Free Business Tips

Many business owners go from idea to funding easily. They have it in their blood. That good old entrepreneurial spirit is there and ready to materialize products and concepts, but what about the administrative software to get you from concept to profit? That's why I am listing the top five software products that can help you go from concept and funding to streamlining your business and growing your profit margins!

** Note, I am NOT paid by any of these companies

1. ZenDesk.com is a great tool for maintaining your online reputation through a customer service platform!

2. Google Analytics is awesome because it is FREE! With this application you can find out how long people are staying on your site and see which pages are getting the most traction.

3. Microsoft Corporation This is great if you work from home and use Microsoft for your business, personal, and even the kid's homework needs.

4. SalesForce.com This is a great sales application and has everything you need to "grow revenue, boost productivity, and get visibility into your business."

5. AME Payroll This payroll software is great because you can use it for an unlimited number of businesses and it has an auto-setup wizard.

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett

Your Desk ..... A Vacation Spot?

If you're like me, you spend hours at your desk. Probably more time than you should! Well, if you are burning the midnight oil, know that taking a break is essential to your productivity. Working long hours without interruption actually can lead to more mistakes and less creativity.

When I get overwhelmed, I use one of the three factors below to help me relax at my desk and to take a mini-vacation.

1. YouTube. This is actually a great distraction. I use YouTube to find funny videos or watch a bank I love perform a favorite song live. Maybe I just spend a 1/2 hour browsing some of the website's most popular videos. Either way, YouTube is a great distraction and a way to fit in a mini-break.

2. Stretching. OK, you might have to shut the door for this one. Yes, stretching at your desk (or even doing Yoga) is a great way to unwind and feel as if you are somewhere else. You start to move your muscles and release dopamines and tension. If you can do stretches at your desk, do them. If you're in a place where the public can see you- try deep breathing exercises. These have the same impact.

3. Call a friend. Nothing says "I'm on break" like a personal phone call. But in reality, reaching out to a friend is a way to take a mental break from those long working hours. Even if you have to use Facebook or Twitter, reach out to friends to catch up quickly.

I'm not advocating you use work time to hang out on social media all day, but there are some benefits to using it for a half hour or less during long work days.

Happy Monday everyone,

Twyla Garrett