Tip #464: 6 Free Tools For Any Size Business

     

Business owners, entrepreneurs and general managers make many difficult decisions when it comes to their businesses.  And when it comes to their IT/technology issues, it always presents a challenge.

With new computers and various software programs, it is often easy to see a high return on investment with them.  But more importantly, it makes your employees' job more efficient. But did you know that some of the most useful business tools are virtually free to use?

6 Essential Free Tools For Your Small Business.

Tool #1: YouSendIt (HighTail.com) - This is an absolute gem of a free tool that can help you send large files (up to 50MB) through their secure network. Whether you are using it for data or graphic files, you should check it out.

Tool #2: Energy Star Guide - Whether you work in a large office complex or a small home office, you understand that energy bills can add up quickly when it comes to business costs. If you invest in energy efficient equipment, you can cut costs significantly. The Energy Star Guide is a free tool that allows you to select products that can cut your energy costs. (You can also receivefederal tax credits for converting your office to an energy efficient environment.)

Tool #3: FaxZero - While many businesspeople send PDF documents instead of faxes, using a fax machine is still a requirement in the business world. However, you can ditch the clunky machine - especially if you rarely use it. FaxZero allows each user to send two (2) free faxes each day, as long as the transmitted documents are under three pages. Using this software, you can instantly send PDFs and Word documents to your intended recipients' fax machine.

Tool #4: Skype - Skype is a VOIP (voice over internet protocol) system that allows users to make free face-to-face calls. You can chat with or without video and it is relatively easy to record Skype conversations for recordkeeping purposes. Skype is extremely popular for both business and personal use, with users spendingover 2 billion minutes per day utilizing the tool.

This is particularly helpful if you want to avoid long-distance and international phone charges. Skype works internationally, which means you can chat with your vendor in Bombay free of charge as long as you both have stable Internet access.

Tool #5: Social Media - Most social media is free and simple to use. While it doesn't make sense for every industry to focus on it, having an established online presence can keep your business "top of mind" to consumers. Furthermore, asking users to "check in" on apps like Foursquare encourages repeat business and broadcasts customers' visits to their networks. Joining Foursquare is as simple as listing your business on the service and hanging the (free) window sticker on your door.

Tool #6: Square - Mobile credit card payments are a challenge for small businesses that sell products or services on the go. If you participate in trade shows or even flea markets, you understand how difficult a cash-and-carry operation is for you. Square is a smartphone and tablet app that is free to download. It is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The Square app charges a standard 2.75% card-processing fee and the card reader itself (which plugs into your phone or tablet) is free as well.

Executive Summary: It is not easy to keep operating costs down for a small business. However, the free tools above can help you not only help you keep costs down, but also make you adaptable to your customers.  

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