Here is this week’s round-up of technology news small business owners may find informative, useful or entertaining:

• IT Helps Small Businesses Survive Economic Challenges - A survey suggests that strategic investment in technology is a major factor in helping SMEs grow
• Microsoft to raise Windows Small Business Server price by 80% - A huge price increase is in store for Microsoft Small Business Server users
• Epson offers new small business projector - A new multimedia projector aimed at the small business market was unveiled this week by Epson
• How Amazon Could Change Publishing - The publishing industry is undergoing huge changes and Amazon are at the forefront of them
• Does your AMD-based computer boot after installing XP SP3? - This blog offers advice if your PC was broken by last week’s major update
• Review: Which 3G network is the best? - The main US 3G networks are thoroughly tested
• IBM touts supercomputers for the enterprise - A new line of IBM computers for the workplace will take advantage of high-end processors used in gaming
• It’s a hard-knock life – Three rugged notebooks take a beating to see how hard they are to break
• How a Dead External Hard Drive is Repaired - A fascinating look at the process of restoring a badly damaged hard drive
• Poweset Launches “Understanding Engine” For Wikipedia Content - An interesting new search engine is launched which understands the content it finds
• Microsoft’s Telescope for Everyone - The free WorldWide Telescope was launched this week
• Spam Filtering For Small / Medium Business – A Slashdot discussion with suggestions for spam solutions for SMEs
• New Tests Show Rootkits Still Evade Anti-Virus - Half of all rootkits remain undetectable by most anti-virus software
• Running Mac OS X on standard PCs – A tech guide for anyone brave enough to run the Mac OS X on their PC
• The Top 10 worst workspaces in tech - A run-down of the least inspiring tech workspaces
• O2 prompts speculation over 3G iPhone - The 3G iPhone may be just a few weeks away from launch in the UK
• Technology Group Plans Wireless Network – Google have partnered with technology and telecommunications firms to build a new generation of wireless networks
• UK police using CCTV network worth billions to catch litter droppers - This follows on from the report last week that CCTV is not lowering crime rates
• US Air Force Aims for ‘Full Control’ of ‘Any and All’ Computers – The USAF have announced an investment of $11 million in rootkit-like technology that will allow them to hi-jack computers and build their own botnet
• Taking your laptop into the US ? Be sure to hide all your data first – If you don’t want US airport security guards to potentially see all your personal and company files, this Guardian article offers advice
• Stolen Laptop Helps Turn Tables on Suspects - The in-built iMac camera and “Back to My Mac” remote access software allowed a burglary victim to catch the culprit

A small business quote a day keeps you thinking, inspired and entertained 

“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”

Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) British science fiction writer 

To find previous Quotes of the Day look here 

A lot of companies choose to purchase targeted mail lists to aid their marketing campaign. These lists are highly desirable because they can greatly improve the accuracy of a direct mailing campaign. Your income will come from renting your lists to clients and charging a premium for the most highly targeted or largest. It is up to you how involved you become in the business – you could simply rent the list or you could work alongside your clients to help with their entire campaign. As an alternative, you may decide to make mailing lists of your own which are devoted to a specific topic. These should not be rented out and instead you should sell advertising space on there.  

Skills needed: It will be necessary to have some experience of database management along with knowledge of online marketing techniques. Basic web publishing skills will be helpful to allow you to update your website easily.  

Business environment and set-up cost:  There are no barriers to this business being successful internationally.  This is an inexpensive start-up, especially if you already own your own computer equipment. The main cost will involve the design of your website and the purchase of database management software. The overall start-up cost will range from £1,500 to £3,000 (3,500- 5,500 EUR, 5,000-8,000 AUD/USD).  

Marketing Techniques:  

• Participate in the pay-per-click schemes of the popular search engines
• Place online links to your business at websites, directories and cybermalls
• Become involved in newsgroups and forums related to online advertising. Make sure that you have an attractive signature with a clickable link to your website
• Consider buying banner advertisements at the websites your target market frequent
• Offer a discount to clients who agree to include your clickable logo at the bottom of their messages
• Use OnlineOffice to set up web-site, blog and online shop to promote your business online

Complimentary business ideas: You may be able to charge for additional services such as data mining reports. 

Notes: This is a very competitive market so you will need to excel in order to be successful. Make sure it is easy for your clients and prospective clients to contact you.  

