The Success Center

The Success Center is proud to present the Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Entrepreneurs. This will be a weekly series dedicated to bringing you the best tech, book, and supply gifts for any small business owner.

If you’re a small business owner I’ve outlined some great gadgets that’ll jump start your content creation, marketing, or help you in being an efficient business mogul. If you’re looking for a great gift idea to give your entrepreneur friend then look no further, we’ve got you covered!

Note: The opinions of each product are my own. Amazon affiliate links are in full effect. If you decide to purchase a product sales are used to further the growth and work here at The Success Center. Thank you for your support!

Let’s get this party started!

HP Pavilion DV6-1350US 15.6-Inch Laptop – $689.99 (after a $50 rebate)

Regular Price: $899.99

I’m definitely a fan of all things HP. Solid manufacturing, excellent support for the lifetime of the system via phone & email, and great features are what you can expect here. As an entrepreneur a laptop computer is essential to your mobile content creation strategy, financial planning, business planning, and becomes your office.

Under the hood you’ll get 4 gigs of memory, a 320 gig hard drive, and a core 2 duo processor, this baby’s built like a Ford truck. This system is a great buy with it’s core entertainment and multimedia options as well as enough power to run varying productivity programs. Beyond that, it’s really sexy with its black finish and Windows 7 Home premium.

If you’ve been needing an upgrade to your old office computer this is the system I would recommend for the price, features, and possibilities. Buy Now!

Apple iPod 8GB – $181.99

Regular Price: $195.00

So, your entrepreneur friend has a major meeting and they forget their laptop (for whatever reason) but the day is saved because their presentation was saved to their iPod.

These “jack of all trade” devices aren’t just for playing games and music anymore. With the app store packing more business apps, the iPod has become more productivity friendly for the entrepreneur.

With powerful multimedia features such as the ability to play over 10 video and audio file formats, you’ll be able to playback any file your clients throw at you. Don’t forget the 8GB of space for holding an armada of audio, video, and apps. Grab yours today!

Garmin nüvi 260W 4.3-Inch GPS Navigator – $129.99

Regular Price: $229.99

Imagine this, the largest company in your area wants to meet with you at their corporate headquarters concerning your products or services. It’s the meeting of a lifetime, but you’re not sure how to get there. How many times have you ever wasted gas looking for small businesses and hard to find appointment locations? Never get lost again with this baby!

It’s got a brilliant 4.3 inch widescreen graphical display, shows you turn-by-turn directions, with voice prompts. Did I mention you can also download maps and such and add it with a memory card? Yea . . . it’s loaded. This is by far the lowest price on a [good] GPS I’ve seen in a while. Better jump on it folks! Buy Now!

Plantronics Voyager PRO Bluetooth Headset – $84.99

Regular Price: $99.99

Small business owners are always on the go, setting meetings, and making calls. If you don’t have a dependable bluetooth headset to compliment your phone then wasting energy finding contacts and dialing numbers.

This little gem receives calls wirelessly and can even dial numbers via voice (if you have the right software or phone – that’s why I love my crackberry!). It even connects to two devices simultaneously. I bet you could sync it to your cell phone and bluetooth enabled computer for Skype chatting, hmm . . . Buy Now!

Logitech Webcam Pro 9000 – $64.40 (after a $20 rebate)

Regular Price: $99.99

If you’re an entrepreneur and you’re not broadcasting your brand then you’re missing out. Tools such as Skype, TweetChat, and Camtasia Studio make it super easy to do virtual meetings, trainings, web chats, virtual trainings, and webinars. What does this mean for small business? You’re able to extend your reach beyond brick and mortar.

I use my Logitech webcam to do short training videos and quick video blog posts. What I love is it comes with a Carl Zeiss lens (the same camera lens found in Sony digital cameras – awesome quality!) plus, it’s 2 mega pixels deliver excellent quality video. Great price, portable, and great quality. Don’t miss this deal people! Buy Now!

Flip Ultra Camcorder 2nd Generation – $129.00

Regular Price: $149.99

The flip camcorder has really come a long way. It used to be just for teenage kids uploading pranks, stunts, and short skits to Youtube. However, now with better video resolution, bigger storage, and better features it’s proven to be an excellent ally to the solo-preneur.

