How to Create a Mobile Office for Your Small Business |  |
- How to Create a Mobile Office for Your Small Business
- BlackBerry Smartphone Features Skype, Physical Keyboard
- 8 Reasons Your Facebook Page Stinks
- Small Businesses Divided on Internet Sales Tax
- What Does the Obama Budget Mean For Small Business Owners?
| How to Create a Mobile Office for Your Small Business Posted: 25 Apr 2013 04:00 PM PDT
Technology is a wonderful thing. Now that just about every imaginable gadget is portable and affordable, your small business doesn’t have to be confined to a rented office or your dining room table. You can create a mobile office and take your work anywhere, with room to spare with the use of mobile broadband in your small business. There are plenty of advantages to having a fully mobile office. Just a few of them include:
So how do you create the perfect mobile office? Below are the basic considerations for finding the right mix of technology to serve your small business on the go. How to Create a Mobile Office for Your Small BusinessCommand Central: Laptop or Tablet?Smartphones have come a long way in a short time, with bigger screens and more capabilities, but they're still not enough to power your mobile office alone. You'll need either a laptop or a tablet PC. The right choice depends on your business and your daily activities. If you do a lot of typing and document creation, it's best to go with a laptop. Otherwise, you may be able to work with a smaller, lighter tablet. A tablet is also a good choice because it frees up your business by allowing you to do things your laptop can't, such as using apps for paying and receiving invoices. Of course, you'll still need a primary machine for storage, backups and heavy projects, but choosing the right mobile computer means you won't have to spend most of your working time chained to a desk. Staying Connected When Hot Spots Get ColdThere are more WiFi hot spots than ever but they never seem to be around when you need them. Additionally, public Internet access is never secure. For your mobile office, you'll need a reliable, private connection for your laptop or tablet. If you don't spend much time online, you can use prepaid wireless Internet cards that run on 3G or 4G mobile networks. For businesses that require heavy Internet use, there are long-term solutions like high-speed mobile access cards with data plans similar to smartphones. You can also get a MiFi, a compact wireless router that acts as a portable, personal hot spot. Building Your Virtual File CabinetsGoing mobile means a mostly paperless office, so you'll need a place to store your virtual files — preferably with anywhere access, so you can share files between your primary machine, command center and smartphone. There are plenty of cloud storage solutions to help with that. Some are straightforward virtual hard drives, like Box.com and Dropbox. Others come bundled with cloud software you're likely to use anyway, such as Microsoft's Office 365 and Intuit's Online Plus programs, QuickBooks and Payroll. Extras: Peripherals and Apps You Might NeedDepending on your business functions, you may need a portable printer, scanner or other peripheral hardware for your mobile office. Whatever you bring along, don't forget to keep power cords and chargers on hand, and you should also invest in a travel-sized surge protector to protect your equipment. What apps will you need? In addition to the software you use for your business, you might consider:
As a small business owner, you may have dreamed about working from the beach. Technology has made that possible and now you can have a truly mobile office that goes with you anywhere. With a little planning, you'll be ready to take your show on the road. Working Mobile Photo via Shutterstock The post How to Create a Mobile Office for Your Small Business appeared first on Small Business Trends. |
| BlackBerry Smartphone Features Skype, Physical Keyboard Posted: 25 Apr 2013 01:30 PM PDT
BlackBerry launches its Q10 smartphone with new features and a blast from the past. Like BlackBerry’s Z10, the new smartphone will feature apps including Skype, something missing from the company’s earlier devices. However, the device still includes a full physical keyboard, bucking trends in the industry but keeping typing purists happy. "We are excited about our plans to bring Skype to smartphones running the brand new BlackBerry 10 platform," said Bob Rosin, VP & GM of business development for Microsoft’s Skype division. "We are working closely with BlackBerry to ensure Skype runs great on BlackBerry 10 devices. This will give BlackBerry 10 users a great Skype experience, including free voice and video calling, sending instant messages and text messages, sharing photos, videos and files and calling to landlines and mobiles at Skype's low rates." The Q10 features a wider 3.1-inch screen, allowing the physical keyboard to be bigger. Metal frets separate the keys. This feature means you’re more likely to send a quick message to your associates about a “change in the meeting time” rather than a “cjanhe in thr meeyinh time” if you still haven’t mastered typing on a screen. It’s clear from online discussions of the new BlackBerry Q10 smartphone that people who’ve used a BlackBerry phone in the past enjoy the fact that this smartphone still sports a physical QWERTY keyboard. An admitted BlackBerry fan who still keeps an older BlackBerry device alongside her iPhone, Joanna Stern of ABC News is one such keyboard advocate. In her early review of the BlackBerry Q10 she writes, “It’s actually hard for me to write about the keyboard and not completely gush about it – the keys are the right amount of “clicky” and the perfect amount of firmness.” BlackBerry officially launches the Q10 almost a month after the company began shipping its new Z10 phone, a more conventional-looking smartphone with an on-screen keyboard. The move may indicate BlackBerry is betting customers miss a physical keyboard, and the strategy could win over a percentage of smartphone users. The Q10 will be available at the beginning of May in Canada with a U.S. launch soon to follow. With the launch, BlackBerry is also partnering with makers of popular smartphone apps specifically designed to run on the Q10. Besides Skype, apps for Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, and LinkedIn will come pre-installed on the new device. Q10 Photo via Blackberry The post BlackBerry Smartphone Features Skype, Physical Keyboard appeared first on Small Business Trends. |
