5 Products Your Business Might Not Be Able to Live Without

We know how it is; every business magazine you pick up has a long list of programs and services that will send your small business straight to the Forbes 500. Most of these items are simply not necessary enough to justify a place in a limited small business owner’s budget. However, the following five products are useful enough that you might just want to invest in them. Here are five products that may pay for themselves in increased productivity and products.

1. The Tablet PC.

   While you certainly have lived without tablet PC’s in the past, an expanded range of functions as well as a lower price tag may make these the next must-have business accessory. Whether you choose the feather-light Apple iPad or the new Samsung Galaxy Tab, you will likely find that the ability to perform PC activities with cell phone portability is a win-win situation that gives you the edge you need.

2. Google Apps.

   Forget about Microsoft Office for a moment and consider this new office productivity package, which offers the ingenuity we expect from Google with all the functions you need to get maximum usage from your PC. This suite is cloud-based, an innovation that you cannot properly enjoy without experiencing it. Cloud-based software means that you can connect a variety of different programs and devices, while superior security will protect you and your valuable information from phishing and malicious software.

3. Share and Sync Software.

   This technology allows you to upload files and share them with other approved users, keeping everyone on the same page while making it easy for multiple people to work on the same file. There are several online services offering this, but the most popular are Dropbox, which is free up to 2 GB of storage, and Drobo, which is easier to set up and compatible with Mac’s. Both are ideal for small businesses and the price is definitely right!

4. Portable Projectors.

   If you have ever needed to make a presentation at a moment’s notice, you will appreciate the convenience offered by a portable projector. These can connect to a variety of devices, usually including smartphones and laptops. They can be bought in a variety of screen sizes with different features, so be sure to shop around and see which is best for you.

5. The Smartphone.

   If you haven’t made the switch to smartphone technology, you are behind the curve. Once you have one, you will never be quite sure how you ever lived without it. The latest ones offer not just mobile service, fun apps, and a camera, but new features such as video conferencing. Whether you choose iPhone or Android is up to you; both offer different but equally interesting programs and apps for the savvy small business owner. Being able to run your business from your car or your kid’s PTA meeting will make this an investment that you never regret.

Certainly you could make do without any one of these items, but it just might put you at a disadvantage. Look into these purchases to see if they are right for you and your business.