Memorial Day means much more than a 3-day weekend.

Yes, it’s important to be able to relax with family and friends, and for a moment, take your mind of work.

But it’s also important to remember how we got to where we are. We worked hard. We paid our dues.

But before that, veterans paid theirs.

We live in a free nation because men and women throughout history fought to give us this unalienable right.

We are able to do all the amazing things we do in life (starting our own business, expressing ourselves in ways we see fit, etc.) not only because WE said so, but because thousands of veterans said so, too.

Today, set aside some time to remember those who have died trying to preserve our freedom.

Memorial Day isn’t just about the BBQ, but have a great one of those, too!

How do we protect something that can’t be touched?

If all our information is in computer chips, how do we lock it up?

In this digital age, we have to find new ways of safeguarding our belongings.

One way is to back it up. Hard drives, photo and music files, invoices, spreadsheets…all of it!

Another way is to maintain and fix any sudden problems with your system right away.

And finally, eliminate Spyware!

These are the main steps you can and should take right away to ensure your information is safe.

But, of course, the safer the better, so any proven precautions recommended to you, take!

Protect your PC and your life!

Locking it up in a safe won’t do you any good, so be creative. Or, for the multi-taskers out there, get an all-in-one software package that quickly and securely safeguards your future.

It’s been a long day.

You’re beat. Your feet hurt and your brain is quickly moving toward auto self-destruct.

Snap out of it!

You’ve still got customers to serve and loose ends to tie up.

If your doors are still open, you can’t afford to slack off.

Each and every person entering your establishment (no matter what time of day they come in) deserves the same attention and respect.

You can’t afford to let a single person leave your store unsatisfied.

Make that your mantra and you’ll do just fine.

Get too comfortable (and cocky) and karma will kick you in the (bleep!).

Remember: every minute matters when it comes to keeping your business afloat.

Whether you’re a veteran entrepreneur or a rookie, you may be considering a new venture.

In that case, you’ll need a few important startup essentials.

Because technology is constantly changing, it’s important to keep up-to-date with the newest and most productive software.

An excellent software package can greatly enhance your business potential, giving you the tools you’ll need to succeed.

Look into your future with a budget forecaster, build a business plan and set up a fax and phone messaging center.

Organization is key, so the sooner you get started on building the foundation for your business, the sooner you will get off the ground.

Have fun and good luck!

C’mon, you know the saying.

It’s one of those ones we like because it means we get a break.

Use it to your advantage this week if you need it. Or save it for a rainy day.

Even if you’re stuck in the office, there are ways to get around the mundane business of your day.

Play a quick game of Poker or the ever-addicting Sudoku.

A few minutes away from paperwork, bills and antsy customers could give the jolt you need to get back to business.

And because you are your own boss, they’ll be no one peeking over your shoulder wondering why your screen is talking back to you.

There’s something to be said about acting spontaneously.

Making rash decisions can be exciting.

Thinking off the cuff gets the blood pumping.

But no matter how quickly things develop, you must slow down for one thing: paperwork.

In business, you have to get everything down on paper for legal matters.

Quotes, plans, agreements, signatures…this is all stuff that must be documented.

Even if your heart tells you it’s no big deal, that you trust this person and that, your brain (and your pocketbook) will tell you differently.

If you don’t get it in writing, you are putting yourself and your entire business at risk.

Protect yourself and you’ll see your decisions pay off time and time again.

If you can’t communicate, you won’t get far.

Communication is one of the most important tools of any relationship, business or otherwise.

You need to know how to not only speak to your customers, but your business partners, investors, employees and vendors.

Everyone deserves a certain respect and the more you convey this to the people you work with, the better off you’ll be.

The clearer and more concise you can be, the less time will be wasted and the more money you will likely make.

All in all, learning the keys to good communication is essential to making it big.

But you’ll need some help in the form of an excellent electronic network:

- cell phone accessories

- fax machines

- Internet connection

And remember, practice makes perfect. You can’t expect to be a great communicator right off the bat. But keep trying. You’ll get there.

We’re well into the new year now, almost half way to the next, in fact.

It’s time to assess your business goals.

Remember the resolutions you made five months ago? Are you meeting your expectations?

Does your “Got Done” list look half as full as your “To Do” list?

If not, it’s time to reevaluate where you are in terms of where you want to be.

You want to make this year successful, and you’ve got a little more than half a year to make sure you do.

If business has been slow, now is the time to devise some fresh, summer plans to turn things around.

Because as the sun comes out, so do the customers. Get ready!