| 8 Reasons Your Facebook Page Stinks Posted: 25 Apr 2013 11:00 AM PDT You’ve had your Facebook page up and running for over a year, and still have almost no followers, likes, shares or any interest at all. What are you doing wrong? Surprisingly, many businesses overlook the “social” part of social media, creating a Facebook page that garners no enthusiasm. Here’s why your Facebook page stinks and ways to make it sweet instead. 8 Reasons Why Your Facebook Page Stinks1. You Haven’t Set a Clear Goal
Unfortunately, the goal is not simply “set up a Facebook page.” There actually has to be some thought and a clear goal behind it. What is the ultimate goal of the page? Do you want to find new customers? Build better relationships with your existing customer base? Inform people of exciting developments? State your goal clearly before attempting to design your Facebook page. If you can’t tell what your goal is, don’t bet on your visitors figuring it out either. 2. You’re Not Updating Frequently Enough
If someone comes to your Facebook page and your last update was in May 2012, there’s obviously no reason for them to stick around. After all, they’re there to engage with you and find out something new. Daily updates are a good idea, but at least shoot for one update per week. Let visitors know you’re still out there somewhere. 3. Your Page is Boring
When you look at your page, what interests you? What would cause visitors to want to come by and stick around awhile? Give them information, offer them tips and do something to get them interested. People love to engage in polls, give their response to intriguing questions and learn ‘behind the scenes insider info’ and generally get to know you socially – that’s why it’s called social media. Boring your visitors is one of the 7 deadly sins of social media. 4. Your Page Doesn’t Answer the Customer’s Obvious Questions
You own Zoopapooha Corporation. But this isn’t very informative for the casual visitor who knows absolutely nothing about your company or what you do. When someone comes to your Facebook page, give them immediate access to who you are, what you’re about and why you’re different from your competitors. Never assume a visitor knows anything about your company. 5. Your Page Isn’t Visual Enough
Pictures, graphics, videos – all these things make the page more interesting and inviting. If you want to engage visitors, make it visually appealing so they’ll stick around and give you a follow. Bland text doesn’t really inspire much social media action. 6. You’re Rehashing the Same Stuff Over and Over
Are your updates and posts redundant? You’ll need to create some fresh, new material to garner interest in your page. Post relevant news, new technologies or put a new spin on your ordinary business communications. 7. You’re Not Responding to Comments
Nothing says, “We don’t care about our customers,” like unanswered Facebook comments. However negative or meaningless, take the time for a polite response and, when necessary, follow up with an email. 8. Your Updates Are Too Wordy
Long posts look exhausting to online readers and most get skipped entirely. If you’ve got information to share, keep it brief and interesting. If it’s a complex subject requiring further explanation, include a link to your website where the whole story is available. This is why your Facebook page stinks. But at least you can fix it. Remember, it takes a long time to build a social media presence and most Facebook pages take a year or more to fully mature. The post 8 Reasons Your Facebook Page Stinks appeared first on Small Business Trends. |
| Small Businesses Divided on Internet Sales Tax Posted: 25 Apr 2013 08:30 AM PDT
The U.S. Senate is expected to vote this week on an Internet sales tax. The proposed law aims to give states the power to require out-of-state sellers to collect sales tax for online sales. If you think this issue sounds familiar, you’d be right. It’s legislation that has been kicked around for some time now. In 2012, a similar bill was considered but expired without being acted upon. And now it’s back. The Senate determined earlier this week to take up debate on the legislation and may vote on it by the end of the week, the New York Times reports. If it passes through the Senate, it will then move to the U.S. House of Representatives. How the Proposed Internet Sales Tax Affects Small BusinessesThe Marketplace Fairness Act wants to undo a decades old Supreme court decision applying interstate commerce law. In Quill Corp v. North Dakota, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that retailers need only collect sales tax for states where they have a physical presence. However, consumers are still required to pay sales tax on their purchases. The issue then, is whether businesses are required to collect and remit sales taxes not whether consumers must pay it. That’s where small businesses become concerned. Advocates for brick and mortar businesses say the Marketplace Fairness Act works to level the proverbial playing field by forcing online retailers to collect the same sales taxes as any other retailer. Opponents point to the regulatory nightmare faced by small online retailers who may now be forced to contend with a bewildering morass of local tax laws. We’ve been reporting on the Marketplace Fairness Act and pointing out how affects small businesses. There are 9,600 state and local tax jurisdictions that online businesses that sell online would be required to comply with. According to Sen. Kelly (R-N.H.):
Writes Meghan McCardle in The Daily Beast, adding regulation burdens small businesses:
