The Enquirer:
Are you stumped trying to find the perfect gift for the entrepreneur on your holiday gift list? Or are you still making up your own list for Santa? If so, I’ve come up with a list of gifts that entrepreneurs would love.
For the new entrepreneur - 3 to 6 months of a bookkeeping service. New entrepreneurs are overwhelmed setting up accounts, sending out invoices, establishing accounts receivable and payable. Help get them on track.
Basic contact management or database software. Help them keep their customers. Give them a database program. Intuit makes a simple one - QuickBooks Customer Manager ($79.95, www.quickbooks.com). ACT by Sage Software is a long-time leader ($199, www.act.com)
An appointment with a small-business development counselor. These are trained business counselors, usually experienced businesspeople. To top it off, it’s absolutely free. Find your nearest SBDC at www.asbdc-us.org.
Membership in a trade association. Trade associations are a great source of information, networking and resources. Give them their first year’s membership. I’ve compiled a list of industry associations on my Web site at www.PlanningShop.com/associations.
One day with a professional organizer. Everyone could use some help getting his or her office in shape. Locate one in your area from the National Association of Professional Organizers, www.napo.net.
Gift cards to the nearest office supply or electronics store. And add a gift card to Starbucks or a local coffee house. They’re going to be working late, so they need their caffeine.
Here are some more tips for the practical entrepreneur and for the stressed-out entrepreneur.
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