Given the number of phone calls I’m getting, it appears that many people are already “over” the Holidays and are already planning for the year 2010.

Is 2010 the year you will start the business you have always wanted?

Economic realities have prompted many of you to re-think the future.

For many of you, 2010 means the future is now.

The Good News is: Starting a new business does not have to be expensive.

Here are 7 Basic Necessities for those of you embarking on a new entrepreneurial journey:

1. A Library Card.

I work with a lot of people with extremely limited marketing budgets. Many conversations begin with: “I don’t really have the money for…”

So I suggest a library card. If you are seriously cash-strapped, a library card can equip you with free knowledge you will need to start and run your new business. You can also use a library card for…

2. Computer w/Broadband Internet Access and Office Suite

Guess what? It’s time to stop complaining about computers – they are here to stay.

Broadband access (your library card is handy for this) and an Office Suite are essential.

Computers and printers are available at your local Library.

For a free full-featured Office Suite for your home computer – visit: www.openoffice.org

3. Inkjet Printer

Inkjet printers are cheap these days. I’ve seen “combos” that include a scanner, printer, fax, and copier for less than $70.

You can buy remanufactured inkjet cartridges online for a fraction of what your local office supply store carries.

4. Email Address

You can get a free email address with Yahoo or you can open a Gmail account with Google. Your choice – both are free.

5. Website or Blog

No need to spend gobs of money on a Website or Blog.

A professional 5-page website will be enough to get you started. If you don’t have the money for website design right now, then head over to wordpress.com and set-up a free WordPress Blog.

6. Cell Phone

With so many cell phones on the market, it’s a chore trying to figure out which one you need to run a small business.

iPhone frenzy begone!

If it is just you and your Business – you simply a need a cell phone that can send and receive phone calls!

(Though if you do not have a computer at home with broadband internet access or you are a “mobile” entrepreneur, then you may want to splurge on a cell phone with Wi-Fi and 3G support).

Beware the additional “data plans” required for full-featured “smartphones”.

7. Business License

It pays to be legal to begin with, rather than incurring fines for being an outlaw.

Put on your business duds, and head down to your local City Hall and apply for a business license. (The duds are to make you feel like a Business Owner!)

Yes, you will forever have yearly business license fees – so call ahead to find out what your local license fees are.

But walking out of City Hall with a License to run your own business will feel well worth it!

Success to you in 2010 and Beyond!

Today I have a gripe. I am not happy with the ridiculous cost of inkjet cartridges.

What’s going on here?

The printer I have is not a greedy ink gulper; in fact that’s one of the reasons I bought it.

It does the job and doesn’t ask for much.

The problem is that inkjet printer ink is one of the most expensive fluids on the planet!

This week I thought I’d look into ways to save money on inkjet cartridges.

1. Print in Draft Mode

It’s not always necessary to print documents at your printer’s highest setting – is it? I save the quality settings for presentations, etc.

2. Print Only What You Need

I’ve gotten into the habit of printing to PDF first, and then deciding if I need a hard copy from my printer. Many times, I do not need a printed hard copy at all!

3. Buy Non-Branded/Remanufactured Inkjet Cartridges.

Who says you have to buy the branded ink that is “specifically” for your printer? The manufacturer of your printer?

While this type of arrangement works fine for the printer manufacturer – you will likely cringe each time you reach for that ridiculously expensive branded cartridge.

I’ve decided to stop the insanity – and head online to buy cheap non-branded and remanufactured ink cartridges.

4. Shut Down The Printer Properly

Sometimes I’m in a hurry and don’t properly shut down my printer.

Then when the printer comes back up, I can hear the print heads spinning.

Hmm. I’ll bet those print heads are spewing a bit of ink making all that racket.

So now I make sure to shut down my printer properly.

5. Try Inkjet Refill Kits.

If you are the adventurous type, you can purchase an inkjet refill kit.

Simply follow the step-by-step instructions included with the kit, and fill your own – for less!

Do you publish your Phone Number on your Website, Brochures, and Business Cards?

If you do, then I would suppose it’s because you want prospective customers to CALL you.

But how do you handle your incoming calls?

The truth is, the way you answer your phone will form either a negative or positive impression of your Business.

Consider These 5 Essential Phone Answering Tips for your Small Business:

1. Answer your phone in a friendly manner – identifying you and your Business.

For instance a great way to start is, “Good Morning. ABC Business. Mary speaking. How may I help you”?

This way, it will be clear from the beginning that the caller is speaking to someone who is pleasant and ready to assist him/her – you!

2. If you are very busy and must route some of your calls to voice-mail, then make sure you return those calls as quickly as possible – and always within the same business day.

3. Make sure your Voice Mail Greeting is clear, professional, and to the point.

For instance, “Thank you for calling ABC Company. Please leave us your name, area code, and phone number – and we’ll phone you back as quickly as possible. Thank You!”

Call yourself. Listen to your message. Based on what you hear – would you do business with you?

4. If you think you might have to put someone on hold – ask them if it’s alright to do so. Many people welcome the offer of a return call rather than waiting endlessly on hold.

5. If you can’t always answer your phone during your regular business hours, then think about using an answering service – with human customer service reps.

Dealing with complicated computerized auto-attendants where you have to “press 1 for sales, press 2 for customer service”… is annoying for many people.

Help them out by letting them speak to a friendly human representative of your company.

Tip of the Day: Answer your Phone. Someone important is calling!