Small Business Blog from Microsoft

If it looks too good to be true..... it’s probably fake

Microsoft Small Business — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:03:00 GMT

We’re talking software here of course. Piracy is a constant problem – not just for Microsoft but for all our legitimate partners who not only have to compete honestly in a tough market but also fight the rip-off merchants. A recent thread on avforums highlights this with yet another example of someone who thought they’d got the real thing – Office 2007 - for a great price, but then discovered they’d bought fake. Thankfully they reported it to us and have received a genuine copy, and expect a refund from their credit card company.

With genuine software:

· You can get help when you need it. With genuine Windows, you can count on Microsoft and its partners for support. Genuine Windows also includes all the available documentation like quick-start guides and owner's manuals to help you get the most from your computer. Who stands behind counterfeit Windows? No one that you can trust.

· You get the most from your PC. Only genuine Windows users receive exclusive access to all optional updates and downloads from Microsoft. There are also other benefits, such as offers and promotions available only to genuine Windows users.

Validation is particularly important right now, if you’re considering an upgrade to Windows 7. You’ll need a genuine copy of a qualifying operating system in order to upgrade. To check that your software is genuine, or to report any instances of suspected piracy, please visit the Get Genuine website.

And if you’re looking for genuine offers on Windows 7 and maybe a PC too - take a look here.

Free tickets for Business StartUp

Microsoft Small Business — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:43:00 GMT

Business StartUp takes place at Olympia, London 26-27 November. If you’re thinking about starting up a business or growing your existing business it could be worth a visit. Tickets are free, and you can order them here .

Activities include the Midas Touch – your chance to come face-to-face with a panel of potential investors to pitch your business plan; Speed networking – matching you with other astute business minds; and One-to-Ones with expert advisors.

New tips & tricks articles on the Microsoft Small Business website

Microsoft Small Business — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:47:00 GMT

We’ve got a great crop of new business articles on the Small Business website:

Worth a look!

Chartered accountants practice save time and money with Windows 7

Microsoft Small Business — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:35:00 GMT

Hexus TV was at the Windows 7 launch last week and filmed two short videos on how Microsoft’s new operating system can help small businesses. Robert Epstein, Head of SMB Sales & Marketing for Microsoft UK talks about some of the new features and explains how they can make a positive difference to working practices, and in the second video, Harry Bouchier, from a small business chartered accountants practice in Ashwell, Derbyshire, talks about his experiences of Windows 7 since he began beta testing in April. He has some concrete examples of how and where Windows 7 has saved them time and money and provided real productivity gains. Both videos are under 4 minutes duration – and since Harry reckons he’s saved two months’ work through Windows 7 it could be 8 minutes well spent...

Get more out of Microsoft Office with Office Live Workspace

Microsoft Small Business — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:24:00 GMT

Guest blog from Tim Kimber, UK Office Live Lead & OfficeLiveGuy

Without a doubt, Office Live Workspace on it’s own can be a very powerful tool, the 5GB of free storage space is ideal for backing-up important files. The ability to preview Office documents in a browser allows full fidelity viewing of those files from any internet connected computer, even if Microsoft Office is not installed. This can be very useful for viewing content whilst travelling for business or pleasure, reducing the need to carry a laptop everywhere.

However, Office Live Workspace really comes to life when the add-in for Office is installed. This small download facilitates the opening, editing and saving of documents directly from Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The add-in works with Office 2007, 2003 and XP, effectively utilising Office Live Workspace as an extra 5GB of disk space that is accessible from anywhere, with the ability to invite others in to view and comment on files.

Office Live Workspace is being used by all sorts of businesses; here are a few real-life examples :

· Wedding planners – all the project files are produced on a PC and saved to a Workspace, which is then used collaborate with others involved in the wedding organisation.

· Travel company – a custom holiday is designed with all the documents stored centrally in a Workspace and kept updated for relevant parties to see.

· Rugby club avoids the need to email around lots of attachments by uploading them into a Workspace and sending out a pointer after each meeting.

· External supplier to a small business sets up a WorkSpace to store contracts, invoices, parts lists, minutes of meetings, and so on, reducing email traffic and maintaining an audit trail.

· Charitable organisations use Workspaces to store minutes of meetings, lists of donors, plan future events, store materials used to promote the charity.

Windows Home Server for small businesses

Microsoft Small Business — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:07:00 GMT

Spotted this great blog post from Cullen IT Consultancy on Windows Home Server for small businesses and had to point it out.

“Windows Home Server has been around for a couple of years now, and while it is seen by many as something of a niche product, it is often overlooked as a solution that is of use to home consumers only. Naturally this is hardly surprising given that WHS has the stigma of the word 'Home' in its name, but when looking at its features it is perfectly suited for a small business that isn’t looking to upgrade to full server product such as Small Business Server.”

Take a look at the Cullen IT website and you can read the article in full.

