Resources Recommended by Rosemary

Online Tools & Useful Links

• PayPal is an affordable way to quickly start taking credit card payments for your business. Their online shopping cart is easy to implement for most do-it-yourself web designers and includes features not found in more expensive options. Last time I checked, there were no base fees and they take 3% of your sales. This is competitive with most credit card processing companies.
  
• Google Checkout is a similar system.
  
  
• I no longer recommend Blue Host for hosting for a number of reasons related to poor communication and disregard for the customer. I will let you know when I find a better alternative.
• Too busy to do Constant Contact AND run your business?
  Or do you just need help getting started?
  There's no need to miss out!
  Check out Hand Spun Digital's Constant Contact Starter Package and other email campaign support services.
  Hand Spun Digital is a Constant Contact Business Partner.
  
  
  Trusted Email Marketing
  and Online Surveys
  
  Constant Contact Benefits:
  • Collects site visitor email addresses and interests
  • Imports in-house permission-based email addresses
  • Creates and sends great-looking email newsletters and promotions in minutes
  • Manages your list and tracks and reports your results automatically
  • No technical expertise is necessary
  
  Constant Contact Features:
  • Wizard guides you through campaign creation
  • Over 100 ready-to-use templates - newsletters, seasonal/holiday promotions, company updates and more!
  • CAN-SPAM compliant
  • Automatic email formatting and delivery (HTML and Text)
  • Automatic list management and instant results reporting
  
  Constant Contact was designed to meet the needs of small businesses -- it's easy-to-use and affordable.
  Try it FREE for 60 Days!
  
  
  
• WordPress is a great resource for getting started with your own blog. Great features and functionality for the novice and advanced user.
  
  
• FreeConference.com is a great tool for connecting with business partners long distance. This excellent service is free in the basic version. Each caller pays for their own long distance. The invitation and scheduling across time zones is fabulous.
  

• IRS: Small Business and Self-Employed One-Stop Resource
  This section provides information such as a checklist for a new business and selecting a business structure. Learn about operating a business with employees, deductions and credits, recordkeeping and accounting methods. Additional resources include the Small Business Tax Calendar, Tax Topics for Businesses, and Frequently Asked Questions. Basically everything you need to know to stay in good standing with Uncle Sam.
  
  IRS: Small Business Products Online Ordering
  You can get this info by going to a workshop about business taxes or order the latest guides and calendars right here online.
  
  

Useful Links for Fun and Profit

• Business Info Guide shares valuable resources and industry information. Lots of stuff here. Wander around and see what fits for you.
  
  
• "Eat Drink Dream" for Inspired Entrepreneurs is a regular Twin Cities gathering, hosted by Alice Barry of Entertaining the Idea, Inc. Eat Drink Dream is an energizing and inspiring experience for entrepreneurs.
  
  
• May You Be Blessed This is a wonderful slide presentation with words and music, designed to remind you who you really are. It was created by Kate Nowak.
  
  
• Play with the Singing Horses This flash file from some great animators in Europe has been around for a while and is an old favorite of mine. Click each horse to start and stop their singing. You can create your own music. Be a conductor and rearrange the sounds. Have some fun and get inspired.