Small Business Specialty Products Can Unlock the Door To Better Efficiency & Effectiveness

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• November 2008 Issue
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From the Nov. 2008 Issue

The U.S. Government’s Small Business Act defines small business as “one that is independently owned and operated and which is not dominant in its field of operation.” While the definition varies based on industry, SBA’s Small Business Size Regulations has established basic size standards.

As of August 2008, these standards define small Certified Public Accountant offices as having revenues less than $8.5 million. Beyond this number, there are more than 20 million small companies with no employees. Many of these companies are your clients. When looking at your own small business or the small business of your client, a fundamental question is this: Is it “small”’ because it has yet to grow bigger or was the business bigger and the economy has driven the business down? Whether you are on the way up or you have been downsizing, the need for technology tools remains.

Lots of things make a small business unique. One of the best things is the lack of committees that are required to make decisions about tools that can support and assist the enterprise. A corollary to this statement is that often the specific knowledge needed to make the decision is outside the company. That is absolutely okay. At no time should any size organization feel that the only right answers are within the enterprise. It is often called the fear of “not invented here” syndrome, or NIH. Where good ideas come from is less important than recognizing good ideas and acting upon them.

We all know that size is not always a fair measure of the effectiveness and capabilities of your small business. This includes how you explore the usability and usefulness of technology-based tools to support what you do and how you do it. The big tools are easy to identify and classify between hardware, software and services. Start with a computer and its accessories, add a few basic software applications for document creation and number analysis. Then, add a few communications devices like a wireless router, Internet access and even a cell phone. It is most likely that you have already made the decisions of what you are using within these categories — PC vs. Mac, Verizon vs. ATT, Yahoo! vs. Google, etc.

This article will introduce a few tools that may not yet have crossed your radar screen. The diversity of these products reflects the many differences of what each of us may need. Some of these applications and services make our work more efficient; others are designed to specifically support what can help clients with their activities. In all cases, whether any of these tools can help you will be determined by your independent analysis. Most of the products have a free demo period so you can try before you buy.

Most successful entrepreneurs don’t just take risks; they seize the opportunities to make things more efficient and do things more effectively. As you review these products, make sure you remain focused on your basic competencies and what you need to enhance them. If you primarily provide IT consulting, implementing tax-related applications may not be a value-add for your clients. The key is to acquire and build where you can and want to grow. Yes, sometimes thinking outside the box works very well. It is up to you to determine the balance between staying where you are and bringing in the new. Making the choice to be in any business, big or small, delivers you options about making more choices.

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Zip Notes
www.zipnotes.com

My handwriting has to be large to be read, even by me. Thus, the standard sticky note often provides too small a space for the note I want to attach to pages. One option is to go to the office store and buy three or four different size sticky notes and keep them all handy. However, along comes Zip Notes with the idea that a sticky note can be small, medium or large without having to buy multiple sizes at the store. You choose the length. It is the same concept as determining how much plastic wrap or aluminum foil is needed. Pull out the size needed, tear it off, and stick it on the page or desk accessory. It’s such a simple concept and tool; I wish I had thought of it.

Why is it a good idea? You buy a roll of sticky notes and use what is needed, and the size can accommodate each individual need.

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IDFreeze Identity Protection from Trusted ID
www.trustedid.com

Too many people are getting their identity stolen. The cost of losing your identity is high — in time, dollars, aggravation, stress, and very often the collapse of your personal or business credit. The bad guys never care who they hurt, and their next victim is already in the pipeline. One of the ways to protect yourself, your family and your business is with IDFreeze.