I found this article today to be pretty good. Check it out below, most of these apps are so common now
A few weeks back I wrote a popular post about the best apps for job seekers that was very well received. I promised I’d share the top apps I use to make my life as an entrepreneur easier. It wasn’t easy, as I have over 100 apps on my iPad and Android (don’t judge me). It might seem like overkill, but it’s important as a small business owner to be able to do business anywhere, any time, with anyone. And to do that, I need the apps to be on both devices since I’m never without one or the other. You never want to miss an opportunity to turn a contact or chance meeting into a client.
Here are some of the apps I use to keep my business humming along.
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My Finances:
Square- Let’s start with the obvious. I need to be able to take a payment anywhere, any time and the days of those bulky POS (the S stands for SALES…get your mind out the gutter) terminals. Square allow me to insert a little square dongle (hence the name) into my device and with the click of an app and swipe of a card, I can process credit card payments on the spot. It only costs me 2.75% per swipe and my money is transferred into my bank account within a day or two. There are no other fees and even the dongle is free. Easy breezy. And I just heard they came out with a device for cabbies that they’re testing in New York. Go Square!
Paypal- OK I know some folks don’t like Paypal, but honestly, I’ve been with them since the very beginning. They now have an app where I can just log in, send a payment request to someone and they get an email letting them know to make a payment. I use the standard service and I don’t pay any monthly fees. They charge you on a sliding scale 2.2 – 2.9% plus 30 cents each transaction. I can even create invoices. But what I like about Paypal is that I can process higher priced services like consulting fees and the like without a cap on transaction amounts. Plus some people just prefer to pay via Paypal.
Intuit Online Payroll- Yes! You can even process your payroll via an app. Intuit let’s you set up your account online (a tedious but well worth it process) and you download the app to your device. Then you can process payroll for your employees. The app is free but the service is $39 per month. Right now they are offering a 30 day free trial. They also offer the GoPayment service that is similar to Square. But if you have employees and you’re always on the go, Intuit Online Payroll keeps you current and professional.
And for honorable mentions, the banks and investment brokerages I use all have apps so I can access information about my money at all times. I also use Mint.com (there’s an app for that!) and XE Mobile Currency (which is a foreign currency converter). It comes in handy when you’re traveling abroad and need to do a quick on the spot currency conversion.
Productivity:
eFax Mobile- I have been using eFax since the beginning of time. I love being able to access my faxes (albeit rare) via email instead of relying on a bulky machine and phone line. eFax has an app where you can view all of your faxes from your devices. You can send, view and sign faxes with eFax Mobile.I can opt to store them in my eFax account or move them over to my Dropbox. The app is free, but the service carries a fee. If you get minimal faxes, then the Plus subscription would suit you. You get 150 faxed pages per month for $16.95 per month. The Pro subscription comes with 200 faxed pages and it’s $19.95 per month.
USPS Mobile- I hate standing in line at the post office. With this app, I’m able to determine postage and buy postage without having to endure those long lines. I can also schedule pickups, track packages and scan packages. I can say it’s been a life saver for me. The only thing it can’t do is check my P.O. Box. LOL
Qrafter- Speaking of scanning, I use this app to both read and create scannable QR codes. I simply use the camera on my device to capture the image and I’m all set. There is a basic and a Pro version. The Pro version costs $2.99.
Printback by Xerox Mobile- I don’t care what they say. There is some comfort in knowing that you’ll be able to print anywhere as long as you have that app. This app is free and supports most Microsoft Office and PDF documents. The best part is you’re not running around looking for a computer to stick your flash drive in or looking to connect or download software to connect to your laptop. You simply choose your document (usually from a Dropbox folder), determine the size you need, then let the app do the rest.
DocuSign- How many times have you had a deal delayed because you have to wait until you received the documents (or send them to a client) to sign and get started? DocuSign takes care of all of that. I keep a standard version of all my contracts and agreements in Dropbox (that name keeps coming up quite often, doesn’t it?) for easy access. Once the documents are updated and ready to execute, I log into DocuSign to get the required signatures…without having to use a printer. You can sign a Word, JPEG or PDF document. The only thing I don’t like is I have to use my finger. I’m waiting on a stylus type instrument to make it easier to sign.
