MAKING THE Switch - incorporating technology into small businesses

Black Enterprise, Nov, 2001 by Paula Mccoy-Pinderhughes

After the buyout, the company launched an informational Website, www.wadefuneralhome.com, to help consumers in the preplanning and planning stages. Software for the funeral home industry has been installed on the in-house PC network, and an employee 401(k) plan has been introduced, along with health and insurance benefits. "Wade will distinguish itself as a leader in the African American funeral home industry and help to eradicate the fear of installing and implementing technology in small business," adds Cotton.

You Say You've Seen The Light: Online Resources

if you've decided to embrace technology by purchasing computers and using the Internet but are unsure about where to go for help, here are a few online resources to help you get started.

* The BDPA: IT Thought Leaders (www.bdpa.org) online journal provides current information on technology topics, product reviews, and information on emerging technologies in the IT arena. The association also sponsors a national conference on information technology. This year's conference was held in Chicago, August 15-19, the theme was "Empowering the Nation Through Information." and it offered workshops, seminars. and an expo.

* The Black Enterprise Website (www.blackentprise.com) offers business news and information to help you manage, market, and grow your company quickly and effectively. Get the latest information on SBA policies and keep up to date on news and issues that affect your business.

* CNET (www.cnet.com), "the source for computers and technology," offers product reviews, competitive prices for hardware, software, and networks, as well as technical news, Web services, Web building, tech trends, help, and how-to's.

* At ZDNet Small Business Channel (www.zdnet .com/smallbusiness) you can find answers to questions relating to setting up your business: whether to file as a corporation or not, tips on marketing your product to potential buyers, saving on technology by buying as part of a group, running your business totally online, and finance, accounting, and insurance information.