Flashback
Public sector spending savagely cut.  Stock markets in disarray.  Riots and public disorder spreading across the UK.  1980s or 2011?  For many entrepreneurs the prospect of launching their own business against this backdrop is both exciting and a wee bit scary.

You have a brilliant idea and are raring to go.  Get past the bit where you register your Company and now, to quote a famous football assistant coach, ‘the sky is your oyster’.

At this point I am going to talk about IT.  Please stay with me.  This blog is all about IT Apps for non-technical people and how they can add value to your business without costing you a fortune.

A Potted Horrible History
The IT industry made a fool of itself over the biggest non-event of the last century – The Millenium Bug.  Millions were made on the back of the greatest Fear, Uncertainy and Doubt (FUD) story ever.  Complete codswallop.  However, 11 years on a very different IT landscape is emerging.  Young dynamic, nimble digital businesses are springing up and challenging the bloated Status Quo (you know which one I mean). 

This new breed of supplier is offering customers are very different IT experience.  Some suppliers are giving away ‘lite’ versions of their software or making ‘pro’ versions available for a low monthly subscription.  For a new business venture this is fantastic news since it means you can get your business up and running for minimal financial outlay.  A few of these are listed below.  These are not shameless plugs, SilverTin are not re-sellers for any of the companies list below.  We just use their products and really like the way they do business – honest!

The Cool Stuff
Register your website.  This is easy.  www.godaddy.com is a great site (which recently announced their 50 millionth domain name).  Simply type in the name that you want.  It will search for it and let you know if it is available or not.  If it is available expect to pay around £7.59 a year for the privilege of owning this domain name.  Pay online and you are away. 

OK, so now you have your domain name.  You really need a website so you can tell the world about your new venture.  Look no further than www.weebly.com.  Weebly is a cracking ‘build your own website’ application that is so simple to use.  You need zero technical skills to build a professional looking website for your business – all of the clever stuff has been done for you including the hosting.  Check out www.silvertin.com to see what I mean (come on, I have to plug something of mine on this blog!). 

So that’s the website done and dusted.  OK, in time you might want to enhance the site with blogs and shopping carts but for now we have announed to the world that we are open for business.

Next you might want to get some business cards printed.  www.vistaprint.com offer loads of deals on business cards, letterheads, stationery etc..  The great feature here is that you design on-line, pay and 2-3 days later you receive a box of 250 professional looking business cards.   I remember getting 500 cards for just the cost of the postage and how proud great Aunty Doreen was when she realised that I was a ‘Director’. 

Until next time
Keep an eye out for my next blog where I will uncover some more great Apps to help get your new business going.  Must dash, Spandau Ballet have just announced their UK tour and I need to get hold of some tickets - “You’re indestructable, always believing!”.