Angie Mckaig has posted an excellent writeup about the use of email in the small business world. In under a decade, email has become the most popular method of conducting business.

Angie passes along 5 quick and easy email tips for entrepreneurs:

• Looks matter

Formatting your emails in a professional manner will score brownie points with your clients.

• Run a business, not an acquaintanceship

Respond to email requests promptly. I typically respond to emails within 2-3 hours of receipt.

• Emotions have no place in business

Avoid using emotionally based words. Business is business and feelings aren’t of the essence.

• Emoticons were created for a reason

Write clearly and to the point. The reader should immediately pick up on your tone.

• Explanations go a long way

Your clients will be more attentive to buy if you fully explain the answers to their questions.

Recommended Reading:

• Business Email Etiquette: Maintaining a Professional Image
• Business Email Etquette Basics
• Five Email Etiquette Tips for Better Communication

Tags: email, small business, conducting business, email tips, entrepreneurs, Etiquette, Communication

Bookmark to:

Energy — in a variety of forms — has a continuous and direct effect on our daily lives from top to bottom.

At present, fossil fuels account for 86 percent of world energy consuption. By 2020, global demand for energy is expected to outpace current world production by nearly 40 percent.¹

Here’s my energy portfolio:

IGNAX - Ivy Global Natural Resources Class A
IGNCX - Ivy Global Natural Resources Class C

…and a new fund that I will be investing in today:

WEGAX - Waddell Reed Energy Fund Class A

…and I’m considering buying into this new fund:

GAAEX - Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fund

I predict that industrialized nations will witness an accelerated use of fossil fuels for another 10-20 years. The price of oil and gas will soar and supply will diminish rapidly.

Within 5 years, I see focus moving to renewable energy and alternative energy research, development and infastructure on a large scale basis. This will set up another energy investment opportunity for lucrative returns many years down the road.

Will I stand correct in 2016? Who knows… but my gut feeling is telling me to jump on board as quickly as possible.

¹ EIA; BP Statistical Review of World Energy

5/02/06 UPDATE: The conflict with Iran is getting even nastier. The Iranian government could sabotage oil trade routes at any moment, driving oil supply down and prices through the roof even sooner than expected.

If this happens I see oil spiking to at least $85 a barrel this summer and possibly $100 by winter.

“At some stage, I think Iran will use its oil as a weapon to negotiate with the U.N. and the U.S., which would push up the market — although they are unlikely to stop exports altogether because they need the money.”

–Tetsu Emori, chief commodities strategist with Mitsui Bussan Futures in Tokyo.

Consult with an investment professional before taking part in any investment scheme.

Recommended Resources:

• Forbes.com - Forbes Energy News
• R.E.A. - Global Renewable Energy Investments Top $30 Billion
• Market Participant - A Balanced Energy Portfolio

Tags: Energy, fossil fuels, demand for energy, investing, renewable energy, alternative energy

Bookmark to:

Owning a small business is typically a stressful endeavor, especially if you are the only one running the show. The daily grind can cause muscles to tense and eventually bones to move out of position.

To relax your mind, body, and spirit … try Yoga. I started a routine at home last week that has really helped to relax my back and shoulder pain as well as helping me sleep better at night.

Most Yoga DVDs are the price of a typical Hollywood movie. My wife purchased “Yoga Zone Intermediate”. A few parts of it are cheesy, but the stretches demonstrated really work.

You can even do Yoga stretches at your desk as a break from work.

Recommended Reading:

• Yoga @ Your Desk
• Nine to Five Yoga

Tags: small business, Yoga, stretches

Bookmark to:

IBM Corp. has announced “SecureBlue”, a security architecture that “can be built into a microprocessor chip to provide defense features previously unseen”.

IBM claims “the chip encryption process allows for increased security for both the microprocessor on which it is added, and the entire devices the chips are used in.”

Unfortunately IBM’s encryption engine is not plug-and-play. SecureBlue will need to be woven into a processor’s circuitry during the manufacturing process.