Online examples & resources:  

• Mailing Lists Online – A good example of this type of business
• Your Mailing List Provider – Email marketing software

For previous SME start-up ideas, look through the archive here  

You must first decide whether your business will need to have a physical presence somewhere or will it exist only in cyberspace. For the majority of small business start-ups today it is unnecessary and counter-intuitive to pay for office space when it is easier and far less expensive for you to work from home instead. Regardless of where you decide to base your workplace, this checklist will be useful.  

Things to remember:  

• Office Space – Whether you are working from home or in an office, it is important to feel as if you have enough space to get your work done comfortably. A poorly designed workspace will hamper your productivity and stop you from performing to your potential. Think carefully about the design of your office and experiment with different layouts in diagram form. The best offices are often ergonomically designed to create a streamlined workflow. If you opt for premises outside your home, choosing the best location will be a big decision to make. Consider your needs at work both now and in the future.
• Home-working – It is important to separate the work space in your house from the living space if possible. Noise may be an issue if you have pets or small children so make sure you can close off the workspace if you need to make phone-calls or avoid distraction. If you do not have space for a home office, consider some form of collective shared workspace with other individuals that you may know who do not need a large office to themselves.
• Office Equipment – Make a list of all the office equipment needed in order to ensure you will have all the tools to be successful. Although it may be tempting to buy cheap equipment when you first start out, you may end up spending more in the long-term if it is unreliable. Having said this, it is easy to overspend when equipping your office so try to allocate an acceptable budget in the beginning and stick to it. Make sure your equipment is insured to protect against damage and theft as this will reduce downtime if something goes wrong.
• Production Space – If you intend to produce a physical product yourself then consider the space you will need to do this. Some businesses will need both an office and an additional space – for example, if you are running a gardening business you will need somewhere to deal with paperwork and have a secure location for your tools.
• Production Equipment – The same rules apply for production equipment in that you must weigh the cost against the benefits of the money you will spend. If purchasing a new machine will significantly increase your production then you can justify the expense. Maintenance of production equipment is even more crucial than your office equipment because it will effectively close down your business until the problem is sorted, whereas if office equipment fails you can probably keep working.
• Daily Tasks – It is helpful to have a list of the workplace procedures that must take place at the end of the day such as cleaning tools, backing up hard drives or locking doors and windows. These are small things that can easily be forgotten but could make you lose work or even invalidate your insurance.
• Suppliers – You will likely need to have some form of supplier relationship, even if it is just with your Internet Service Provider and website host. You may also require stationary supplies or even parts if you assemble a product yourself. Compile a list of potential suppliers through research and narrow them down – you will likely be able to find reviews online. Once you decide on the best supplier for you, keep the details of the best alternatives in case you are disappointed by your current supplier or they go out of business.

For the previous stages of this checklist look here  

A small business quote a day keeps you thinking, inspired and entertained 

“There was no question of appointing a man who was not fully trained… everything depended on his being the best man for the job before he set off. And so you took great care in selecting him.”

Anthony Jay (b. 1930) British author & business consultant 

To find previous Quotes of the Day look here 

Organising a party can be time-consuming and stressful for many people. This is why there is a big demand for people who are able to plan and execute parties on their behalf, especially in the corporate world.  You will be paid on commission for your services but could also earn extra money by selling party supplies through your website.  

Skills needed: You need to be a creative person who is able to design an amazing experience for your clients. It will be helpful if you have basic web publishing skills to maintain your website.  

Business environment and set-up cost:  There is not much international potential for this business because you will have to work closely with clients. You could sell party supplies internationally but the high shipping rates will probably make this unfeasible. The set-up costs for this business are mainly related to computer equipment (including a printer, scanner and digital camera) and software, along with the cost of paying a professional to develop your website. In addition, you will need an initial inventory of party supplies in preparation for your first customers. The overall start-up cost will range from £1,500 to £5,000 (2,000- 6,000 EUR, 3,000-10,000 AUD/USD).  

Marketing Techniques:  

• Participate in the pay-per-click schemes of the popular search engines
• Place online links to your business at websites and directories relating to your target market
• Use testimonials from your previous clients that describe the service and experience you provided them
• Get permission from clients to take photographs of the parties that you have put on in the past, as visual proof of a great party will be an excellent sales tool
• Consider paying for banner advertising on websites appropriate to your target market
• Use OnlineOffice to set up web-site, blog and online shop to promote your business online

Complimentary business ideas: You may wish to expand your services to provide general event planning.  

