Canadian Small Business and Entrepreneurship Experts, Tips and Advice | BizLaunch Press Room

Top 10 Applications for Small Business – By Heather Largy and Andrew Patricio

admin — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:58:10 +0000

Many people use apps for entertainment, but apps can also help your business become more efficient. You can use apps to keep in touch with clients, easily share information across the company, and to stay organized. With constant innovation in this area, new apps are popping up all the time – and most of them are free. Here are our top 10 apps for small business:
1. Dropbox – This app allows you to store, share and access your files on any device. Once you download the software you’ll never have to email a file again.

2. Evernote – With this service you can take notes, capture photos, create to-to lists and record voice reminders. You can also search your past notes and access them anywhere.

3. Basecamp – A project management app that lets you keep all your files in one place, keep all your client discussions centralized, and keep track important dates.

4. Google Apps – Google has quite a few free tools that can help you manage your business. Google Reader will aggregate information from various blogs into one place. Google Alerts will send you a notification when your business or competitor is mentioned in the news. Google Documents will allow you to share and collaborate online, and Google Calendar will help you stay on top of important meetings.

5. Freshbooks – Track your time, organize your expenses and invoice clients with this user friendly accounting software. The free account lets you manage up to 3 clients.

6. Skype – Is a free software application that lets you make and receive voice and video calls over the internet. With a paid subscription you can call landlines locally and internationally.

7. Teamviewer – Connects you to any computer or server around the world. Great for collaborating or training, this program lets you remotely gain access to computers.

8. LinkedIn – LinkedIn is great for networking, but you can also use it as a sales tool to target your prospects by geography, name, job title or the type of groups they frequent.

9. Wunderlist – Develop your to-do lists online and access them on any device. You can also share your lists with other people so they can see how much work you have on-the-go.

10. Kindle – Read and access your books, newspapers and magazines on-the-go. With over 1,000,000 books that are downloadable through the Kindle store you can always keep learning.

About Bizlaunch:
Since 2003, Bizlaunch has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners grow their business by providing free webinars, seminars, training and advice.
For more information please contact:
Andrew Patricio
Andrew@bizlaunch.com
416.581.8880
www.bizlaunch.com

Top 10 Business Opportunities for 2012 by Andrew Patricio & Heather Largy

admin — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:54:52 +0000

As we inch closer to the end of 2011 it makes me wonder what the New Year will bring. For some people, this will be the year they quit their day job and start their own business. Perhaps the most difficult decision for a new entrepreneur is deciding what type of business to start. Usually people choose an industry they are experienced or interested in however, people should also consider market trends as they ultimately affect what a customer will buy. That being said, here are the top 10 small business trends for 2012:
1. Pet Products – People treat their pets as members of the family and they want to ensure their pets are cared for. Pet themed business ideas include clothing, insurance, and training.

2. Apps – Cloud computing has been one of the most talked about technologies, but businesses are just beginning to use it. Examples include mobile apps, web apps, and social media apps.

3. Services – As people work longer hours they don’t want to spend their free time doing household chores. This is why services such as landscaping, home renovations and housekeeping will continue to thrive.

4. Outsourcing – Businesses are beginning to outsource web development, accounting and human relations activities to save money, focus on strategy and zero in on their key business strengths.

5. Crowdsourcing – Similar to outsourcing – businesses can source tasks that are normally performed by specific individuals to an online community. Companies are using this technology to raise finance, source graphic designers, and to solve business problems.

6. Boomer Services – Financial products, health products, and personal assistance are all products that serve the aging demographic of baby-boomers.

7. Green Business- As customers demand more environmentally-friendly products there is room for businesses that cater to recycling, audits, construction, and energy efficient products.

8. Food – People want to know where their food comes from, and what ingredients are inside. Businesses that offer local, organic, healthy, and convenient food can benefit from this trend.

9. Social Media – Not all businesses understand how to use social fully, but they realize it’s important. Many businesses are looking for social media guru’s to consult them on this new trend. .

10. Fitness – As the country’s waistline expands, so too is the need for fitness programs. Examples include programs for kids, convenient exercise, exercise for boomers, and sports coaching.

Series Helps Artists Find Business Zen

admin — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:25:13 +0000