This means that the first offering of SecureBlue will likely will end up only in devices made by companies that hire IBM’s custom engineering unit. That group’s projects include chips for medical and defense systems and video game consoles.

• Official IBM Press Release

Related Readings:

• IBM Bakes Security Into Processors
• SecureBlue, New Encryption Chip from IBM
• IBM Partners with Missouri State University to boost IT training

Tags: IBM, SecureBlue, encryption, security, microprocessor

Bookmark to:

Apple Computer Inc., the maker of the Macintosh computer and iPod music devices, on Wednesday rolled out a software patch under its plan to move its computers over to Intel Corp. microprocessors.

Apple said that the new software, called “Boot Camp”, enables Intel-based Macs to install and run Microsoft’s Windows XP operating system software. Boot Camp is available as a download beginning today.

Apple Introduces Boot Camp

Recommended Reading:

• AppleXnet.com - Apple OS Boot Camp Details
• Technovia - Why Boot Camp Won’t Make Much Difference
• InfoWorld Daily - A first look at how Apple’s Boot Camp works

Tags: Apple Computer, Intel, Boot Camp, Microsoft, Windows XP

Bookmark to:

Jason Fried over at Signal vs. Noise made an excellent point yesterday about respecting products you make and the customers who buy them.

Does this company respect me? Try the sticker test.

For instance, those pesky information stickers that come on just about everything, including INSIDE of a tea-kettle I bought recently.

• Are they easy to remove?
• Do they leave a sticky residue when removed?

Here is this great product I purchased and the manufacturer insists on sticking something on that completely mars the surface.

When these stickers are included, I can discern that the manufacturer probably has not tried to remove one of these stickers from their product themselves. They stick it and forget it.

This tells me that they don’t care about the product, or me.

Bookmark to:

A new and exciting development in data storage has been announced by Inphase Technologies out of Longmont, Colorado.

Inphase has demonstrated the highest data density of any commercial technology by recording 515 gigbits of data per square inch. By comparison, magnetic disks, such as those used in the hard drives, can manage a storage density of about 375 gigabits per square inch.

Holographic drives use a three-dimensional image generated by lasers to store information.

InPhase will deliver the industry’s first holographic drive and media later this year. The first generation drive has a capacity of 300 gigabytes on a single disk with a 20 megabyte per second transfer rate. The first product will be followed by a family ranging from 800Gb to 1.6 terabyte (Tb) capacity.

Quick Facts:
• 50 years lifetime compared to today’s 7 years.
• 70% more storage space.
• 90% cheaper

• Half-Terabit per-square-inch Data Density Achieved

Recommended Reading:
• Engadget.com - New Record set for Fastest Data Transmission
• BBC.co.uk - Holographic Advance Aids Storage
• Inphase Technologies

Bookmark to:

If you are a seasoned small business owner, you’ve probably encountered the pissed-off customer who either treatens to shut your business down, or who throws a temper tantrum until they get their way.

For new business owners or people thinking of going into business, you should be prepared to deal with this no matter how much confidence you have in your products or services.

Jason Tarasi, expert author with SmallBusinessNewz.com, has posted 5 Simple Tips For Dealing With Nasty Customers

1. Don’t take it personal.
2. Don’t overdo the “customer is always right” concept.
3. Realize it isn’t always your problem.
4. Don’t fall for fear invoking bluffs.
5. Decide whether or not a customer relationship is worth salvaging.

Following these steps will help you keep your sanity when bearish customers come calling.

Recommended Reading:

• Leadership-Tools.com - Dealing With Angry Customers
• Work911.com - The #1 Mistake Made Dealing With Angry Customers
• Gaebler.com - Customer Support: Handling Angry Customers

Tags: small business, customer relationship, Customer Support

Bookmark to:

BusinessSeek.biz has published an article titled “Compensating for Your Entrepreneurial Style“.

The author, Glenn Beach, offers a list of important characteristics every entrepreneur must possess to succeed.

