Small Business Tips from Someone Who’s Been There

As a small business owner you've probably encountered dozens of people who say “Why aren’t you doing this?” or “You should try that.” Unfortunately, most of these pointers come from people who don’t have any experience starting or running a company. With this in mind, I would like to share some advice with you, one entrepreneur to another.

Startup Costs: Human nature causes us to think too big too soon. Startup costs for my company, Wasatch Software, were somewhere around $100 (website and business licenses), and overhead for the first several months was about the same. Here are some key categories that you might be tempted to overspend in:

• Technology: Opt for the $500 computer system instead of the beefed-up machine. Take advantage of inexpensive VOIP phone services.
• Office Space: Yes, it would be nice to have a plush office with expensive furniture right away. However, these things are not necessities and should be viewed as earned rewards as your business becomes profitable. Consider working from home until you can afford something better.
• Marketing: Concentrate on using time and effort in place of capital:
  ***Web Advertising: blogs, directories, forums, and organic search
  ***Networking: chamber of commerce membership (go to the meetings), friends and family, hand out plenty of business cards
  ***The Not So Fun Stuff: cold calls, outside sales

As you begin you are vulnerable to mistakes. Wouldn’t it be nice to make these without losing too much money? Try not to use business loans or personal cash if you can avoid it.

Be Patient and Persevere: Giving up may be the only thing that causes businesses to fail more than money. We all dream of being millionaires within a year of launching an enterprise, but it is more likely that you won’t start making money for several months, or even longer. Work a second job until your business can support you. Put in long hours for your own company after you are done 'working for the man' each day. Remember that the ability to keep going is what separates the winners from the losers.

Use Free Resources: There are many free resources at our disposal that go unused all too often. You can teach yourself almost everything you need to know by using resources that cost nothing at all:

• The Internet: Almost anything you need information about can be found online. Use the web to learn about building and marketing websites. Search for information on business finances, or anything else you need to know.
• Free Counseling: Seek out organizations like SCORE in your area and use them. You can visit with counselors for free about any business topic. You may also know other entrepreneurs. Most of them are more than willing to share their experience and expertise with you.
• Media: Watch shows like Small Business School and take advantage of podcasts. Also, read the newspaper, magazines, and books related to business and your industry.

Keep the Cash: You just made your first big sale! If you’re like me, you thought this was just the tip of the iceberg. Instead of spending the money or treating it as personal income, keep it in the company until you know this type of income can be earned consistently. Better yet, use the money to grow the business. Besides, you are trying to build something that can provide security for a lifetime, not a few moments.

Prioritize Your Effort: Take care that you spend your time on important tasks rather than details. I recall a personal instance that is especially applicable. I purchased a solution that contained many features our website needed. In the end, most of my time was spent configuring this add-on (adding/changing products, etc.) and more important tasks like marketing were ignored. My company has since switched to a solution that requires very little maintenance. This allows us to focus on bringing in revenue instead of a completing a less important task that could be done easier another way.

Hire Help Only as Needed: Take on employees only when two requirements are met:

1. You are way to busy to handle all of your customers and also administer the business properly. There is no need to bring on more help (and thus give away your money) if you can handle the amount of business you currently have.
   
2. Your profits over a period of time are enough (or close to enough) to sustain the increased expenses that a new employee will bring. Don’t hire an employee with the thought that they will suddenly make your company more profitable. They probably won't.

Wasatch Software has achieved millions in revenue over the past few years, and your company can too! Just know that effort and perseverance are your keys to the freedoms a successful small business can bring!

Websites for Promoting your Local Business

I came across an article that you small business owners out there might be interested in. It details a number of sites (15, in fact) that you can use to promote your small business. Some of these are sites that mainly offer classified ads, while others are directories that you allow potential clients to find you through a category search. Either way, this is a great way to promote your local business no matter where you are!

Opinion: Apple vs. Microsoft

A battle that has raged on for decades appears to be stronger than ever! This rivalry between technology giants has been rekindled with new commercials from Apple, and the release of Windows Vista by Microsoft. Sure, Macintosh systems offer a high level of reliability and are surely a 'best bet' for users with an artistic flair. On the other hand, Microsoft Windows systems are best known for their user-friendly nature and also for a versatility which allows users to select different hardware and software configurations that meet their own computing needs.