Cullen IT is a Microsoft Small Business Specialist, which means they have specific knowledge and training on Microsoft products, and on the business needs of small organisations. You can search for other Microsoft partners, or for Microsoft products and services with our Pinpoint tool.

Windows 7 - works the way you want

Microsoft Small Business — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:27:00 GMT

It's here! And now everyone can get their hands on our new OS. Building on feedback from a billion data sessions, Windows 7 is much more than a collection of new features, it delivers what consumers want, which is technology that makes their lives easier. There's been a great reception to Windows 7 amongst the press and users and according to the BBC, more than 500 people queued outside PC World in central London last night to be the first to get a copy when the store opened at midnight.

You can learn more about the features and benefits of Windows 7 - and download (no waiting for the post....) a copy today - from our new Windows 7 site.

Windows 7 – Case studies, business guides and 7-second videos!

Microsoft Small Business — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:19:00 GMT

Today sees the press launch of Windows 7 in readiness for general availability tomorrow – some stores are opening and midnight tonight so keen PC users can get their hands on this great new operating system as soon as poss. We’ve got some great case studies, plus more details on how Windows 7 can help you achieve more – take a look here!

Have your say in the 2009 Home Business Survey

Microsoft Small Business — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:55:00 GMT

Place your name in the hat to win a free HP notebook by completing the 2009 Home Business Survey. The Survey is being carried out by home business website, Enterprise Nation, with results being launched on Friday 20th November. Be sure to have your say!

Our survey says …

Enterprise Nation produces the annual Home Business Report that offers facts and figures on the number of people starting and growing a business from home. It also offers a snapshot of what home business owners are thinking and doing. This year’s report will be launched at the Enterprise Nation Conference on the UK’s first ever Home Enterprise Day on Friday 20th November.

Be quizzed on the state of your business, your technology likes and loves, and how your neighbourhood measures up as a home business hotspot.

The survey takes around 5 minutes to complete. By doing so, you’ll be in with a chance of winning a nifty HP notebook.

Complete the survey by clicking on the link below and thanks for your time!

Complete the 2009 Home Business Survey

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=q8REEGwylLGMwh0U_2b59w_2bQ_3d_3d

E-commerce success: Part 1 - What is e-commerce?

Microsoft Small Business — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:36:00 GMT

In the first of a seven part series running in conjunction with PayPal, Emma Jones from Enterprise Nation looks at what e-commerce is all about and how your business can benefit by embracing it.

A definition

According to the good people at PayPal e-commerce is:

"The buying and selling of products or services over electronic or 'e' systems – in other words, the Internet.”

It’s when someone visits your online store and buys, as opposed to hitting the high street. And the beauty of it is your online store is open all hours of every day. Make money whilst you sleep? You can with e-commerce.

Growing market

Shoppers are increasingly going online to buy. This is partly due to the efficiency and speed of online shopping and more households being connected to the Internet but consumers are also feeling more comfortable with paying online, as opposed to a cashier.

In June 2009 PayPal released research forecasting a boom in online shopping from £8.9 billion in 2009 to £21.3 billion in annual sales by the end of 2011. This means that by 2011 consumers will spend the equivalent of approx £430 for every UK adult; more than doubling the current annual online spending.

Whatever you’re selling …

There’s no limit to the products and services you can sell online; whether your business is offering walking tours or precious gifts.

Pete Hawkins promotes and sells walking tours from his site navigationcourses.co.uk so the site can still be taking orders when he’s out on the Peaks!

Natalie Hickey began making plaques as a hobby. Friends suggested she list her work on Ebay and when she sold over 300 items in the first 5 weeks, she knew she was on to something. Her business, Precious Parcels www.preciousparcels.co.uk continues to grow with sales now coming from Natalie’s own online store.

“I could not have turned this hobby in to a business if it had not been for e-commerce” says Natalie “I didn’t have the funds to open a high street store and the reason I wanted to start a business is to be able to spend more time at home with my little boy. Having an online shop has opened up my products to a massive market and has kept me happily working from home!”

Both Pete and Natalie (and millions more business owners) are benefiting from the ease of starting an online shop and accepting payments through PayPal and the reach it offers. In part 2 we’ll look at how to plan your e-commerce venture.

Emma Jones is founder of Enterprise Nation www.enterprisenation.com and author of ‘Spare Room Start Up – how to start a business from home’.

Need a loan? Try the RBS

Microsoft Small Business — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:13:00 GMT

Trying to attract new customers, the RBS has opened up its hotline to non-customers for the first time. Under pressure from the government to hit Treasury lending targets, the 70% taxpayer-owned bank has around 30% of the UK's small business lending market but is looking for more.
Some of the bank's most experienced business bankers are apparently staffing the hotline to offer would-be borrowers advice and potential access to loans.
Read the full story on the BBC website

Windows Server 2008 Foundation - ideal for small businesses

Microsoft Small Business — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:02:00 GMT

Windows Foundation Server offers a dependable and affordable technology foundation for running your business applications, as well as sharing information and resources. Because it’s based on Windows Server 2008, you can run not only core infrastructure, terminal services and identity management solutions for your business – you can support you core Line-of-Business applications built on the simplicity and technical capabilities that Windows Server 2008 provides.

