Custom-made Social Networks

A weekly look at the latest products and services designed to help you run a better business.

By Laura Palotie | 
 

Irvine, Calif.-based Socialcast, a provider of on-demand social networks for businesses, recently unveiled upgraded services with more extensive networking tools. Its Software-as-a-Service platform now offers a worklog feature, allowing users to track office tasks and projects while making their progress available to co-workers and supervisors.

Employees can also share links and find other network users with common interests. Mini user profiles display an employee's name and latest status post, along with links to external services and connections to other users. The software costs $3 per month for each employee. To view a demo, go to demo.socialcast.com.

Cost-Cutting Tips

SCORE, a Washington, D.C-based entrepreneurship resource group, announced this week an updated version of its "Summer Finance Fix-Up" guide. Available for free on the organization's website, the guide includes tips for cost-cutting, e-commerce and business financing.

Keeping up-to-date with the most current business concerns, the guide features advice on setting aside money during an economic downturn and exploring practical ways to reduce transportation costs. Other topics include vendor financing, building personal wealth, and the best ways to finance a start-up. Small-business owners can also take an online workshop on how to better communicate with clients through technology.

SCORE also recently launched a sweepstakes aimed at helping women entrepreneurs promote their businesses. By filling in an online registration form, participants enter to win a free news release on PR Newswire.

Added Web Services

Verizon's small-business customers can now combine their office and travel broadband services. The new Verizon Flex for Business plan offers a discount on high-speed Internet access when combined with the Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess.

While the wireline broadband feature provides a high-speed connection for small-business offices, the broadband service offers secure Internet at local Wi-Fi hot spots, allowing business travelers to check in with colleagues while on the road.

Starting at $96 per month, the plan is available for Verizon's wireline business customers in 25 states. For more information, see www.verizon.com/flex.

Read more:

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  • What Makes a Company Resilient?

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