Software to run your business like a champ (without investing like one)

I’ve become all narcissistic and decided to release a list of online tools that I find very useful. The good part: most of them are free!

Recommended online business tools

Software companies like Google and 37signals are lowering the cost of starting a business. You can sign up for free or low-cost software to track Internet marketing activities; draft documents, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations; and even invoice your customers.

One caveat. Be wary of what you are paying in exchange for free software. I’d argue that 37signals offers free trials in order to “hook you” into signing up for paid versions. But what is Google’s motivation for providing free analytics software? Are they using your data in order to make Search better? What does that mean for your site?

I’ve made the trade-off in all of these cases to get my free beer. But always remember these possible implications and their impact on your strategy.

Technorati Tags: 37signals, business, free, free software, google, software, web 2.0

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