Thinking out side the box...

First identify the problem
Then look around you - you are bound to find a solution
And most of the time it is adapting something you already have to do what YOU want to get done

Example
http://www.naturalreaders.com/index.htm
This is a FREE software for people with poor vision
If you have to deposit a lot of checks, you could use Microsoft Excel to create a list
Now, if you paste this on to Natural reader, it will automatically read it back to you
This helps you to double check your list with ease :)

Water Bills

Little things go a long way
a. Find plants that do not use a lot of water. And try to use indigenous plants.
b. Pay attention to your sprinkler system and the timer. And do not hesitate to challenge your gardner. Their goal is to give you a beautiful lawn. And they would water your lawn as long as they can. Also it is best to water twice for shorter times. (we were able to cut our water bills by 1/2)
c. Artificial grass - initial investment is high - but will save you money in the long term
d. When it is time to replace your toilets, use mechanisms that use less water

Helping others - no cost to you :)

Everyday we wish that we had more time and more money we could spare to help others.
Now you can

Use the links posted at www.ShopSaveFeelGood.com
Staples, Amazon, Dell, Zappos, NewEgg, TigerDirect and 700 reputable stores are participating.
A few cents from your purchase will benefit a non for profit organization.
No extra cost to you :)

Electric bills

There are so many ways you could save.
a. Using low voltage bulbs
b. Educating and encouraging your team to switch off lights in rooms that are not being used
c. In Southern California there is an additional charge if there is a surge in demand.  We created a timing system so that all our air conditioners do not come on at the same time.
d. Solar panels are good for the environment - but at this moment, it may not be economically feasible for a lot of us. But if you can invest - please do.  And be proud that you did help to save our earth :)

Billing companies

This post is for Medical Practices

My personal opinion is that Billing companies charge us too much.
Do a detailed cost analysis.
Most of the time it is easy to train a staff member to submit your bills
You will be in control of the process
And you will save money

Saving on Furniture

Furniture in medical catalogs are expensive

Exact reason for this is unclear

Go to your local furniture store - or check walmart, costco or similar stores

You are sure to get a bargain

2/15/2015
We also found out that "massage tables"  on Amazon is about 1/10th the price of "Exam tables" on medical catalogs.  

By the way if you are using Amazon.com, please take a moment to use the link to Amazon at www.ShopSaveFeelGood.com  - a few cents from your purchase will help the needy.  NO extra cost to you

Time saving measures

Online bill pay saves a lot of time
Also it saves the hassle of going to the post office
Best of all - if there is a discrepancy, most of the online banking teams handle it them selves - all you have to do is to send them an email

Your biggest asset

As a small business owner your biggest asset is you...
Don't forget to take care of your self

Take some time off.
Get adequate sleep.
Eat right.
Exercise.

And never forget to count your blessings and pause and view your achievements :)

Electronic Medical Records

Health Care Reform has made this more affordable.
After doing extensive research, we decided on www.Practicefusion.com
It is very user friendly.  Very intuitive
And yes, it is free for all health care professionals all over the world.

Best part - their customer service team is phenomenal :)

Answering Services

For some, this is an ancient concept
But for others, this is the only way to get some sleep at the end of the day...

In my opinion, out sourcing may be good for some big companies
But for others an intelligent, automated system is the way to go
We personally use RingCentral.com
Savings over $200 per month

Here is the link to Ring Central  http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2204200-10473456

Video conference

In my opinion, Skype is better
We can even have more than one person join in
Love chatting with loved ones - both locally and over seas :)
Best of all it is free...

Alarm companies

Having an alarm for your office is a must
We used ADT when we first moved into our office.  But after you have paid for the equipment there are a lot of reputable companies that monitor for a lot less
Price difference could be as much as $100
We currently use AlarmRelay.com

You can save even more if you are tech savvy and know how to just purchase the alarm equipment online and set it up your self :)

Saving on phone bills

When we first started our business we had 6 land lines !!!
Now we have 2
We use Google Voice for all our outgoing calls - and yes it is free.
Google voice gives us a FREE phone number, Free voice mail and email notification
Therefore we think that this is better than Skype.