In 2008 small businesses no longer want to change their business to conform with a boxed software solution. They want the software to change to them. They want it to be personalized. They want to take their paper or manual process and have software created that matches the same process. Software no longer comes in a box. You either download a canned solution or you have a custom solution that is web based.

The web allows you to access this software from any computer without having to install special software. The web allows you to access this software outside of the office in a secure fashion if you so choose.

Business owners do not want to have to have a phd in how to use the software. They know their business. They want SOFTWARE that knows their business. Is this too much to ask?

We do not think so. It is possible. There are many solutions online, some free, that can be modified (http://www.sugarcrm.com/). Or you can even have a web design company create the web based software for you from scratch. Either way you are not tied to just one company for development in the future.

Next time you are looking for software, think outside the box!

If you stopped and thought about everything that is on your computer, it is scary. What is even scarier is you may not be backing all of that information up. Why not?

Some inexpensive ways to do backups include copying files to a thumb drive, burning pictures and music to cds and dvds or even using the built-in software that comes with an external USB hard drive.

Of course if you have multiple computers or you are trying to protect your business the options above may not be feasible. You may need a hard drive that sits on your network that all computers can access. Or you may use a service that comes in over your Internet connection each night and grab the files you need backed up.

There are a lot of options that fit every budget.

Your backup plan may not be what a large company may do and that is ok.

What is not ok is not having a plan at all.

Friends don't let friends use computers without backing them up.

Labels: backups, data backup, disaster, dr, planning

Welcome to our blog. Many are asking what took so long. No excuses. Here we are and we hope you enjoy, learn and have fun!

Most of us probably have a web site for our business. Most people think a web site is simply an online brochure. They do not understand that it is a 24x7 store or office. People all over the world are visiting your site all hours of the day. Potential clients may visit your site and turn away immediately. We were shopping for someone local to do some tile work for us. We visited their site and it did not portray them as an expert. It looked like something their kid slapped up there 5 years ago. It was only a $700 sale, but how many $700 sales have they lost? How many are they losing a day? How many are you losing?

Here are 4 questions to ask yourself about your web site:

Is it making you money?

Is it helping you communicate with your customers / prospects?

Is it updated frequently? How?

If I just visited your website would I have an accurate picture of who you are?

We love the last question. Does your site reflect who your company is?

Labels: communicate, design, marketing, web site