Windows Server 2008 Foundation is licensed by user accounts. Each licence of Windows Server 2008 Foundation is limited to a maximum of 15 user accounts. Moreover, a user account can be assigned to only one distinct user at a time.

Because Windows Server 2008 Foundation is licensed in this way, you do not require Windows Server client access licences (CALs). This also makes Windows Server 2008 Foundation much more cost-effective for small businesses.

For more information, contact an IT specialist near you with our Pinpoint tool.

Suffering from computer dependency

Microsoft Small Business — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:07:00 GMT

Small Business Blog is moving house today & tomorrow and as my colleage Nick Saalfeld at True Business blog - who's recently moved offices - can testify, it's not an easy thing to do. Two things sprung to mind yesterday which I thought worth sharing (no,don't worry, I won't bore you with the long, long process of selling and buying!).

Firstly, I found myself 'hiding' in my PC - in other words, burying myself in 'important' tasks I had to do and refusing to go home and sort out the mess. It's very easy to get absorbed in the the online stuff and pretend that it's essential. Often it is, but sometimes you've just got to stick your head over the parapet, get your hands dirty and enter the real world again, where people, unlike most machines, don't always run to plan.

Secondly, I started to panic that I would be without Internet access for maybe even as long as a day. And then reality set in. Yes, many of us are dependent on our PCs, but they're not yet permanently attached in the way that arms and legs are! The world will not stop if I'm not online for a day.

Enter the 2009 Home Business Awards to win profile and prizes

Microsoft Small Business — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:20:00 GMT

Guest post from Emma Jones, Founder of Enterprise Nation and author of ‘Spare Room Start Up - how to start a business from home'.

The 2009 Home Business Awards run by home-business website, Enterprise Nation, are now open for entry. There are five categories with thousands of pounds worth of profiles and prizes to be won. Deadline date for entry is 6 November with winners being announced at the Enterprise Nation Conference on Home Enterprise Day on Friday 20 November.

Now in their third year, the Home Business Awards are the biggest and the best when it comes to rewarding businesses being started and grown from home. "Deciding on a winner in these awards is always a difficult task" say the team at Enterprise Nation so this year they've kept the same four categories as in previous years, as well as adding a new one to recognise the increasing trend that's seeing people ‘Working 5 to 9' - holding down a day job and building the business at nights and weekends.

The five categories are:

Home Business of the Year
Home Business Couple of the Year
Home Office of the Year
Young Home Business Owner of the Year (under age of 35)
The 5 to 9 Home Business (open to anyone holding a day job and building the business at nights and weekends)

By entering you are automatically in the running to win the title 'Home Business of the Year' but you can also tick a box to apply for any or all of the categories.

Prizes

It's free to enter and winners will receive some amazing prizes. They include:

Prominent profile on the Enterprise Nation site and in a national newspaper
Thousands of pounds worth of prizes in home office supplies and technology from companies including Regus, Staples, HP, Douwe Egberts, Access Storage and Moneypenny
A brand review with top creative agency, Jump To, who act for a number of home grown businesses such as New Covent Garden Food, Tyrrells and Bacheldre Mill
Free entry to the Enterprise Nation Conference
A romantic get-away break for the Home Business Couple of the Year!

Judges

Joining Emma Jones (Founder, Enterprise Nation) on the judging panel will be:

Rachel Bridge, Enterprise Editor, The Sunday Times
Mark Dixon, Chief Executive & Founder, Regus
Karen and Mike Hollands, co-founders of Toniks and 2008 Home Business of the Year

How to enter

Entry to the competition is free and open to any home business in the UK. The closing date is Friday, November 6th with winners being announced at the Enterprise Nation Conference on Home Enterprise Day, Friday 20th November.

To enter, simply click on the link below to download and complete the one page form.

http://www.enterprisenation.com/detail/2009_Home_Business_Awards_are_open_for_entry/3040/1.aspx

The UK's top five most creative and unusual business ideas

Microsoft Small Business — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:09:00 GMT

You might be surprised at these.... (or maybe not!)

According to a recent survey by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), the UK's top five most creative and unusual business ideas are:

Dating service for the more mature person
Pro-cycling team
Canine stationery
Space tourism
Male escort service

Alongside these creative and unusual business start-up ideas though, we are still apparentlya nation of shop-keepers at heart - 21% of the survey's respondents said that running a shop would be their dream business. The encouraging overall message was that the UK is still a nation of entrepreneurs despite the current economic worries. Read more at Freshbusinessthinking.com.