With 120 minutes of high quality video at your disposal you’ll have plenty of time to do client videos, testimonials, or even blog posts. With it’s great size you’ll be able to stow it pretty easily in a purse, pocket, or small camera bag and take it anywhere. Video takes your website or blog from static to dynamic in zero to seconds (or, however long it takes you to upload the video . . . whatever). I’ve benefited tremendously from video right here at The Success Center. It adds a layer of depth and exclusivity to your content that you just can’t get from a typical website or blog. Trust me . . . if you don’t have one, get it now!

Amazon Kindle – $259

I’m absolutely in love with the Amazon Kindle. What other device offers you the opportunity to read countless books, newspapers, and certain magazines all in the same sit?

One key to success is gaining as much knowledge, wisdom, and understanding as possible. I’m an advocate for reading to stay inspired and learn new things.

Before I stepped out and did my first seminar I read a couple of books to help me organize the event and prepare me to speak in front of a crowd.

A book can help an entrepreneur take his or her life to the next level by the knowledge contained. Make it easy on them to get their books easily and in style by getting a Kindle today.

What else would you add to this list of gadgets? As an entrepreneur what are you hoping Santa leaves for you under the tree? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

About the Author Rod is the editor-in-chief of The Success Center, Producer of "Inside the Success," and a Success Coach. For more information, tips, and advice on being a successful Christian-preneur subscribe to Rod's "Success Tips!" weekly newsletter.

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Black Friday is here and the stores are packed to the walls with eager early morning shoppers on the hunt for the best deals of the season. Personally, I’ve never been too motivated to get up at the “butt-crack” of dawn and spend money [Count it towards laziness if you will]. If you’re like me then you’ll want to shop in your PJs while everyone else tramples over each other for bargain gadgets. As an entrepreneur this is the perfect time for you to get the tools, supplies, gear, and equipment you need to be successful in your business.

I’ve got 10 years of retail experience so I know a good buy when I see one. Here are my picks of the best black Friday deals for entrepreneurs from Amazon.com. I’ve also added a few thoughts on each product as well as how I would maximize each for business use. Check out the widget below for a quick look or skip it and read my review of each. Enjoy!

Note: Amazon affiliate links are in full effect, all sales help support my work here at The Success Center, thanks!

#5 - HP Pavilion DV6-1350US 15.6-Inch Laptop – $719.99 (after a $50 rebate)

Regular Price: $899.99

I’m definitely a fan of all things HP. Solid manufacturing, excellent support for the lifetime of the system via phone & email, and great features are what you can expect here. As an entrepreneur a laptop computer is essential to your mobile content creation strategy, financial planning, business planning, and becomes your office.

Under the hood you’ll get 4 gigs of memory, a 320 gig hard drive, and a core 2 duo processor, this baby’s built like a Ford truck. This system is a great buy with it’s core entertainment and multimedia options as well as enough power to run varying productivity programs. Beyond that, it’s really sexy with its black finish and Windows 7 Home premium.

If you’ve been needing an upgrade to your old office computer this is the system I would recommend for the price, features, and possibilities. Buy Now!

#4 – Garmin nüvi 260W 4.3-Inch GPS Navigator – $119.99

Regular Price: $229.99

Imagine this, the largest company in your area wants to meet with you at their corporate headquarters concerning your products or services. It’s the meeting of a lifetime, but you’re not sure how to get there. How many times have you ever wasted gas looking for small businesses and hard to find appointment locations? Never get lost again with this baby!

It’s got a brilliant 4.3 inch widescreen graphical display, shows you turn-by-turn directions, with voice prompts. Did I mention you can also download maps and such and add it with a memory card? Yea . . . it’s loaded. This is by far the lowest price on a [good] GPS I’ve seen in a while. Better jump on it folks! Buy Now!

#3 – Plantronics Voyager PRO Bluetooth Headset – $84.99

Regular Price: $99.99

Small business owners are always on the go, setting meetings, and making calls. If you don’t have a dependable bluetooth headset to compliment your phone then wasting energy finding contacts and dialing numbers.

This little gem receives calls wirelessly and can even dial numbers via voice (if you have the right software or phone – that’s why I love my crackberry!). It even connects to two devices simultaneously. I bet you could sync it to your cell phone and bluetooth enabled computer for Skype chatting, hmm . . . Buy Now!

#2 – Logitech Webcam Pro 9000 – $69.99

Regular Price: $99.99

If you’re an entrepreneur and you’re not broadcasting your brand then you’re missing out. Tools such as Skype, TweetChat, and Camtasia Studio make it super easy to do virtual meetings, trainings, web chats, virtual trainings, and webinars. What does this mean for small business? You’re able to extend your reach beyond brick and mortar.