QuickOffice Pro- This is a life saver! If ever I need to edit a word, excel or powerpoint document on the go, this app is my saving grace. Now, I did opt for the paid Pro version, which was $14.95, but because you can only view PDFs on it and not edit, I had to supplement it with another new find (which I’ll talk about next). You can create, edit and share all Microsoft documents with this app. And you don’t lose any formatting! I have not regretted buying the pro version.
OnLive Desktop (powered by Microsoft)- I like that this also allow you to edit and work on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents. OnLive opens up to look just like your Windows desktop with the icons for each program on the ‘desktop’. You can open documents you’ve stored in the system in any of the programs to edit in real time just like you would on your PC. Don’t believe me? Check it out. It also allows you to store documents, so Dropbox may be repetitive. Both QuickOffice and OnLive Desktop can be synced with your Dropbox account.
Dropbox- OK, if you haven’t heard of Dropbox by now, where the heck have you been? I keep my important documents in Dropbox to use from any device at any time. I have a free account but you can opt for a paid account. My basic account has 2GB of storage. The more people you invite or refer to Dropbox, the more chances you have to earn additional storage space. You can instantly send a document right from your smart phone or tablet after an impromptu meeting and it gets delivered right to their inbox. It’s a must have for easy access and quick retrieval.
Read More here: http://www.empowerme.org/index.php/2012/03/08/apps-entrepreneurs/
Category : Blog &Business &Business Cards &Business Credit &E-mail &Internet &Technology Thursdays
End of Summer Sale Flyers, Post Cards, Posters. Order flyer today! Custom design or your own design. Order today.
- Flyers, Post Cards, Posters
Category : Advertising &Blog &Brochures &Business Cards &Design &Postcards &Sales
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Utilizing Precision Response Billing will allow you to save on overhead expenses such as salaries, payroll taxes, employee benefits, software upgrades, new computer systems and training. By outsourcing your billing, it allows both physicians and staff to devote more time to patient care, safe in the knowledge that the billing is getting the time and attention it deserves.
Precision Response Medical Billing provides both weekly and monthly reports that allow you to see exactly how your Accounts Receivable is being managed. You are able to see very clearly how long it is taking claims to be paid and how much money is being collected.
Our rates are extremely competitive, just 7% of monies collected for full service billing and $4 a claim for per claim contracts. Full service billing includes data entry, claims submission, payment posting and insurance follow-up. We are committed to maximizing your revenue while simultaneously treating your patients with the respect and care they are accustomed to.
Category : Advertising &Blog &Branding &Business Cards &E-mail &Logos &Marketing &Printing &Web Design &Websites
What is the purpose of a business card? It should be designed to attract and acquire new customers to your product or services. It is not only one of the most cost effective advertisements, a networking and lead-generating tool, Not to mention a visual representation of you and your business. The bottom line is if it is not bringing you business and presenting a professional image of you and your company, it is not working.
For most people, especially for those just starting in business, the business card is the only marketing tool used.
People frequently think a business card that can be designed and printed on their home computer will be a good enough tool to get them noticed and remembered. The truth is business cards are one of the most overlooked of all business tools. A well-designed, professional card makes a professional presence; a homemade business card typically gives the impression of an amateur taking a stab at being in business.
Please post your comments below:
Category : Advertising &Blog &Business &Business Cards &Marketing
I think this is a really informative article, especially if you are trying like everyone else to get your site listed higher in the search engines. It is small things like this that always takes you over your competitors.
In great news, Google, Yahoo and MSN have agreed upon a XML sitemap standard.
What’s this mean to you? Well, you just need to create one XML sitemap and you can submit it to all three engines. I’ve been doing that for a while and didn’t seem to have any problem but now it’s official.
