More bang; for your less than a thousand bucks: 25 bargains that will make your business better

Entrepreneur, Feb, 2002 by Chris Penttila

Brotman suggests volunteering to speak in front of groups where you are a member. Also look for groups that have a speaker's bureau that will refer you when someone needs a presenter. Start by checking out The Speakers Bureau (www.speakersbureau.com), a Minneapolis organization that connects speakers with groups on a wide variety of speaking topics. "Generally, [speaking engagements] are inexpensive or free, and it doesn't take a tremendous amount of time to prepare for them," says Brotman. So get the word out that you mean business.

22 GO LOGO LOCO. Update your business image by investing in a new logo. It's not too expensive. "If you hire a graphic artist, they may charge anywhere from $200 to $400," Bishop says. Or try this cost-saving tip: Hire a graphic arts student. You pay less, and the student gets a work sample for his or her portfolio.

23 GET MORE WEB-SAVVY. A survey of 3,500 companies by Forrester Research last year revealed that 48 percent were already Web conferencing and 70 percent intended to be doing so by the end of 2002--a figure that may grow even more after September 11 with increased fears of traveling. "The trend has been there. But with the September 11 events, it's going to get a further boost," says Navi Radjou, a senior analyst for Forrester Research Inc. in Boston.

Look into options such as streaming video, a digital connection that lets you use your PC to see people and talk to them. It's cheaper than phone videoconferencing. First Virtual Communications' CUseeMe and Microsoft's Net-Meeting (Version 3 comes bundled with Windows 2000) are just two software options. CUseeMe's downloadable Version 5.0 is $39.99. Besides installing the software, you'll need a PC camera (most retail for under $90) and a fast Internet connection. Another point: Forrester estimates 46 percent of Fortune 500 companies are using instant messaging to communicate with clients and suppliers.

24 GET SUBSCRIPTION-BASED. Subscribe to magazines, trade publications, newspapers and Web sites that cover your industry. For a few hundred dollars a year, you'll learn what the competition is up to, what trends are on the horizon, and what conferences are taking place. Another benefit: These subscriptions are tax-deductible.

25 BE RESOURCEFUL. Free business resources abound online. The IBM Small Business Center (www.ibm.com/smallbusiness) offers free advice from small-business experts as well as articles and papers on technology. The SBA's Web site (www.sba.gov) has a plethora of free advice, including an online library where you can read up on rules and regulations and find out about loans. Another site run by the Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (www.entreworld.org) carries articles as well as advice on starting and growing your business. Entrepreneur.com is just a click away, too. So take advantage of these resources, and help your business blossom.

CHRIS PENTTILA is Entrepreneur's "Staff Smarts" columnist.