Notes: Make sure that the work you are going to undertake is set out in a contract between you and the client, specifying any requests or conditions that are critical to the event. This way the client cannot refuse to pay you as long as you satisfactorily complete the contract.  

Online examples & resources:  

• My Party Planner – An excellent US database of everything party related
• Party Delights UK – A UK wholesaler specialising in party gear

For previous SME start-up ideas, look through the archive here

This is the first in a weekly series of lists with the aim of inspiring people to start their own business.  

The first list is a selection of business ideas that can be started with almost zero capital. 

20 Small Budget Start-Ups 

1. Assembly Service – If you are good with tools, provide a service that offers to assemble flat-pack furniture. Ask local furniture stores to hand out your business cards.
2. Pet Walker – If you love animals, taking other people’s pets for a walk or looking after them for some time would be a fun way to earn extra money. Distribute a flyer advertising your service.
3. Start a Website – If you have a subject that you are passionate about then start a website dedicated to it. Once you have a readership you can make money through advertising or merchandise.
4. Mail Order – Find a product to sell and offer it via mail order. Advertise your services online.
5. Parking Lot Pickup – Offer to clean the car parks of local businesses at the weekend or overnight. Charge an hourly fee or per lot.
6. Move-In Service – Partner with moving companies to offer a cleaning service that goes into a house that is about to be moved into and leaves it looking spotless.
7. Errand Service – Offer a general service that runs errands for anyone - from over-stretched small businesses to busy single parents.
8. Junk Disposal – Offer a service that removes unwanted items from people’s homes or gardens and disposes of them at the local recycling centre. This will be useful for anyone who does not have a car and needs to get rid of large items.
9. House Cleaning – There is always demand for cleaning services. Once you have generated good word-of-mouth about the work you do your customer base will soon expand.
10. Delivery Service – Work with small businesses to handle the logistics of a delivery service. They will likely not have one of their own and will be very happy to outsource it because it helps them compete with larger stores.
11. Sell Something – Find a product you want to sell at a wholesaler and concentrate on marketing it. There are numerous ways to sell products ranging from street trading to door-to-door sales.
12. Sell Something Online - Find a product you want to sell at a wholesaler and use online marketing techniques to shift large quantities of it.
13. Garage Cleaning – Many people have very untidy garages and lack the time to properly clear it out. You could offer a service that would do this for them.
14. Garden Services – If you are green-fingered offer a gardening service to clients which will cut lawns and remove weeds. You could even offer a landscaping service.
15. Concierge Service – Local businesses and community groups may need the help of a temporary concierge for special events. You could be responsible for organising a day out for a retirement home or arranging the travel plans of a busy small business owner.
16. Inventory Service – It can be important to make a full inventory of possessions for insurance reasons but many people do not have the time to do it. You can provide this service to people for a fee.
17. Boat / Car Detailing – If you have a love of automobiles or boats then you could start your own detailing business.
18. Holiday Decorating – If you have a passion for decorating you could offer a seasonal decoration service to small businesses
19. Meal Delivery – Many people would pay to have their food collected from local restaurants. Make sure that you are able to keep the food insulated somehow.
20. Vacation Filling – Some SME owners feel they can never take vacations because there is no-one to run the business while they are away. You could cover for the owner so that they can take a holiday and be available to answer the telephone and deal with emergencies.

A small business quote a day keeps you thinking, inspired and entertained 

“If you have an olive, you want an olive tree. You want a little more. You want the whole tree.”

Ted Turner (b. 1938) US founder of Turner Broadcasting Systems, New York Times (November 1996) 

To find previous Quotes of the Day look here 

A small business quote a day keeps you thinking, inspired and entertained 

“We resort too often to the unhelpful practice of trying to solve a problem with larger doses of capital.”

H. Ross Perot (b. 1930) US entrepreneur & politician 

To find previous Quotes of the Day look here 

A small business quote a day keeps you thinking, inspired and entertained

“Do not wait; the time will never be just right.”

Napolean Hill (1883-1970) US motivational author 

To find previous Quotes of the Day look here