Matt Silverman, Associate Features Editor at Mashable, offers suggestions on some technology investments that small businesses can take that could result in huge long-term savings and decrease the wasteful use of paper products.

Matt recommends that small businesses consider the following software solutions:

• NitroPDF
• PDF995 Printer Driver
• Fax to E-mail Services
• EchoSign Online Contracts
• Online Backup and Record Keeping

Business owners should also consider using one of the technology based tools available for billing, tracking and collections, like AcceptPay from American Express OPEN. For more information on AcceptPay, visit www.acceptpay.com.

See the full article here.

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Post from: Eco-Office Gals

Guest post: Paperless Office Options

The economy is taking everyone for all their worth so why not try out a few free or cheap ways to green up your act in the office without hurting the green in your wallet?

The Green Office is giving away some office supplies. Just become a fan on Facebook and comment on their wall.  That’s it, once a week they will pick a winner. Check out details.

How about a HUGE discount on green business cards? I recently connected with PrintingForLess.  They really cover the spectrum of being green if you have to print.  Their standard is to use FSC certified paper, non-toxic ink, wind-powered facilities and more.  For first time clients I can also offer my readers a $25 Off your first order!  Use my referral code RP1D6SEJM and $25 dollars will get knocked off your first order!

I was recently introduced to a new company O’Bon and I am drooling to try a few of their products.  Recycled newspaper pencils, sugarcane paper and more.  You can request to review a product, enter to win or for more immediate gratification they have some great low cost specials.

I have to mention my tried and true favorite, Echosign.  Paperless, e-sign contracts that are SO easy to use. Don’t have too many contracts each month? They offer 5 per month for free.  If that doesn’t cut it you can go unlimited for as low as $14.95 per month.

I couldn’t close this up without offering Eco-Office Gals own green web hosting.  Starting with plans as low as $9.99 per month you can feel good knowing your site is being hosted with 130% wind powered hosting.

So, go ahead and make a few baby steps to grow your small business green without hurting your green.  Every step counts!

Image credit TheCubeKing Blog

Post from: Eco-Office Gals

Green-Up Your Office For Free or Cheap!

What does Eco-Office Gals recommend for your paperless/green office in 2009?  Here’s a little list to help you grow your business green and more efficient in the New Year!

Echosign – a paperless contract program, you’ll love it and so will your clients!
HostGator -  wind powered hosting with GREAT customer service!
BlogSites – get your Word Press blogsite up and running in 2009.  Leave your static site in the dust!
Twitter – meet new clients on this great social media platform!
The Green Office – shop green for your business!
Google Docs – I will be trying out Google Docs in the New Year as a free alternative to MS Office.  It’s great for file sharing!
FireFox – everyone NEEDS to make this switch! Microsoft does not own you!

These are a few on my list, what’s on yours?  Share with us by leaving a comment below! All the Best in 2009!

Jen

Post from: Eco-Office Gals

Your Paperless & Green Office for 2009

As a green VA I am always trying to find new ways to make my clients less paper dependent. This week I found a gold mine! A while back I ran into Echosign, I had signed up for their free option, but never had any reason to use it. This week I had 2 reasons! Two customers were interested in ad space on my Eco-Biz Opps page and I needed to send a letter of agreement. So, I tried it out – I uploaded the word doc onto EchoSign then I picked all my options, e-signed and sent. My customers also e-signed and we recieved an email wih the e-signed document attached! BAM!! Saved it on the computer and that’s it!! I NEVER PRINTED ONE SHEET OF PAPER!! To follow up with my eco-friendly contract signing, I billed them through PayPal – no paper invoice, no paper checks. We completed a totally paperless transacton from first to last. Can it get any easier??! Visit Eco-Office Gals often for all of your green office resources!

Post from: Eco-Office Gals

Paperless Contracts