Surprisingly, this ongoing battle may be less about the quality of products and more about business models. Macintosh has opted to do just about everything for their systems in house. This rigid business model inhibits consultants, resellers, and others from promoting a very quality product.

Microsoft, on the other hand, has opted to offer its products through channel partners (like Wasatch Software), retailers, and distributors on a very wide scale. What is the result? Huge computer manufacturers like Dell, HP and Gateway ultimately prop up Microsoft and even indirectly market Microsoft's products. The same can be said for the thousands of other smaller system builders, resellers and consultants that exist (in whole or in part) simply because of Microsoft.

When these methods of delivery and marketing are compared, it is no wonder that Microsoft has clearly come out on top over the years, an should continue to dominate for many more.

Opinion: Microsoft Software Assurance

Yes, Software Assurance is great! When kept current it provides a simple way for Microsoft volume license customers to make sure they always have the rights to the latest versions and new releases. Additionally, Microsoft has come a long way in offering additional benefits to Software Assurance customers, including eLearning, support, and even the rights to products they otherwise couldn't use (Windows Vista Enterprise). With this said, should Microsoft commit to a few things for its loyal SA customers?

• New versions in a timely manner: Customers are paying around 25% of the license cost per year for Software Assurance. If a new version would surely be released every 3 to 4 years the math would work out in the customer's favor. However, in the case of some recent products (like SQL Server and even Windows Pro) there were 4 or 5 years between new releases. This makes SA all about timing. Should an Open License or Select Agreement customer buy coverage just after a new version has been released? Probably not, unless you highly value the training and support benefits that become available to you.


• Additional benefits or lower cost: In actuality, most Software Assurance benefits will go unused by the customer. Perhaps Microsoft should consider lowering the cost of SA, or begin offering highly useful benefits like 100% free phone support without limitations. Currently, Open License customers must purchase $20K+ to earn a single phone support incident. If MS would consider lowering the cost, resellers like Wasatch Software would certainly sell more SA, and total sales for Microsoft would surely rise.

No matter how you look at it, Microsoft makes the mose user friendly and productive software. Hopefully their volume licensing programs continue to improve... in the customer's favor!

Computer Hardware Shop

5 years ago Wasatch Software was launched to provide you with software products. Thanks to our wonderful customers and employees, we are now a full-fledged IT products reseller that not only offers software, but also computer systems, hardware and accessories. All of this is designed to provide you with a single source for your IT needs that offers just about everything at lower prices than the national office supply chain in your local shopping center. Here are a few examples of items you can take advantage of:

• HP Ink Cartridges (Among Others)
• External Hard Drives
• Lenovo Laptops (Among Others)
• Wireless Routers

With half a million products from over 500 manufacturers, Wasatch Software surely lives up to its company slogan: "Find I.T. Here!". Contact our experts today with the needs of your home or business!

Microsoft Exchange Server 2007

Are you confused by Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 licensing and features? You are not alone! Here's a quick run down which covers many of the questions our customers have asked since the January 2007 release:

• Licensing Model: An Exchange Server license is required for each operating system environment running Exchange Server. A CAL is required for each user or device accessing Exchange Server.


• Exchange Server Licenses/Features: You can select between Exchange Standard or Exchange Enterprise. While both editions offer unlimited software storage (dependent on hardware) and local continuous replication, only Exchange Server 2007 Enterprise allows cluster continuous replication and single copy clusters. In addition, Exchange Standard supports only 5 storage groups and 5 databases, while the Enterprise Edition allows for 50 of each.


• Exchange CAL Basics: CALs can be purchased on a 'per user' or 'per device' basis. Please note the CALs are issued on a permanent basis, not concurrently. A CAL is required for each user or device that accesses the server. If you aren't sure which is more beneficial for you, compare your total number of users and devices and go with the lower number.


