My Top 5 Free Business Tools (What is Yours?)

When it comes to the internet there are loads of free tools out there. Some are average, but others are great. Here are the five tools that have saved me money and worked wonders on my business and life.

1) Google Docs

Whether I am sharing with my employees or just sharing with myself this application seriously does the job. Think of it as a trimmed up web version of Microsoft Office. Since you can access your spreadsheets and docs from anywhere with web access, it has definitely saved my butt a few times when I needed vital information while away from the office.

2) Mozy Online Data Backup

This is great for automatically backing up key folders on your desktop computer without having to worry about plugging in an external hard drive. Their free service gives you 2GBs. This may not sound like much, but it will take care of all of your major documents on your desktop.

3) Open Office

I describe this as a gift from above for rapidly expanding small businesses. For those of you that do not feel like shelling out $400 for each Microsoft Office authorization code, this is a great alternative. My businesses have saved close to $200,000 in fees over the past 4 years just by switching over to Open Office. It does all the same stuff without the logo and without the cost.

4) Freebie Force

This is a simple but great service that allows its members to get everything from free hotels to free flights. You can even get free gift certificates to places like The Limited.

5) Log Me In Remote Computer Access

A great alternative to the pay remote pc services. Another life saver that can keep you from having to run back to the office in the middle of the night. It allows you to log into your computer from anywhere with internet access.

These are my top 5. What is one of your favorite free tools?

COO, SUp.biz

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Comment by Beth Schmillen on March 7, 2009 at 9:16pm: thanks for the free information! on free tools to use!

I consider all the different social networks with their free services an excellent tool!

As a paid member at DirectMatches you can send two press releases each month.

Let the world know about your Business: Press Releases from DirectMatches http://www.directmatches.com/bethsventures

I recently downloaded Qumana. It's a free blog writer that submits to your blogs when you're ready to publish. It loads up all you already have there so you can edit as well. So for it works great.

have a great day
Beth

Comment by Veejay on March 1, 2009 at 9:50am: What's a BOT David?

Comment by Ettosi Brooks on February 22, 2009 at 2:04pm: Thanks! I'm very new to all of this online technology. Definately a great benefit.

Comment by The IT Juggler on February 16, 2009 at 12:52am: Okay, so I'm going to throw in a curve ball. I actually don't think it matters which tool you use, as long as you pick the tool that works for you, AND you know how to use that tool effectively and efficiently.

Mobile email / calendaring/ contacts: whether you use a Blackberry, iPhone, Treo, or tin-can-with-string, as long as you're using it in the way that YOU need and works for you.

Office Applications: Google Docs/MS Office/Open Office - as long as you can write your reports in it, do your mail merge in it, graph your growth, monitor your cashflow, and do presentations, was does it matter?

I think you get my point though. I'm as guilty of posting my ""Blackberry applications I have to have" article as the next guy. However, I think that each person has to go through a progression of learning a tool, using that tool, reaching the limitation of that tool, and then finding a more appropriate tool, and then the process starts again.

Comment by Yvonne Benjamin on February 1, 2009 at 2:21pm

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Thanx again Matt for the info, it enabled me to make my Aisle19 video and upload it here on Sta.rtUpBiz.

Yvonne : )

Comment by James Witmer on January 27, 2009 at 8:50pm: If you are using traffic exchanges you'll need to have a look at this free tool. You can create your own Banner links for free. Everyone knows that images catch the most attention, so why get in on the action. Go to http://instantbannercreator.com/?rid=946. Get over there now and set up your free account.

Comment by Mix on January 21, 2009 at 3:37pm: Hello everyone and sorry I took some time off to start this new business; goto create540aday.com and let me know your thoughts and sign up if you want too as well. I will start checking in every now and then to look at your thoughts. Thank you And Happy New Year! Ron

Comment by Latwanuia on January 21, 2009 at 6:47am: I's great to have reliable business tools, and here is the reason why, they help you gain a higher success that will always keep you in the lead.

Here are my five free business tools: 1. Escape International, here you will find cruises at discounted prices, earn gas incentives, and earn money and much more, check it out for yourself at http://www.escapeinternational.com

2.Aisle 19, allows to shop and earn from every penny that you spend, over and over again, as many times as you like, there's no limit to how much you earn, so imagine earning and rewarding yourself and your business, to learn more go tohttp://www.thesecretofaisle19.com

3.E How, here you exercise your talents and what you are passionate about through writing articles, expressing yourself, in many different degrees, levels and angles, and for this you will get what your worth, you will be well paid, just for sharing your thoughts, to get started go to http://www.ehow.com

4.Bukisa, is another great company, that rates your writing and share you and your work with millions of people, you get the exposure that you need, your articles are also featured, plus you earn as you go along, what better way to enjoy your life, just by writing, so go ahead give it a shot at http://www.bukisa.com

5. I Bake Sale, lets you support your favorite organization and allow you to earn cash back, this will make a great for fundraiser, to join go to http://www.ibakesale.com

Here's To Our Future,
Latwanuia Henry

Comment by jim on January 21, 2009 at 6:25am: Thanks for the open office tip

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