1) Ability to see the big picture and plan accordingly;
2) Self-discipline;
3) Ability to use time wisely;
4) At minimum, a moderate drive to achieve;
5) Adaptability;
6) Autonomy;
7) Decisiveness;
8) A feeling of control over your own destiny;
9) Having (energy) drive and enterprise;
10) Motivation to grow;
11) Sense of intuition;
12) Ability to spot opportunities;
13) Perseverance;
14) Problem-solving abilities;
15) Risk-tolerance;
16) Self-confidence;
17) Social skills.

Over the course of running a small business, I’ve had to use or develop nearly every one of these characteristics. Some professions require more development than others.

A website designer’s optimal characteristics for success would be (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13).

On the other hand, let’s say you operate a restaurant. Your optimal characteristics for success would be (2, 3, 7, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 17).

What is YOUR entrepreneurial style?

Recommended Reading:
• Wikipedia.org - Entrepreneur
• Planning a Vivid Future: Brian Scudamore’s Key Move
• Is Entrepreneurship Really For You?

Tags: Entrepreneurial Style, entrepreneur, small business

Bookmark to:

A recent iLogos Research study revealed 94% of Fortune 500 companies now hire employees online, a stark contrast from 1998, when only 29% of them were doing the same.

The demands of small business owners everywhere are being met by developers who have been busy creating software that can manage new employee recruitment online. This technology could make your life as a small business owner easier, bringing in stronger, more savvy candidates.

It’s important to do your research and find the technology that’s the best fit for your company. When shopping around for a recruitment manager program, consider the following questions:

• Cost: Is the advertised price the actual price?
• Ease of Use: Is it easy-to-use, even if I’m a computer novice?
• Setup: How long will it take to get up and running?
• Features: What’s included?
• Service: Will I get a helping hand?

Source:

• How to Hire Like the Fortune 500’s

Recommended Links:

• Google Directory - Recruitment Management
• Get More Marketing Value from Recruitment Software
• The New World of On-Demand Software

Tags: Fortune 500 companies, hire employees, employee recruitment, Recruitment Management

Bookmark to:

I’ve come across an excellent guide from on motivating employees.

This guide is packed full of fantastic ideas to get more and better quality work from your employees by doing more than just offering a raise.

Sections include:
• Corporate Culture
• Morale Boosters
• Recognition
• Non-Cash Incentives
• Motivation by Compensation
• Creating a Fun Workplace

Inc.com - Guide to Motivating Employees

Bookmark to:

Inc.com has posted an excellent slideshow featuring photos and small writeups of self-made entrepeneurs.

These stories are an inspiration for anyone who is thinking of starting their own small business and even those who already own a small business and want to take it to greater heights.

From humble beginings, these entrepreneurs overcame obstacles to make it big. Will you be the next to make it big?

Featured entrepreneurs:

Mike Kittredge
Founder, Yankee Candle

Debbi Fields
Founder, Mrs. Fields Cookies

Roxanne Quimby
Cofounder, Burt’s Bees

John H. Johnson
Founder and Publisher, Ebony

Fred DeLuca
Founder, Subway

Ewing Marion Kauffman
Founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Larry Ellison
Founder, Oracle

Russell Simmons
Founder, Rush Communications

Bill Strickland
Founder, Manchester Bidwell

Anita Roddick
Founder, The Body Shop

Tags: entrepeneurs, small business

Bookmark to:

BusinessWeek Online has posted a very interesting interview with Lloyd Chapman, founder and president of the American Small Business League (ASBL), a federal small-business policy watchdog group based in Petaluma, Calif.

… last year he filed two lawsuits against the Small Business Administration for information pertaining to contracting fraud, and he’s gearing up to file two more.

Mr. Chapman speaks with Stacy Perman about what he views as a hostile environment toward small businesses as well as loopholes that give large corporations small business contracts.

• Read the entire interview at BusinessWeek.com
• Read SBA Administrator Hector Barreto’s response

Tags: Small Business Administration

Bookmark to:

This year, it’s estimated that millions of Americans will pay the Alternative Minimum Tax, also known as AMT. The AMT requires some people to pay more than regular income tax.