• Standard CAL vs. Enterprise CAL: An Exchange Standard CAL is the base CAL, which gives you rights to e-mail, shared calendaring, and Outlook Web Access (OWA). You can choose to add-on to each Standard CAL by purchasing the Enterprise CAL. The Enterprise CAL offers rights to unified messaging, list journaling, managed e-mail folders, Exchange hosted filtering, and Forefront Security for Exchange Server.


• Licensing Changes: Unlike prior versions, devices and users who have an Exchange CAL are not automatically granted rights to use MS Outlook. With Exchange 2007, only those who had active Software Assurance coverage as of November 30, 2006 have this right (thanks for the forewarning Microsoft). There are more details to this, but I won't bore you with them as most people do not have SA coverage on Exchange.

I hope this brief run down has been helpful. Naturally, there are numerous caveats that I haven't covered. Please feel free to contact our experts or post a response if you would like more information or clarification.

Eset NOD32 Enterprise Edition Antivirus

'Award Winning', 'Smallest Footprint', 'Fastest Performance', and 'Best Protection' are just a few of the adjectives that experts are using to describe NOD32 Enterprise Edition from Eset. NOD32 is a security solution that provides top of the line antivirus and antispyware protection, among other features. You can always contact us to get information on Eset's products, or to request a quote or free trial of NOD32 Enterprise Edition.

The fact is that I have yet to talk to someone that has even had a minimal infection or problem after implementing NOD32. Has anyone out there had experience with this product? We look forward to your post...

Trend Micro is HOT!!!

Wow! Trend Micro licensing has been sizzling lately. Symantec and other certainly offer solid solutions, but many of their users are switching over to Trend Micro due to recent good press, channel rewards, discounts and promotions, and other factors. Here's a run down of the hottest solutions for our top vertical markets:

1-50 systems (no servers): Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security
5-249 (windows servers, no mail server): Trend Micro Client/Server Security SMB
5-249 (windows and mail servers): Trend Micro Client/Server/Messaging Security SMB

Trend Micro's Antispyware SMB is now bundled into each of these solutions at no additional cost. You can also ask us about Trend Micro's options for larger customers, or those with specific security needs. Our experienced agents look forward to hearing from you soon!

Microsoft Select Agreements

Microsoft Select Agreements are the best way for an organization with over 250 systems to obtain software licensing on a pay-as-you-go basis. Has your company outgrown licensing programs designed for companies with 5-249 systems (i.e. Open License, Open Volume, Open Value)? Contact us today for a free quote or license consultation on how a Select Agreement can save you money, while still allowing you to purchase only the licenses you need when you need them.

Another benefit of Select licensing is that Software Assurance is not required, and can be purchased only when it is beneficial to you. Our Microsoft licensing experts look forward to hearing from you!

Windows Vista Upgrade Eligibility (Volume License)

You may have wondered what operating systems qualify for a Windows Vista Upgrade through the many volume licensing programs, such as Microsoft Open License. The answer is hidden deep in Microsoft's Product List (Page 30). We've taken the liberty of posting the pertinent excerpts on our website:

• Windows Vista Upgrade Eligibility

This page includes an easy to understand chart followed by licensing caviats, including your rights to Windows Vista Enterprise and Ultimate. Let us know if you have any questions or comments, or if you need a quote. Thanks!

Sell Your Used Microsoft Open License Agreements

Did you know you can sell your Microsoft Open License Agreements that aren't being used? While the majority of Wasatch Software's business involves offering you new license agreements, we do offer a service to our customers that allows the te recoup some of the investment in software licensing that would otherwise go to waste.

How it works:

1- You tell us what you would like to sell
2- We locate a buyer who needs the software in your Open License agreement
3- We do all the paperwork and send it to you and the buyer for signature
4- We perform the transfer procedure with Microsoft
5- We send you a check for your unused software

You can sell your agreement, or look at Open License agreements for sale. Let us know your thoughts, or contact our 'Microsoft Sale' team today for more information!

Microsoft Open License

I often speak with individuals who aren't familiar with Microsoft Open License and all of its particulars. With all the options out there, who can blame them? Here are some simple explanations to oft asked questions:

1- It takes just 5 licenses to get started. You can even mix and match different products (i.e. [3] Office Standard and [2] SQL Server CALs will meet the minimum).