Category : Advertising &Blog &Business &Business Cards &Marketing &search engine optimization &Search Engine Ranking &SEO &Sitemaps
Your business card is often the first impression a potential client has with your company. The business card design and message will ultimately determine whether it gets thrown in the trash or filed for contact later.
Reach in your wallet and pull out your business card. Your Small Business Information guide has put together the business card test. Learn if your business card will pass or be trashed.
Size: Does your business card conform to the traditional size of 3.5″ by 2″? Anything greater will not fit in wallets or most business card holders. End result trash.
Paper Quality: Is your business card design of professional quality or is it flimsy with perforated edges? Cheap cards are trashed.
Ink: Drop some liquid on your business card. If the ink runs, it’s in the trash.
Color Test: Colorful cards can add to your professional image. Too much color can be detracting. Trash your card if it is black and white or has more than 3 colors unless it’s a photograph.
Message Design: Your business card should clearly tell people what you do and offer a meaningful benefit. No message adds confusion so your card ends up in the trash.
Image Match: Your business card design should match your business image. If you’re a designer, then the card should be creative. If your card is out of synch with your image, time to toss it.
Font Size: Is your card crammed with information? White space on the card will make it easier to absorb your message. If you have a lot to say, add it to the back of the business card. Is the print so tiny you have too squint to see it? This one is heading for the trash.
Contact Information: Your clients or potential clients should have as many means as possible to contact you based on their preference. Your business card design should include: voicemail, phone, fax, email, and website. Lack of contact information puts your card in the trash.
You only have one chance to make a great first impression. Make sure you invest in the best business card design you can afford. The business card is your introduction to a client, for the low cost per card that is money well spent.
By Darrell Zahorsky, About.com
Category : Advertising &Blog &Business Cards &Design &Marketing &Printing
Most business cards I see put me to sleep. At best they’re good for jotting down notes. Beyond that they do nothing to make me want to do business with the person who’s name is on them.
You can get more from your business cards though. Here are a few ideas to get the most from them.
Why Have Business Cards?
The first thing to remember when buying business cards is “why are you buying them?” Are they just to sit on your desk and impress people who come to you? Or are they “working business cards” that get are expected to generate business? Do you want them to be passed on so they produce referrals for you? Or would you prefer they stay in your customer’s wallet, briefcase or desk drawer so they call you when they need you?
Build Your Business Cards to Suit Your Purpose
Cards to impress should be fancy. They should shout “I’m expensive!” Cards that are meant to get more business should be designed to send a different message. They should tell your customer why they should do business with you. Use your cards to deliver the same message the rest of your marketing delivers.
Or, you might design your cards to encourage people to pass them on so you get referrals. Create a clever way to suggest this and put it on your business card. Make your cards viral! Think of the dollar bills or stuffed animals that travel all over the world. How can you encourage people to pass your cards on?
The Practical Side
If your budget is moderate and your business cards do not have to be fancy, the online printing companies are a good choice. But, if you want something of high quality, or that is unique (and you’re not a graphics designer) then my advice is to use a local or chain printing shop.
If you use the “bricks and mortar” option, get at least two bids. There is a BIG variation in pricing. The chains are usually more competitive and consistent in their pricing but they might not offer all the bells and whistles a local shop might.
Category : Advertising &Blog &Branding &Business &Business Cards &Marketing
If you think business cards aren’t important marketing tools, you’re wrong. Yet too may lawyers simply stick to the old, outdated format of white card stock with a name and number printed in boring black letters. Bad idea, says Larry Bodine, business development advisor at Larry Bodine Marketing and owner of the popular legal marketing site www.LawMarketing.com.
“A business card is like a mini-capsule of yourself,” Bodine says. “Why not make it interesting?”
Here are his suggestions for doing just that:
1. Add some pizzazz.
One advantage that smaller firms have over their white shoe counterparts is the ability to break away from the old black-and-white, block-letter mold.
