Okay, I have to come clean.  I’m partial to the laptop. 

Two years ago, we purchased the laptop for my husband to use while he’s mobile.  That never really happened, so we’ve had two home computers, the desktop and the laptop.  I’ve remained fairly partial to my trusty desktop until it’s recent virus. 

I’ve used the laptop for a few weeks now.  Saturday, my two-year-old decided to see what would happen when his fruit drink was poured into the expensive “toy”.  The hard drive is fried.  So, until we locate the system setup disc, we’re back to the desktop.  And I am realizing how much I took advantage of the convenience of my laptop friend!  Here I sit, facing the wall, working…while my husband is watching television, and talking on the phone.  I feel like I’m in time out!  At one point during our solitary laptop use, I was working in the passenger seat of the car while my husband was driving! 

So, while my desktop remains my friend (my only one right now), I do see myself converting sometime in the near future.  It’s all about the convenience.  And I miss it!

Photo by Arbron via Flickr Creative Commons.

Perhaps the reason I still have my very UNcomplicated cheapo flip phone!!!

Photo by Mingo.nl via Flickr Creative Commons.

Not that I’d pay $200 for a pen anyway…

Did you know that your computer mouse can become “infected” with the same virus that “sickens” your computer?  I found out the hard way.  Last week our desktop acquired a virus, and we have been unable to use the computer since.  As a favor, since I’m not at all fond of the “schmancy” mouse my husband purchased for the laptop, he took the mouse from the desktop and traded them out.  Little did we know we were giving our laptop the virus! 

 I was stunned when my friend Kathy  wouldn’t use her mouse to fix my laptop because she didn’t want it to get “infected”.  Immediately it clicked (no pun intended) that we had spread the virus ourselves! Evidently, since they operate under the same system, they contract the same viruses.  WHO KNEW???  Okay, maybe many of you…but I’ve mentioned my tidbit of knowledge of the day to several people who had no idea! 

So, the next time your computer gets a virus, put it and it’s mouse in quarantine…or you may start an epidemic! 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pasukaru76/3608025579/

Photo by I Don’t Know, Maybe via Flickr Creative Commons.

Yesterday I claimed business cards as one of my favorite marketing tools.  Today I expand my list of favorites.  I am really a big fan of what I like to call “favors”.  Similar to party favors given away at a party, these are those little “goodies” that you pick up free at fairs, parades, community gatherings, etc.  Now, there are all kinds, and definitely some are most useful than others.  My favorite favors include, but are not limited to, pens and pencils, magnets, post-its, clips, and rulers. 

All of these tools can be used everyday, therefore allowing exposure of your company name.  And since they can be used everyday, and someone has taken the time to pick them up from you, they are usually less likey to throw them away.  In the same way as the business cards, they’re a convenient go-to tool when a need arises. 

 What’s the down side?  Sometimes they can get pricey.  They vary in color, size, weight, etc., and the prices reflect those differences.  I’ve found pens that cost over $10 each.  So, you have to choose carefully and plan for the purpose of each.  For instance, basic, one color magnets are very reasonable.  Consider purchasing these as handouts at an event, along with some inexpensive pencils and pens.  Purchase a few of the higher quality pens or desk tools for those customers you see often.  For instance, we have an awesome insurance company that has given us countless referrals.  They get the good stuff! 

So, when considering your marketing tools, whether they are simple business cards, “favors”, or full-page ads in the phone book, remember to consider their purpose and their audience.  Think about how each will be used and it’s “shelf life”.  Be careful about the decisions you make, but remember to always show appreciation to those who help or have helped grow your business.  They ARE your best marketing tool!

Photo by steakpinball via Flickr Creative Commons.

Photo by asian186 via Flickr Creative Commons.

One of the hardest things about working from home is the fact that there are so many distractions. And, of course, no matter where you work, your computer is an endless source of distractions. You can help cut down on distractions when working from home if you try to have a set time to work (preferably when the kids are at school or down for a nap), and by having a dedicated space for your home office.

But what can you do about distractions on your computer? Freelance Folder offers some insight into freelance writing tools that can help you increase your productivity, many of them by making adjustments to your screen so that you can only see what you are typing, or that limits you to accessing one application at a time.

1. WriteMonkey (Windows)
2. WriteRoom (Mac)
3. Dark Room (Windows)
4. Think (Mac)

You can also use something called RescueTime that tracks the type of web browsing that you do, logging your visits and helping you pinpoint the biggest time wasters. Then you can focus for a certain amount of time, while RescueTime blocks out the distracting sites.

These are interesting productivity tools, and they can help your reduce distractions and get more done.

If you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to increase your productivity when it comes to your home business. The good news is that there are plenty of technological boosts that can help you improve your productivity. Wisebread offers these suggestions to technology that can help you look for better productivity in the new year:

1. Snag It: This helps you keep track of media in which your business is mentioned.

2. Wireless all-in-one printers: Print from any device with a wireless printer. Make it all-in-one, and you can copy and fax as well.

3. Social Oomph: Boost your Twitter presence by scheduling tweets, tracking, URL shortening and other features.

4. FreshBooks: Manage invoices and billing with FreshBooks. You can integrate FreshBooks into your system, and use the professional looking presentation to sharpen your image.

5. picnik: This helps you turn your photos and other graphics into attractive buttons, avatars and profile pictures.

6. Future Email Services: There are email services that will send you emails to yourself at a future date. If you want a reminder delivered on time, schedule it to be sent when you need it, and you can see it when it does you the most good.

7. Power Pack: Energizer makes a light, easy to carry power pack to recharge your cell phone. This can help you avoid the problems that come with a dying cell phone.

Some of the items on this list can be costly, and some of them, like Snag It and Social Oomph, seem a little superfluous. I find that the printer, FreshBooks and power pack appear to be the most useful items for home business productivity. If you are looking for some ways to boost productivity and you aren’t sure where to start, these ideas can help.

Good luck to your home business in the new year!