Tech Tools Of The Trade (NAPSA)—Even during a tough economy, an increasing number of North Americans are striking out on their own to form businesses. According to U.S. Censusfigures, more than 10 million Ameri- cans are now self-employed. And business coach Fiona Walsh says many more havestarted small businesses on the side while keeping their full-time jobs. She offers entrepreneurs the following advice: Starting Up In A Down Economy Percentageoftop U.S. companies incorporatedinto business during Top Top Top Top Top a recession year: 10 companies 25 companies 50 companies 100 companies 500 companies 70% 64% 52% 43% 36% Source: Gary Beach, publisher emeritus of C10 magazine. @ Have a clear idea of what your business offers and how your product or service differs from others. Write and follow a business plan. From day one, utilize technology as a support network that helps manage invoices, operations, customerrelationships as well as improve visibility. For instance, Sage helps businesses across North America with ACT! Contact Management and Peachtree Accounting, along with Simply Accounting in Canada, as well as online resources including Sage Spark.com, where you can blog with Fiona, and MyBizCounts.com. For more information, visit www.sagenorthamerica.com or call (866) 996-SAGE.