Use color to make your cards pop. Add memorable pictures, and think of printing cards portrait style instead of the traditional landscape shape. Try using a glossy finish and nontraditional fonts – just make sure they are professional and easily readable.
2. A name and number isn’t enough.
Your cards should include things like Facebook pages, LinkedIn profiles and twitter and blog addresses.
“Make an effort to show that you are technologically hip,” Bodine says.
And of course, don’t forget your firm website address and email address – you’d be surprised how many lawyers omit such crucial information.
3. Make them user-friendly.
Print lines on the back, which allows the receiver to jot down notes.
“I always record the date and where and when I met a contact on the back of a card I receive” for easier reference later, Bodine says.
Make it easy for your contacts to do the same.
4. Banish cards from the wallet.
No one wants to wait for you to rustle through your pants or jacket pocket for a wallet, then watch you rummage through money and pictures of your kids before handing them a beaten-up, dog-eared card.
“That blows any classy impression you were trying to make,” Bodine says.
5. Make the experience special.
One hugely important – yet frequently overlooked – tool for good business card marketing: a card case.
Not only does it eliminate the wallet problem, but “when you pull a card out of a card container, people feel you are handing them something special,” says Bodine.
A leather case, silver card holder or even something more adorned – some cases look like “pieces of jewelry” Bodine notes – makes the experience memorable for the receiver.
Credit: Kimberly Atkins
Category : Blog &Business &Business Cards &Marketing
Finding ways to create free publicity can be a tedious task. Though technology has provided many different avenues to promote your business one of the most time-tested methods of publicity is simply word-of-mouth. During tough economic times word-of-mouth recommendations for your products and services may produce the same result as an advertisement with out the cost.
While word-of-mouth is a great start you can always do more. Structure a campaign around the attributes of your business to create a buzz that will bring commitment to your product or service amongst the people with in your community. To save money, try using existing products, knowledge and resources.
One way to set your business apart from competitors is by becoming a trusted advisor in the subject that you specialize in. Contest and fundraisers are another good way to drive people to your business. These are unique because if organized properly they encourage good habits and build buzz at the same time. Contests and fundraisers often expose your good service and products to people who least likely to do business with you otherwise.
Keeping up with your clients is easier then ever before. Blog software and online newsletter services make contacting your client more efficient and less expensive. Internet applications such as these have transformed word-of-mouth communication to the point where one click of the mouse can reach thousands of potential customers.
Businesses are turning to Facebook, YouTube, blogs etc. to post customer reviews, information on new products and how-to tips. Customers appreciate free advice and when they need a service that your business offers, they are more likely to remember the name of your business.
Written by t.davis
Category : Advertising &Blog &Business &Business Cards &low cost advertising &Newsletter
Both lines of credit and borrowing money on your credit cards can be effective ways to finance small business operations. Both are revolving, and charge interest only on outstanding balances. And both have predetermined borrowing limits. However, there are big differences in terms of cost, convenience, and risk.
The major difference is that credit lines usually have lower interest rates and higher available limits. Commercial lines of credit are therefore more cost-effective than credit cards. But that’s not to say that credit cards don’t have advantages — especially in terms of convenience.
Instead of asking your bank to transfer funds from your credit line to your checking account — to write a check for office supplies, for example — you can just whip out your plastic and charge it. Another credit card plus is record-keeping. Monthly statements are a handy way to track expenses for general record-keeping and tax purposes.
Credit cards also frequently come with perks like air miles, travel insurance, warranty extensions, and discounts on rental cars, hotels, and gas. If these extras are valuable to you and your company, credit cards make a lot of sense.
Additionally, credit cards offer grace periods on purchases, usually 25 days. That means you can avoid interest charges altogether if you pay your balance in full each month.
Fortunately, credit lines and credit cards aren’t mutually exclusive. You will certainly want to obtain at least one credit card for business expenses. But you may also want a line of credit for larger purchases and to draw upon during periods of irregular cash flow.
Category : Advertising &Blog &Business &Business Cards &Business Credit &SEO &Websites