Congress enacted the AMT in 1969 following testimony by the Secretary of the Treasury that 155 people with adjusted gross income above $200,000 had paid zero federal income tax on their 1967 tax returns. In inflation-adjusted terms, those 1967 incomes would be roughly $1.17 million in today’s dollars. Source: TaxFoundation.org

11 things that may cause an AMT liability:

• Excessive Exemptions
• Standard Deductions
• State and Local Taxes
• Interest on Second Mortgage
• Medical Expenses
• Miscellaneous Itemized Deductions
• Various Tax Credits
• Incentive Stock Options
• Long-Term Capital Gains
• Tax-Exempt Interest
• Tax Shelters

Read more about these AMT liability factors

A major flaw in the AMT:

The Alternative Minimum Tax is NOT adjusted for inflation. This means that with each year that passes, more and more people will be affected by this double taxation. This includes people who were not originally targeted for this tax — middle and upper-middle income families.

If left unchanged, the AMT is estimated to penalize nearly 15 percent of taxpayers by 2010—some 12 million Americans in total.

Recommended Reading:

• IRS.gov - AMT Assistant
• Fairmark.com - Alternative Minimum Tax Guide
• Smartmoney.com - The Alternative Minimum Tax
• TurboTax.com - Alternative Minimum Tax FAQ

Image Source: National Center for Policy Analysis

Tags: Alternative Minimum Tax, AMT, income tax, Capital Gains, Tax Shelters, inflation, IRS

Bookmark to:

Image Source: VR Business Brokers

I believe that there are two types of entrepreneurs:

1) The owner who plans to keep their company in the family, often passing it down to children or a trusted protege.

2) The owner who envisions selling the business for a large profit to another entrepreneur or to a larger corporation.

I will focus on entrepreneur #2, the seller.

In order to sell your company at maximum profit, you have to provide a maximum value to the buyer. After all, who wants to spend a ton of money on a company with financial woes offering shady products labeled with a terrible brand?

While there may be a few rogue investors out there who might jump on board, chances are you won’t get even close to the offer you hope for.

What can you do now to add value to your business?

1) Take care of the finances. Hire a professional to audit your books for three years worth of accuracy. Audited financials are golden and can bring a quicker close to the sale with limited investigation.

2) Reposition your reputation as the owner to emphasize the reputation of the company. A brand can be worth more than the business itself! (See #18, Louis Vuitton - bottler of Moët champagne and Hennessy cognac, producer of designer fashion and luxury cosmetics… a brand worth more than giants like Honda, Ford, Dell, Pepsi, Sony, Nike, etc.)

3) Brainstorm new proprietary products or services that fulfill a need of your customers. Even if they are not released, the raw data for these new ideas could serve as extra incentive for a buyer.

4) Build extensive customer lists and operation manuals if you do not already. Customer data can be a goldmine for someone buying your company. Operation manuals ensure the next person will have an idea of how everything works.

5) If you contract anything, make sure that it is short-term and does not require your involvement once the sale is complete. If long-term contracts are already in place, make sure they are fully transferable to the next owner.

These steps take time to execute which is why a decision to sell should be made long before the actual sale takes place.

Bottom line: prospective buyers want to see profit and value. With a strong combination of both, you will get closer to selling for what you really think your business is worth.

Recommended Reading:

• Entreprenuer.com - Growing a Business to Sell
• Powerhomebiz.com - Selling Your Small Business
• About.com Small Business - Selling Your Business Nest Egg
• Business Info Zone - Adding Value to Your Business Before You Sell It

Bookmark to:

Starting this year, business owners will be able to pay employment taxes — Forms 940 and 941 — with plastic.

For the first time this tax season, business owners who paid $1,500 or more in wages in any quarter of the previous year will be able to make federal business-tax payments on their American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa, the Internal Revenue Service announced on Jan. 5.

