Small Business - A Low-Cost Phone System Can Push Your Profile and Profits Higher

Many business owners ask for my recommendations of the best phone service, marketing ideas, data backup services, etc. I've listed all my recommendations in this article, so please click on it, and then bookmark it for future use!

These are either free or really cheap services and software that can help your business tremendously.

Business Cards (FREE)

Vistaprint has long been my business card provider of choice. Now, they're not truly free because you pay shipping and handling charges of $6 and up, but it's still a HUGE deal. I don't know how local print shops stay in business. You can customize your own, right from your computer with your logo, colors, etc., and it's pretty easy (use some patience, you'll get the hang of it!).

Automatic Computer Back-Up Service (FREE)

A show of hands: Anyone ever have a computer crash, and some/all of your important files disappeared forever? It happened to me UNTIL I started using Mozy's FREE (up to 2MB) automatic backup. Download the Mozy software, install it, ensure you have a live high-speed Internet connection, and presto - all your files are backed up at regular daily/hourly intervals. If your PC crashes, you simply log into Mozy's secure web site, select which files you need to retrieve, and they'll email you a link when it's ready to download. Oh, Mozy will be around forever, because they're now owned by data backup giant EMC.

Google Docs (FREE)

Got a new computer but it doesn't have Microsoft Office on it? Don't go out and pay $250+ for the software. Go to Googledocs, and create/upload/edit/save all types of Microsoft office files (.xls, .doc, .ppt) for FREE. Ever since Microsoft opened up access its Office source codes to developers, savvy companies like Google have been creating programs that work just like office. There's nothing to download, either. And you can use it on any computer with a web browser.

Cheap Phone Service

Forget getting a phone line from Verizon or your other local phone company The rates & taxes are too high. I've been using Vonage. Vonage requires you have 3 things: A Vonage phone adapter (they'll give you one for free), a modem and a high speed Internet connection (both of which you probably have already). I've been a customer for 3+ years, with no interruptions in service. (And if you get a power outage, all your calls are automatically forwarded to any number you choose!) If your business is a 1-person shop and you're not ready for a phone system yet, you'll get everything you need for your business with a Vonage $14.95/mo plan, including Voicemail to Text, 3-Way Conferencing, Call Forwarding. You can't go wrong! For a limited time, you can get 1 month free.

Really Cheap Phone Service

Skype is very reliable and even cheaper than Vonage. Remember, you'll need a computer, and a high speed Internet connection to use Skype. Very reliable, cool service.

Cell Phone Bargains

AT&T and T-Mobile just announced UNLIMITED talk plans for $99.95/month. And with most phones free (after rebate), a new cell phone is the perfect 'command center' for your virtual phone system.

Jumbo Color Postcards (FREE)

Like Vistaprint, Express Copy provides more than just business cards. They'll do brochures, stationery, car door magnets, more, and with speedy delivery. Again, it's not always free after you add shipping, but you'll never pay a lot for full color marketing material.

Web Site (FREE)

I used Microsoft Office Live Small Business to build a FREE web site, FREE hosting, and a FREE domain. I wish I could say there is a catch, but there really isn't. I guess the only caveat is you have to be a little computer savvy to build it using Microsoft's free online tools, but it's really just all 'point and click' (I built my wife's housecleaning web site, using Office Live, in just under 2 hours). They also give you pointers on how to market your web site. So, go set up your free web site, and get your new web address! Don't forget to add your WWW address to your new Vistaprint business cards!

Logo Design

If your company needs a 'corporate identity' (a fancy term for "logo"), don't succumb to an ad agency that will charge you $1000 or more. There are plenty of online companies that, for $100 or a little more, will design a logo for you, based on your ideas and your business goals. Logoworks designed my wife's housecleaning business logo for about $200, and I got to keep all the renditions (high-resolution, web-optimized, etc.). Don't forget to use your new logo on your Vistaprint business cards!

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