| You will need the Internet, you will definitely need a | | | | software costs. Shop around for the best deal and |
| phone or phone system, and if you are planning on | | | | for a system that suits your business. |
| using a computer (of course you are!) you are going | | | | Tip 5: Put everyone's mobile phones on the one |
| to need software. The good news is that these | | | | network: Mobile phone networks offer cheaper, or in |
| items don't have to break the bank. | | | | some cases free, calls to other people on the same |
| Gone are the days when you were stuck with one | | | | network. This has the potential to save you hundreds |
| provider, and didn't have any alternatives. Today, you | | | | a month. |
| have a range of companies or competing for your | | | | Tip 6: Find an ISP that is suitable for you: Depending |
| business. So follow the below money saving tips and | | | | on your business, you may not need the biggest and |
| you will be able to set up your business for pennies | | | | the best Internet Service Provider. Shop around to |
| on the dollar. | | | | find a package that will work for your business. |
| Tip 1: Use open-source software: Open source | | | | Tip 7: Meet online: Teleconferencing has become a lot |
| software is great for around the office and doesn't | | | | more viable in recent years, and is really starting to |
| cost you a dime. Projects such as open office are | | | | become an alternative to face to face meetings. We |
| even compatible with Microsoft Office! What could | | | | are not saying replace all your meetings with |
| be easier? I think Bill Gates has made enough money. | | | | teleconferences, but if you replace a few a week |
| Tip 2: Search the Internet for Promotional Codes: | | | | you will save money in travel and resources |
| There are literally hundreds of sites out there that | | | | expenses. As an added bonus you will also save time. |
| offer promotional codes etc to get software | | | | Tip 8: Free form it: Rather than wasting your precious |
| cheaper. Check out these sites, grab the codes and | | | | time and resources developing up forms, letters and |
| buy the software cheaper. As always do your | | | | tables for your business; search on-line for free |
| homework to make sure you are getting a good | | | | forms. There are literally hundreds of websites out |
| deal...and a legitimate product. | | | | there that have forms you can download and print. |
| Tip 3: Use VoIP for your phone calls: VoIP stands for | | | | Tip 9: Buy a combined fax/printer/scanner: |
| "Voice over Internet Protocol" and as its name | | | | Alternatively upgrade the computing system so that |
| suggests uses the internet for making voice phone | | | | you can do this from your desk. |
| calls. VoIP is perfect for small business and can save | | | | Tip 10: Personal Mobile Phone Usage: Lets be honest |
| you a large amount of money on your phone calls. "A | | | | most staff use their work mobiles to rack up big bills |
| good call". Sorry! | | | | on personal calls. I know I occasionally did. Try the |
| Tip 4: Find a cheaper business phone system: There | | | | carrot and stick approach. Offer an incentive to keep |
| are heaps of phone products out there for a variety | | | | calls below a certain threshold, but add that all bills will |
| of business types. For example hosted PBX systems | | | | be randomly scrutinized. |
| are cheaper as there are no recurrent hardware or | | | | |