On top of collecting air miles and other bonus points on their cards, small-business owners could cover employment taxes with a credit card payment, then — depending on cash flow — could hold-off on paying the balance on the cards until later in the month.

Tags: employment taxes, Internal Revenue Service

Bookmark to:

FON, the brainchild of entrepreneur Martin Varsavsky, has just raised $21.7 million from Google, Skype, Sequoia Capital and Index Ventures.

FON is a global community of people who share WiFi (wireless Internet access). By sharing your WiFi broadband connection at home/work, you are entitled to connect to other shared Fon WiFi access points anywhere in the world.

At this writing, FON has over 3,000 registered users with a goal of more than 30,000 FON WiFi hotspots worldwide by 2007. For now, FON is available in Europe and U.S. only.

FON seems to be picking up steam very quickly, however, there is still some skepticism in the community as to what FON plans to bring to the table and how secure the network will actually be.

FON Security

According to FON’s website: If you have registered your WiFi in the FON Community, you will be protected through your local password which you can change whenever you choose.

You will share your WiFi connection with registered Foneros from around the world. Unlike the open WiFi networks that are not password protected, all Foneros who connect through your WiFi are registered and identifiable.

Tags: FON, Martin Varsavsky, WiFi, wireless

Bookmark to:

It’s estimated that 85% of malware today is created with profit in mind. The sobering corollary to that statistic: only 5% of cyber criminals are caught and prosecuted.

The FBI has already identified fighting cyber- and high-technology crimes as No. 3 among its top 10 priorities.

Recommended Reading:

It’s Time to Arrest Cyber Crime
Cybercrime Feared 3 Times More Than Physical Crime
IBM Report Anticipates Surge in Cyber Attacks in 2006
FBI survey finds cybercrime rising

Tags: malware, technology crimes, Cybercrime

Bookmark to:

In light of this weekend’s Super Bowl game (go Steelers), Inc.com has a slideshow featuring 13 of the NFL’s best post-football entrepreneur success stories. Who says professional athletes don’t perform well off the field?

From Joe Montana to Simeon Rice, many hard-nosed football players have transferred their competitiveness to the business world. Here’s a look at some of the biggest NFL success stories off the field.

Tags: Super Bowl, NFL, entrepreneur

Bookmark to:

Handshake Device to Replace Business Cards

Information can be transferred by optical electric field sensors, travel through the body as a small amount of voltage and end up in cell phones or other mobile devices. The 50-gram device is the size of a matchbox, and must be worn by both parties.

Wait… did this article just say that this device would send a small amount of voltage through my body? Hmmm…

If two people each wear [the device], they could receive each other’s details into their cellphones or other mobile gadgets simply through body contact.

Other uses of the technology include allowing people to unlock a door by touching the door knob.

I like the doorknob idea, but the swapping contact information by standing next to someone is a little out there. Especially when you can use your (free) vocal cords for an old fashion “Hello, my name is Chris. What is yours?”.

I’m all about technology making our lives easier, however, in business there is no substitute for a little human contact.

Bookmark to:

Income tax amounts to the other half of total taxes owed each year by small business owners. How much you owe is determined by how much you made after expenses and deductions.

This post will show you how to estimate your income taxed owed in equation form.

First, you should determine what tax bracket you will fall into. Your tax bracket is used to estimate the amount of additional tax you’ll pay if your income increases — or the amount you’ll save if you can claim a deduction.

• View 2005 Income Tax Brakets
• View 2006 Income Tax Brackets

So for instance, you are married filing jointly and your taxable net earnings is $55,000.00. You will be taxed at the 15% rate.

Don’t forget: The IRS allows you to deduct half of your estimated self employment tax away from your net earnings.