2- In addition to purchasing the licensing, you'll also need* to purchase a media kit for each product so you can install the software. You can use the same media kit for all installations.

*Note: recent releases such as Vista, Office 2007, and Exchange 2007 offer free downloads. Media for these products is still available upon request.

3- Only upgrades are offered for Windows Vista Business, while adding Software Assurance gives you the rights to Vista Enterprise. Microsoft does require that you have a previous operating system to upgrade from. This is likely because they want to see computers delivered with an OEM version of Windows already installed. All other products under the volume program offer full versions.

4- Software Assurance offers 2 years of upgrades (3 for Open Value). When you cover a license with Software Assurance you automatically have the rights to a new version when it's released. Software Assurance also gives you certain support and training rights.

Let me know if you have any questions on this or any issue. Thanks for your time!

Microsoft Academic Software Licenses

It's about the time of year when schools are balancing technology and software costs against available funds in their budgets. Thankfully, we offer solutions that can help. By offering low cost software at an academic discount, schools can meet their computer software needs without blowing their budget. We can also offer payment terms that are very helpful in stretching payments out. Have a great day!

Buy Software Licenses Online

I just wanted to share some of the great features of our software license configurator with our potential clients and peers. The online tool allows you to buy software licenses quickly and easily. The biggest downfall of the tool is that you have to register to see pricing, but this is very typical. I am sure that the pricing will be very pleasing once you are registered. Volume discounts are available for business, academic and government users for Microsoft, Symantec, Trend Micro and Computer Associates software. Also, should you experience any issues with the tool, you can call and talk with one of our service agents. Let us know if you have any questions or suggestions on improving our service to you.

Trend Micro Software

There's a new line of AntiVirus and AntiSpyware software that not many know about. For years, Symantec (aka Norton) has ruled the industry. Now, Trend Micro seems to be gaining foothold with products like PC-cillin Internet Security and Client/Server SMB. They also offer a full line of AntiVirus, AntiSpam, and AntiSpyware software for large corporations and academic institutions. Give us a call (888-275-8850) and we'll take care of any questions you might have.

Microsoft Open License and Software Assurance

I just wanted to remind everyone about the benefits that software assurance can bring to your Microsoft Open License agreement. In addition to 2 years of free upgrades (3 with Microsoft Open Value) you also receive technical support, training and other benefits. You can also add Software Assurance to retail and OEM software within 90 days of purchase. We are proud to offer discounted rates, so give us a call at 888-275-8850 or buy software licenses online.

Open License for Charity, Business, Education and Government

The Microsoft Open License program is the best way for your organization to save on volume software purchases. With as few as 5 licenses, you can save big on all orders. Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Vista Business, Office 2007 and SQL Server 2005 are just a few of the products available to you. Call 888-275-8850 to get started today!

Microsoft Open License is Easy!

The Microsoft Open License program is the easiest way to buy software licenses. There are many benefits in addition to volume discounts:
You will never lose your licenses because they are stored on a secure microsoft website
You can use the same disc and product key to perform all installations
You can 'ghost' or image the software and don't have to worry about activation
Licenses and media kits are provided in under 3 business days
When you add software assurance to your licenses, you get 2 years of upgrade coverage, as well as support and training options
With benefits like this, and because we gaurantee the lowest software prices, you can't lose with Microsoft Open License. Sign-in to our software license configurator or call 888-275-8850 to get started!

Adobe Academic Reseller

Don't forget to take advantage of great deals on Adobe software for education customers, including Acrobat, PhotoShop and Creative Suite:

Students and Teachers
Schools, Colleges and more!

You can also request a quote and get free software license consulting!

Microsoft Open License Tips

Here is an overview of the Microsoft volume license programs, including Microsoft Open License. I hope it is helpful. If there is something you would like us to cover, please let us know by replying to this post. Have a great day!

Software Assurance

Software Assurance can be taken advantage of on OEM and retail software, too! You have 90 days after the purchase of Microsoft retail and OEM licenses to add software assurance to it. What are the benefits of Software Assurance? 2 years of upgrade protection as well as some support and training options.

What do you think of Software Assurance? Post your opinions or questions today!