I use my Logitech webcam to do short training videos and quick video blog posts. What I love is it comes with a Carl Zeiss lens (the same camera lens found in Sony digital cameras – awesome quality!) plus, it’s 2 mega pixels deliver excellent quality video. Great price, portable, and great quality. Don’t miss this deal people! Buy Now!

#1 – Flip Ultra Camcorder 2nd Generation – $89.00

Regular Price: $149.99

The flip camcorder has really come a long way. It used to be just for teenage kids uploading pranks, stunts, and short skits to Youtube. However, now with better video resolution, bigger storage, and better features it’s proven to be an excellent ally to the solo-preneur.

With 120 minutes of high quality video at your disposal you’ll have plenty of time to do client videos, testimonials, or even blog posts. With it’s great size you’ll be able to stow it pretty easily in a purse, pocket, or small camera bag and take it anywhere. Video takes your website or blog from static to dynamic in zero to seconds (or, however long it takes you to upload the video . . . whatever). I’ve benefited tremendously from video right here at The Success Center. It adds a layer of depth and exclusivity to your content that you just can’t get from a typical website or blog. Trust me . . . if you don’t have one, get it now!

What are your top gadgets for entrepreneurs? What would you add to this list? What’s on your wish-list? Share your thoughts below.

Note: If you don’t see anything here that you can’t absolutely live without, check out the rest of Amazon’s amazing Black Friday deals!

About the Author Rod is the editor-in-chief of The Success Center, Producer of "Inside the Success," and a Success Coach. For more information, tips, and advice on being a successful Christian-preneur subscribe to Rod's "Success Tips!" weekly newsletter.

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For many entrepreneurs, small businesses, and enterprises the upgrade from Windows XP to Vista was an easy decision . . . they didn’t do it. It was too costly, buggy, and backwards compatibility was a real issue for a lot of software. The world snarled and shook their fists at Microsoft in one harmonious voice; and the software giant fell off the map. Now, 2 years after the release of Vista, Windows 7 will be released in a few months. But the big question for most is, should I upgrade?

The answer is surprisingly, yes. If you’re a Windows XP or Vista user you should definitely upgrade. Windows 7 is essentially what Windows Vista should have been in the first place; a stable, reliable, and secure operating system. According to Brian Nelson of Train Signal Training.com, here are 5 features of Windows 7 that will benefit entrepreneurs, thus, the reasons you should upgrade;

• Reason 1: BitLocker -  a feature that encrypts all of the data at the OS level which means not only is the computer useless to thieves, so is the data.
• Reason 2: BitLocker Go -  a feature which encrypts the data from portable USB flash drives as well. The last thing an entrepreneur needs is his/her presentations, sensitive client information, or data in the hands of a thief or no good competitor. This feature should definitely protect precious cargo.
• Reason 3: AppLocker -  allows an even tighter lock down on user desktops while at the same time allowing for more flexibility in how they are locked. This tools restricts which pieces of software can run on which computers. Don’t want your secretary to snoop through certain files on his/her computer? Restrict your software from being installed on their machine. That’ll keep their fingers from out of your bowl!
• Reason 4: Automatic Backup – Allows you to recover your data easily with an automatic backup to a home or business network. Software and computers can easily be replaced, but that business plan that took you 3 months to write? Not so easily . . .
• Reason 5: Windows XP Mode – Runs Windows XP in a virtual machine and redirects displayed applications running in Windows XP to the Windows 7 desktop. In other words – if you have old software that needs XP to run . . .they got you covered!

Windows 7 is starting to shape up to a killer operating system for entrepreneurs and small business owners. There are many more features not included in this list, but these were the ones I think will benefit you the most. Of course, depending on which version of Windows 7 you upgrade to will determine which features you will get. In all, if your old XP or Vista machine is still kicking, you might consider upgrading to Windows 7 for it’s enhanced stability, style, features, and security. For more information on Windows 7 or to pre-order an upgrade version, click the Amazon links below. Do you think you’ll upgrade to Windows 7 when it’s released in October? What did you hate about Vista? What did you love about XP? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

About the Author Rod is the editor-in-chief of The Success Center, Producer of "Inside the Success," and a Success Coach. For more information, tips, and advice on being a successful Christian-preneur subscribe to Rod's "Success Tips!" weekly newsletter.

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