in 2-3 days, U.S. Postal Service business Priority Mail is efficient, low-cost, and has benefits over FedEx/UPS like delivery to PO boxes, Saturday and residential delivery at no extra cost. Flat rates up to 70 lbs., get free packaging delivered free, and more.
Dex Relaunch Raises Bar for Local Search: Disclaimer first — DexKnows.com is owned by Business.com’s parent company. But hey, the totally rebuilt site is a terrific way for local biz to reach customers! Others agree. “DexKnows is smarter, more sophisticated and much closer to what consumers have come to expect in a local search site,” writes Charles Laughlin, analyst at The Kelsey Group.
Free “Office Live Workspace” Hits 3 Million Users: Microsoft still considers its Office Live site in “beta,” but millions have signed up for a free online workspace on the site, and are using it to bring people together and share docs with groups. Fantastic benefits, and all free.
Here’s a new batch to start off the month of March:
Free Website Creation Platform Launched: DevHub is a promising new web publishing platform that lets Internet entrepreneurs easily create free, media-rich websites, including content and advertising that can start making you money immediately. High quality ad partners include CareerBuilder, Shopping.com, Priceline and others.Low-Cost Press Release Help: Free press release distribution services
have one problem: You have to write the release yourself. A new site, Lowcostpressreleases.com, solves that with cut-rate help on wordsmithing starting at $49.95. Distribution included.Save Cash with Remote Tech Support: With budgets thin, biz owners are turning to remote tech support for savings. PlumChoice is a remote, 24/7 tech support service catering to small biz. Certified techs offer a full range of support, plus advice and training. Starts at $9.95/month (first month free).
Save Money with Priority Mail Shipping: If your biz ships lots of packages that need to arrive in 2-3 days, U.S. Postal Service business Priority Mail is efficient, low-cost, and has benefits over FedEx/UPS like delivery to PO boxes, Saturday and residential delivery at no extra cost. Flat rates up to 70 lbs., get free packaging delivered free, and more.
Dex Relaunch Raises Bar for Local Search: Disclaimer first — DexKnows.com is owned by Business.com’s parent company. But hey, the totally rebuilt site is a terrific way for local biz to reach customers! Others agree. “DexKnows is smarter, more sophisticated and much closer to what consumers have come to expect in a local search site,” writes Charles Laughlin, analyst at The Kelsey Group.Free “Office Live Workspace” Hits 3 Million Users: Microsoft still considers its Office Live site in “beta,” but millions have signed up for a free online workspace on the site, and are using it to bring people together and share docs with groups. Fantastic benefits, and all free.
Six New 10-Second Solutions
01/29/2009 Here are six more in the What Works for Business series of new small biz solutions you can digest in 10 seconds or less:
Postage Meter Deals: Postage meter purveyor Pitney Bowes is cutting prices and making some of its best deals ever on postage meters for new small business customers. Their Personal Post machine, which has leased for 2 or 3 times this amount (you can’t buy postage meters) is now $15/month, with 60 days free. And PB throws in $15/month in free postage for two years, to boot!
2009 Tax Help Online: A new 2009 Tax Center available on the legal site Findlaw.com offers authoritative advice and resources on filing your tax return for tax year 2008. It includes info on deductions, deadlines, audits and much more.
0% Tech Financing From HP: HP just launched a terrific deal for small biz that lets you finance $1,500 to $150,000 worth of tech products form HP’s entire line at zero %, and you can choose to either lease or own. Deal details here — good through April 30, 2009 in the U.S. and Canada.
New Biz Blogging Platform: HubSpot — a hot spot of internet marketing ideas and solutions — just launched a new web-based blogging system for business users to help would-be biz bloggers add a blog to their website with easy integration and full analytics.
Salve for Recession — Win an Award: Entries for the 2009 American Business Awards are now open in dozens of categories, from Executive of the Year, Company of the Year, Best new Product or Service, Best Website, Fastest-Growing Company and more, until March 31.
Shelve Your Suitcase — Videoconference More: Regus Group, which runs the world’s largest network of videoconference rooms available to business, has seen a 40% spike in bookings over the past 12 months. Check out Regus for this $$-saving solution.
Postage Meter Deals: Postage meter purveyor Pitney Bowes is cutting prices and making some of its best deals ever on postage meters for new small business customers. Their Personal Post machine, which has leased for 2 or 3 times this amount (you can’t buy postage meters) is now $15/month, with 60 days free. And PB throws in $15/month in free postage for two years, to boot!
2009 Tax Help Online: A new 2009 Tax Center available on the legal site Findlaw.com offers authoritative advice and resources on filing your tax return for tax year 2008. It includes info on deductions, deadlines, audits and much more.
0% Tech Financing From HP: HP just launched a terrific deal for small biz that lets you finance $1,500 to $150,000 worth of tech products form HP’s entire line at zero %, and you can choose to either lease or own. Deal details here — good through April 30, 2009 in the U.S. and Canada.
New Biz Blogging Platform: HubSpot — a hot spot of internet marketing ideas and solutions — just launched a new web-based blogging system for business users to help would-be biz bloggers add a blog to their website with easy integration and full analytics.
Salve for Recession — Win an Award: Entries for the 2009 American Business Awards are now open in dozens of categories, from Executive of the Year, Company of the Year, Best new Product or Service, Best Website, Fastest-Growing Company and more, until March 31.
Shelve Your Suitcase — Videoconference More: Regus Group, which runs the world’s largest network of videoconference rooms available to business, has seen a 40% spike in bookings over the past 12 months. Check out Regus for this $$-saving solution.
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