The equation for estimating your income tax looks like this:

(((Net Earnings - (SEtax / 2)) - Income Min. Limit) * Tax Rate) + Minimum Tax

So assuming your estimated net earnings is $55,000 @ 15% (before deducting SEtax) the equation would be figured as:

((($55,000.00 - ($7,771.25 / 2)) - $14,600.00) * .15) + $1,460.00
((($55,000.00 - $3,885.63) - $14,600.00) * .15) + $1,460.00
(($51,114.37 - $14,600.00) * .15) + $1,460.00
($36,514.37 * .15) + $1,460.00
$5,477.16 + $1,460.00

Income Tax = $6,937.16

With net earnings of $55,000, your estimated total tax owed (incl. self employment tax) would be:

Itax + SEtax = Total Estimated Tax Owed

$6,937.16 + $7,771.25 = $14,708.41

Disclaimer: Tax results submitted to the IRS should be figured by a qualified accounting professional. This method is only for estimating what you will owe to be better prepared.

Recommended Reading:

• Your Tax Bracket
• Your Income Tax Bracket

Bookmark to:

Yesterday I spent a good part of the afternoon attempting to estimate my tax liability for 2005 while looking ahead to 2006.

As all small business owners know, self-employment tax is a major part of your total tax liability each year. It represents 15.3 percent of your net earnings from self-employment as reported on Schedule SE.

The tax consists of two portions:

12.4% for Social Security - $11,160.00 maximum (2005).
2.9% for Medicare - no maximum.

According to the IRS, net earnings from self–employment generally represent 92.35% of your net income. eHow.com offers this equation for estimating self-employment tax:

Net Income * .9235 = Net Earnings
Net Earnings (up to $90,000 in 2005) * .124 = SStax
Net Earnings (no limit) * .029 = MCtax

SStax + MCtax = SE Tax

Assume your company earned $55,000 net income. Your estimated self-employment tax is figured as:

55,000 * .9235 = $50,792.50
50,792.50 * .124 = $6,298.27
50,792.50 * .029 = $1,472.98
$6,298.27 + $1,472.98

SE Tax = $7,771.25

Good news: you can take one half of your self-employment tax amount as a deduction against total income on your Form 1040.

Disclaimer: Tax results submitted to the IRS should be figured by a qualified accounting professional.

View the equation for figuring income tax along with tax rate brackets for 2005 and 2006.

Recommended Reading:

• IRS.gov - Self-Employment Tax Discussion
• TurboTax.com - Self-Employment Tax

Bookmark to:

IRS experts have pulled together an overview of common tax issues in one convenient place — Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax.

From stock sales to student loans, this 300-page publication holds the answers to many of your questions.

To get a copy, visit www.irs.gov/publications/p17/index.html or call 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).

Bookmark to:

Finding good employees can make or break a small business.

Better employees mean better production and more success for your company. On the other hand, bad employees end up costing you time and money.

AllBusiness.com offers this list of 8 ways to find good employees:

1) Temporary personnel agencies
2) Employment agencies
3) Headhunters
4) Internal candidates
5) Bounty rewards
6) Your Web site
7) Want ads
8) Job Web sites

Read more: Finding Good Employees

Recommended Reading:

Closing the Deal: How to Get Prospective Employees to Sign On
Hiring and Retaining Good Employees
How to Find the Right Employees for Your Business

Bookmark to:

We all know money is everything when starting a new business. Fortunately there are many groups that are pleased to give you money for starting up a legitimate business.

Ken Yancey, CEO of Score.org, offers 5 steps on the topic:

1.) Consider city, county, or state assistance programs for qualified small businesses. Some examples include tax abatements, urban-renewal set-asides, rural access, workforce training, and economic development.

2.) Contact your state senator’s or representative’s office. The staff there can be helpful in pointing you toward state funds or programs for businesses.

3.) Take advantage of “in-kind” credits. Like cash, these can be used as matching funds. In one case, a state program counted a company’s $200,000 local property-tax abatement as part of the matching requirement.

[Read more…]

Recommended Reading:

How To Fund A New Business
Look to the States for Small Business Grants
SBA.gov - Federal Grant Resources

Bookmark to:

Interactive marketing takes the act marketing a step further by engaging the audience to gain and hold attention.

Interactive marketing is designed to keep the audience occupied while you subliminally advertise your product.

