Now that the new year is here, it is a good time to evaluate what new tools you can use to help your business succeed. Here are some of my favorites that I wouldn't be without.

Graphics and Photos

Graphics can really spice up your web site and professionalism. There are a few tools that I use to help with my various sites. These include:

• Snagit from Techsmith - This is top on my list for "must have" programs. Besides allowing very easy screen captures, you can also edit them, capture short video screen captures etc. For $39.95 it is a real bargain.
• Camtasia Studio - The big brother to Snagit, Camtasia lets you record and edit online video screen captures. This is a great tool for websites whether you want to create a demo of how to use something on your site or you wish to create bonus downloadable videos.
• istockphoto.com - This site has quickly earned its spot as my favorite place to find web site graphics. For as little as .50 cents a royalty free photo, it is really hard to go wrong. A very nice plus is that the site is growing every day.





Productivity Tools

• Macroexpress - This fantastic Macro program saves me time every single day. With a few key strokes I can have the program perform many functions or type out common replies as I run my businesses. If you find yourself repeating steps or typing the same information over repeatedly, you really need to check out this fantastic program.
• New Laptop - I recently bought an Averatec laptop such as this one. I'm quite happy with the speed, performance and the built in wireless modem. I actually bought the next model up from the one at the link above but it was a special offer at the time. It is very light and small. A great laptop for the road.
• AT&T Wireless Edge card - As I talked about in this article, I now enjoy wireless internet on the road. Not just wireless hotspots but true wireless internet, even in my car. This has been a great addition to my aresenal of business tools making me much more productive.
• Membergate software - Whether you want your own subscription web site or just a turn key, content management system... you can't go wrong with Membergate. You can read about my experiences with it here.

There you have it. Those are some of my must have tools that I wouldn't be without. A great thing about it is that these can all be written off as tax deductions for my business. Check with your tax professional for your own circumstances of course.

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