by Steve Strauss on December 24th, 2008
Q: Unfortunately, it seems like it is time for our company to invest in a new computer system. I know I am supposed to be frugal right now, but we need what we need. Can you offer any help on saving or otherwise doing it right? We made an expensive mistake buying some wrong stuff last time and I don’t want a repeat of that.
Jessie
A: I think the first thing you have to consider when making an investment in IT for your small business is the purpose of the system. The answer may not be as simple as... Read more »
by Rebecca Button on April 16th, 2008
Okay, don’t freak…there was no Part I so don’t go looking for it. Well, there sort of was…this is simply an addendum to my previous post Oh So Textual! *Text Message Shopping Has Arrived* .
When you bought your cell phone did you ever imagine that one day it would allow you to pay for things? No seriously, your cell phone as a form of currency? Yeah, neither did I. But now you can. I know! It’s nuts!
Ok, so here’s how it works (courtesy StorefrontBacktalk.com ):
Step 1: You download an applet on your phone. Said applet would be... Read more »
by Rebecca Button on April 7th, 2008
I remember the days when cell phones were exciting because they were cordless AND you could use them past your front porch without it crackling and buzzing you deaf. Then came the ringtones. And the cameras. And the text messages, email, internet, music and video. I can’t afford the latest and greatest (mine simply allows for phone calls and a few texts) but when they add a "Makes You Breakfast in Bed" feature I’ll seriously consider upgrading.
But as is, I, along with countless others, still possess the capability of participating in text shopping, the latest service offered by Amazon.com... Read more »
by Rebecca Button on April 3rd, 2008
If you haven’t already been bombarded by all the wonderful and practical reasons you should take steps to making your business more earth friendly, you might have fallen down a dark well and have no way of getting out. If this is the case and you are reading this, please email someone for help. And then explain to me how you are getting wireless down there.
If you fall into the other category (and hopefully that is ALL of you reading this) then you are familiar with this buzz phrase "going green." I’m not here to repeat what we already... Read more »
by Melissa Bailey on March 24th, 2008
Technology does not supersede good, old-fashioned knowledge management. It is the staple of any emerging small business. If you are no longer the receptionist, secretary, bookkeeper, webpage designer, and customer service specialist, you probably don’t realize the methods of your employees, their growing responsibilities and most importantly, neither will anyone else when they leave. Knowing that they do their jobs simply isn’t enough.
Take a moment to consider what would happen if the most valued employee was injured. Could anyone else walk into that position and know that Company Y’s project director uses your business to perform his job and... Read more »
by Carrie Hinkel on March 21st, 2008
The best thing about new technology is that it makes life easier. Something that used to take two hours, might now take just two minutes. Who doesn’t love to shrink those time-consuming tasks down to a mere minute or two? In your personal life, think of the microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, automatic sprinkler, garage door openers…the list is virtually endless. But, there’s plenty of time-saving technologies in the business world too – computers, fax machines, scanners, web cams, etc. They all make life as a small business owner easier on a daily basis. Here are some of the absolute best... Read more »