Affiliate Marketing Industry Welcomes PassageThe bill is being considered as a more comprehensive solution after six states attempted to deal with the issue through passage of so-called “affiliate nexus taxes” also known as the “Amazon tax.” Those states include Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, New York, North Carolina and Vermont. Similar laws are being proposed or considered in eight other states too. But those involved in affiliate marketing welcome the passage of an Internet sales tax. The affiliate marketing industry has been adversely affected by states’ attempts to deal with the tax issue. “Should the Marketplace Fairness Act, finally, pass it will eliminate the notion of (and need for) the affiliate nexus tax altogether by leveling the playing field not only between brick and mortar stores and online businesses (when catering to residents of the same state), but also between online businesses regardless of whether they drive sales through affiliates or not,” said affiliate marketing advocate Geno Prussakov in a recent email interview. Prussakov says affiliate nexus tax laws already ratified in the above states have caused advertisers to terminate affiliates residing in these states from their affiliate programs altogether. Prussakov says 76,000 affiliates have been affected overall by the laws. Those businesses either shut down or crossed state lines to continue as active affiliates. He says it is the official position of the affiliate marketing industry that only a federal solution can put an end to the snowballing effects of state affiliate nexus taxes. Ebay President Opposes Bill on Behalf of Small Online SellersOne major marketplace for small online sellers is firmly against the proposed Marketplace Fairness Act. Ebay.com President John Donahoe recently wrote in an open letter that the bill will directly impact thousands of online merchants who will now be saddled with these taxes, hurting their ability to grow their businesses. “Make no mistake,” he writes, “the current bills penalize small online businesses. Those fighting for this change refuse to acknowledge that the burden on businesses like yours is far greater than for a big national retailer. It may harm your ability to grow, and costs jobs, including yours.” Donahoe says small online businesses with less than 50 employees and those making less than $10 million in out-of-state sales should be exempt from the proposed legislation, if passed. What can you do? Be heard. Contact your Senators to let them know how this issue will impact YOUR business, so that they get all the facts. U.S. Capitol Photo via Shutterstock The post Small Businesses Divided on Internet Sales Tax appeared first on Small Business Trends. |
| What Does the Obama Budget Mean For Small Business Owners? Posted: 25 Apr 2013 05:00 AM PDT
2012 was the political year of small business. The election was a big reason for that. An even bigger reason is the fact that small business accounts for 60% of jobs in this country. However, economic uncertainty and a lack of capital are currently discouraging hiring. As long as small business owners lack the cash flow for growth, the economy will remain stagnant. Fortunately, Washington is finally starting to catch on. President Obama recently revealed his $3.8 trillion 2014 budget proposal and it contains several provisions that are designed to support small business owners. But it also contains other stipulations that could potentially hurt small business. Below are the main things that small business owners need to know about the Obama budget: What the Obama Budget Means For Small Business OwnersTaxesThe budget proposes a tax credit for small business owners who hired new employees and gave raises to current employees in 2012. The one-time credit would apply to companies that paid less than $20 million in wages in 2012 and would be equivalent to 10% of the amount paid to new workers and/or the raises given to current employees. The credit would cap at $5 million. Would you benefit from the proposed credit? President Obama has also proposed a minimum tax rate of 30% for households earning $1 million or more annually. Small business interest groups are protesting this proposal on the grounds that many small business owners pay pass-through taxes on their business income.This would place them in the proposed 30% tax bracket – higher than is appropriate for their actual personal income. Minimum WagePresident Obama's State of the Union proposal to raise the minimum wage to $9/hour from the current $7.25/hour made it into the budget. Expect Republicans and small business owners alike to rally against this one. EntitlementsIn an effort to compromise with conservatives in Congress, Obama has proposed cuts to some entitlement programs including Social Security and Medicare. The cuts would trim $1.2 billion from spending on these programs over the next ten years. Many former small business owners rely heavily on these programs during their retirements and are opposed to the cuts. They are joined in their criticism by members of the President's own party. The SBAPerhaps the most significant of the proposed budget changes are related to the Small Business Administration (SBA). The plan will chop 12% or $109 million from the SBA budget, bringing the total budget down to $810 million. But the SBA would get an additional $4 million to hire 32 government contract specialists to work towards facilitating more small business government contracts. The proposal also includes measures to streamline the application process for SBA loans and to increase the number of lenders working with the SBA. Fees for small business loans under $150,000 would be waived, which will help maintain cash flow for the smaller businesses who typically apply for loans of that size. What are your thoughts on President Obama's proposed budget? Do you think these changes would help or hurt small business? Obama Photo via Shutterstock The post What Does the Obama Budget Mean For Small Business Owners? appeared first on Small Business Trends. |
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