Slashing Advertising Budgets does not Save Money

The shaky economic times have hit all business hard, both large and small. Budgetary cuts have become commonplace as businesses scramble to cut spending as quickly as they can. Many business people believe that people revert to a saving mentality during a recession and don’t spend their money on unnecessary items. This assumption often leads to large reductions in the advertising budget. However, this is a mistake. Even though consumers tend to be more frugal in hard economic times, they still spend money – money that a business will miss if it does not advertise.

Research has shown that companies that continually advertise during tight financial periods consistently perform better than those to do not. Therefore, it is more important to advertise during an economic slump than it is during a boom. This might seem to be counter-intuitive, but companies that employ aggressive ad campaigns during a recession tend to see their market shares increase 2 ½ times more than companies that do not. This is something to consider before making an erroneous decision to cancel an ad campaign to save money. Saving money is not earning money. To save money, use computer leasing.

Pantech UM175 Brings High Speed Wireless to Small Business

As modern technology allows businesses to move out of the office and into the field, the need for wireless connectivity becomes more important. However, businesses that are on a tight budget have often had to forego the luxury of wireless cards for the company’s laptops, forcing employees to search for a Wi-Fi hotspot or simply do without. The Pantech UM175 wireless modem may be the answer for these cash-strapped businesses.

The UM175 allows users to connect to Verizon’s nationwide 3G network and has a list price of $239.99, which is a fraction of the cost of most wireless cards. And not only does it connect to one of the most wide-reaching networks, it is also compatible with Windows XP, Vista, and Mac OS X, making it versatile as well as affordable even with laptop rentals.

If you need wireless connectivity on a budget, this may be the modem for you. After all, a lot can happen when you’re out in the field.

Large Laptops Serve as Desktop Replacements

Previously, laptop computers have been designed with portability in mind rather than performance. However, this trend is being reversed as businesses become more mobile and need the full capability of a desktop in a portable package. In response to this need, several computer manufacturers have begun developing large laptops that have the full capability and screen size of their desktop counterparts.

Apple’s PowerBook G4 was the first entry into this market and boasts a 17” screen, 1-GHz PowerPC G4 processor, 1GB of RAM running, and a 60GB hard drive. It is has been marketed as a desktop replacement model, but is still relatively portable with its 6.8 lbs. weight.

Not to be outdone, PC manufacturers Toshiba, Hewlett-Packard, and Hypersonic have all released large, powerful laptops. The Toshiba Satellite P25-S507 is capable of a screen resolution of 1440 x 990 and includes a 60GB hard drive and DVD burner. The Hewlett-Packard nx7000 has a resolution of 1680 x 1050 and has a 1.6-GHz Pentium M with the Centrino chip set. The Aviator ZX7 from Hypersonic is built to order with a 17” screen and plenty of other impressive parts under the hood.

If you are looking for a computer that will perform as well as a desktop and can be taken with you, one these super laptops should fit the bill nicely. You can also try laptop rentals before buying.

Renting During the Economic Crisis

It seems as though the economic crisis is on everyone’s mind and lips these days. And the news you hear can range from hopeful to downright apocalyptic. Even the effects of the $700 billion bailout on small businesses in uncertain. Some financial experts are saying that it will be the savior for small business while others say it will only make matters worse. With all this uncertainty in the air, it is time to make sure your business can survive, no matter what occurs.

If you are running a small business in these rocky economic times, you need to stay technologically up to date without exceeding what is sure to be an extremely tight budget. The best way to accomplish this seemingly contradictory objective is to rent your business computers. Renting computers allows you have the technology you need without the hefty price tag that usually comes with buying computers. Keep this in mind when making business-related financial decision.