Amy's Daydream

Home Business Tools

It may sound complicated, but there are some great solutions out there to help you get started in setting up a home business. Most of them are pretty easy to setup.

If you already have high-speed Internet Access, like Cable Modem or DSL, then you can easily add a flat-rate long distance plan, 3-way calling, and e-mail to that service.

If you don't have internet access yet, call your local cable company to see what solutions they provide. If they can not provide service to your area, contact your phone company to see if DSL service is available in your area. Don't hesitate to call me if you want to get more information on how I am set up.

Flat-rate long distance plan and 3-way calling

I use and recommend Vonage. Vonage is a "voice over IP" solution that uses your high-speed internet connection to send and receive phone calls. You keep your same phones and in most cases...your same phone number. The plan I have is $24.99 a month for unlimited nationwide calling, voice mail, 3 way calling, and tons of other features like a cool website that lets you access your voice mail from any internet connection. I can even get my messages sent to my e-mail account. The really cool thing is that I am completely disconnected from SBC!!! Click on the following Vonage link or me a call if you want more information

Vonage

A phone or headset with a mute button

There are many solutions out there, but Radio Shack is your best bet. Most cordless phones have a small headset jack on the side. You can plug in an inexpensive headset in to this jack and you are ready to go. If you have any doubt...just take your cordless phone to Radio Shack...they can help. I strongly recommend you get a headset with a mute button. In my house...it's a must. Click on the following Radio Shack link or me a call if you want more information.

RadioShack homepage

Email to do this business over the Internet

You probable already have a personal e-mail address. I recommend that you get a business e-mail account as well. This will help you keep your personal and business communications separate. I have two e-mail addresses. One is for my personal stuff, the other is for business. But I use Microsoft Outlook to access e-mail for both accounts.

If you do not already have and e-mail account, I recommend Hotmail or MSN They have reliable servers, great SPAM blockers, and you can add features as your company grows. Click on the following MSN link or me a call if you want more information.

 

As always, don't hesitate to give me a call. I will be glad to tell you how I have my home office (my kitchen) set up.