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Office Software -- Basically, there is one choice: Microsoft. If you are going to buy a Microsoft product, buy Office 2000. This product allows you to create word documents, input and manage contacts, develop spread sheets, send e-mail and send mass mailings.
Business Plan Software -- I am a big believer in planning before you start a business, and there are a variety of software packages that will help you write your business plan. The two best products on the market are Plan Write, developed by Nova Development (www.novadevelopment.com), and Business Plan Pro, developed by Palo Alto (www.paloalto.com). These two pieces of software will help you focus on what you need to do and need to think about to succeed.
Productivity Software -- Elibrium, a software company in California (www.elibrium.com), has developed a variety of standalone products that allow the user to create business cards, stationary, newsletters, labels, mailing lists and graphics software. There are other productivity software tools, but what I like about this company's products is you can buy what you need and not have your computer freeze up because of unnecessary and extraneous computer codes hogging up space on your hard drive.
Security Software -- I think everyone knows Symantec's Norton Utilities (www.symantec.com), which happens to be my personal favorite, and McAfee's Virus Scan Online (www.mcafee.com).
Special Software -- Symantec's PC Anywhere is a great tool, because it allows you to grab documents off of the hard drive of your desktop computer. I have been in meetings in foreign countries where this product has been a life saver.
Financial Software -- The two best accounting software packages for managing your business' finances are Quick Books (www.quickbooks.com), developed by Intuit, and One-Write, developed by Peach Tree (www.peachtree.com). I have been using One-Write for six years, but I would encourage anyone to use Quick Books, because Intuit has tax software called Turbo Tax that will download your information from your accounting software.
With all of the downsizing, rightsizing and bankruptcies, now is the time to take control of your life and start your own business. I believe there is nothing better than working at home. I love knowing that I can sit around in my sweats, or even pajamas, and make money.
Marc Kramer, author of the books "Power Networking," "Small Business Turnaround" and "Financing & Building an E-Commerce Venture," is president of Kramer Communications, an Internet marketing, sales and communications firm. Write him at 519 Baintree Run, Suite 102, Downingtown, PA 19335, call 610-873-6978, or e-mail him at Marc@kramercommunications.com.
