Free Business Tools and Products for Small Businesses

April 20, 2009  

In an attempt to gain new customers during this changing economy many businesses are offering special incentives, deals and freebies.  Small Businesses need to use these opportunities and make the most of the incentives being offered during this time.

Intuit is Giving Small Business a Boost

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. Yes, small businesses everywhere are facing unprecedented challenges. That’s why we’re offering these easy to use business tools that you need right now.

Free Accounting Software
Intuit QuickBooks Simple Start – the easiest way to create invoices, pay bills & track expenses.

6 Months Free Payroll
Intuit Online Payroll the easy, convenient way to manage payroll online.

1 Year Free Website
Intuit Website make building a free website

6 Months Free – Accept Credit Cards
Intuit QuickBooks Online Terminal the easy & affordable choice with no monthly minimum or cancellation fees.

250 Free Business Cards
Intuit Free Business Cards – high-quality paper stock, over 40 full-color design choices and easy online ordering.

Free Online Accounting
Intuit QuickBooks Online Free – easily create invoices, pay bills, and track expenses – anywhere, anytime

Free Incorporation
MyCorporation, An Intuit Company – file a new corporation or limited liability company today.

Free Retail Software
Intuit QuickBooks Cash Register Plus – the easiest way to manage sales and keep customers coming back.

Torie
Needing A Small Business Boost

Backup Plan in the Event of a Job Loss

April 6, 2009  

If you’ve got a hobby, or even just a vision, it doesn’t take much to turn your dream into a business that can provide extra income or even a backup plan in the event of a job loss.

Some of the most important steps to turning your own passion into starting your business include:

Find your passion first
Needless to say, passion is not the only thing you need to be successful in starting a business. You will also need lots of motivation and patience. But passion is essential as it will help you stay focused and keep you moving without giving up easily.

Make sure there is a demand for the business
Do research to determine the demand for products or services from comparable businesses. You will find it helpful to see how quickly related businesses have been able to grow.  Entrepreneur.com has an article on the best way to determine the market for your business and whether it’s in demand, and this is both for new businesses and for current businesses as well.

Whether you’re just starting a business or have run one for years, ongoing research is vital to both determine the market for a new product or service and to stay abreast of changes that affect your market and target audience. You can research and test everything from your product or service to your advertising concepts. Research will help you identify who your best prospects will be, what they need and expect from you, the way they get their information about your type of product or service, how and when they buy it, and what they’re willing to pay.

Learn from others
Check with similar companies and speak to other professionals who have experience in the industry. Most entrepreneurs are open to sharing their experiences and advice with those who won’t directly compete with them. This is a crucial initial step in determining your own likelihood of success.

LegalZoom.com has a business formation center; forming your business with LegalZoom is fast and easy. Simply answer a series of questions online, and they will take care of the rest.

They also offer an Education Center which allows you to access the information you need to research your legal questions and make informed decisions. With their education center, you have access to Legal Topics, Frequently Asked Questions, Glossary Terms and Non-Legal Resources.

Developed by expert attorneys with experience at the most prestigious law firms in the country, LegalZoom has helped over 400,000 satisfied customers take care of common legal matters. Their extensive knowledge of federal, state and county laws allows us to prepare your legal documents quickly and efficiently. Plus, our documents contain advanced provisions not found in simple “do-it-yourself” kits or manuals. That’s why LegalZoom is nationally recognized as the #1 online legal document and filing service.

LegalZoom has been recommended by the Wall Street Journal, Larry King, ABC News, Fox News, USA Today, MSN, and Popular Science.

Incorporate.com has been incorporating small businesses  for over 100 years. We know the process and just what you need to succeed. Not only that, you’ll get more by partnering with The Company Corporation.

They have informational sections for forming your business, incorporating your business, and growing your business. The Company Corporation also has a small business resource center. You can also take advantage of a free start-up consultation with one of their Business Specialists. You’ll get access to a wealth of information about forming and running your small business

Founded in 1899 by the architects of Delaware’s corporate laws, The Company Corporation has more than a century of experience. They have helped hundreds of thousands of small business owners incorporate or form an LLC. When they say that “we lead the industry in incorporation and LLC formation services,” they mean it.

Have you recently started a business or are you thinking of taking your hobby or vision to the next level?
What company have you used to take care of the legalities of your new business?