Mike Yapp of iMediaConnection.com offers us the top 10 best ways to create an interactive marketing scheme.

1) Multimedia
2) Opt-In
3) Personalization
4) Tell a Story
5) Include a Compelling Offer
6) Make it Immersive
7) Usability
8) Effective ROI
9) Reshaping the Brand
10) Send to a Friend (Viral Marketing)

10 Best Interactive Marketing Practices

Recommended Reading:

Upcoming Interactive Marketing Events 01/06
InteractiveMarketing.com - Marketing Tips
Create an Interactive Online Experience for Clients

Bookmark to:

Retirement is not in the plans of most small-business owners, according to the newly-released Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index.

Eight of 10 small-business owners surveyed said they are happy running their businesses and have no intention of retiring. Almost 4 out of every 10 said the only thing that would force them to retire is poor health.

Forty-two percent of small-business owners indicated they may cut back on work, but would never completely abandon their business. Only 19 percent plan on traditional retirement.

Even though retirement is many moons away for me, I feel that I will fall into the 42% of business owners who will cut back, but not completely abandon their business.

Bookmark to:

This small business forecast is brought to you courtesy of Anita Campbell of SmallBizTreands.com.

This list was subjectively chosen by Anita under 2 requirements:

1) The list is limited to businesses that the mainstream can identify with.
2) The list focuses on opportunities for the average entrepreneur.

That said, here is the Small Business Trends list of Top Ten Promising Business Opportunities for 2006:

1. Outsourced information technology services
2. eBay and Amazon related opportunities
3. Pet-related
4. Food and beverage related niche industries
5. Hobby and avocation-based businesses
6. Anything security related
7. Services for seniors and retired people
8. Information filtering services
9. Hospitality businesses that create an experience
10. Hispanic products and services

[Read More…]

Bookmark to:

Looking for a tax write-off to start 2006? Consider replacing or supplementing your desktop PC with a portable computer system.

I am shopping for a system like this myself, and have learned several important things about laptops:

1) There are only a small handful of notebook PC manufacturers in the world. This means that “brand name” notebooks aren’t proprietary technology; only rebadged ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) systems. Notable exceptions are brands such as IBM, Acer, Toshiba, Twinhead and Apple.

2) OEM Companies (Dell, Gateway, Compaq, Sony, Sager, Alienware, HP, etc.) build the ODM system and back it with parts and support. You cannot purchase direct from the ODM.

Here are things to keep in mind when shopping for your system:

Warranty: Compare warranties among different vendors.
Features: Does it do all you need?
Price: Are you paying for a name, or for features and warranty?

I plan to purchase the Sager 9750. Based on reviews, reviews and more reviews… I think this is THE system to purchase if you want high-end that allows for easy upgrading in the future.

This system is a beast weighing in at around 12.5lbs, making it a excellent desktop replacement, but not a mobile workhorse. For a more lightweight solution, consider the Sager 5720 featuring Intel Pentium M with a total weight of 9.4lbs.

Recommended Reading:

NotebookForums.com
NotebookReview.com

Bookmark to:

Since this will be the last non-DOTW post before Christmas, I would like to wish all of my readers happy holidays!

I wish all of you good luck and success in 2006!

Holiday card image courtesy of CardsDirect.com

Bookmark to:

High-speed Internet connections over powerlines and electrical currents is not entirely new, however, it is little known to the public.

I believe this technology will soon be a viable alternative to Cable and DSL connections. With two-way speeds of up to 25 times that of Cable and DSL, this technology could have a significant impact on all things electronic.

There are, however, some kinks that need to be worked out first… such as interference with certain radio frequencies.

Customers who subscribe to the service simply plug a tiny modem, based on the HomePlug power line standard, into an electrical outlet and connect a cable from their computer for Internet access.

Recommended Reading:

HowStuffWorks: BPL (Broadband o’ Power Lines)
WiredNews: Broadband Over Power Lines?
Why broadband over power lines is a bad idea

Bookmark to: