Check your website everyday to make sure that it is available. Contact your hosting provider if are unable to see your website.

Avoid computer viruses. Never open email attachments from people that you do not know. Email is a chief culprit in the spread of viruses.

Backup your computers - copy important data to external disks. Check to make sure that the backup disks work and store them in a fire safe. Any catastrophic failure on your computer and all of your information could be lost. Any devastating event in your home or office and all of your business material could be lost. The importance of this practice has lead us to include a link to free backup software.

Find out about tax deductions for your home office. See IRS publication #587, Business Use of your Home. Get it at www.irs.gov.

Did you know that incorporation not only protects a sole proprietor from liability, it also protects him from taxes? S-Corporations also protect small business owners from taxation. Talk to your tax preparer to find out how.

Ask your tax preparer about laws that allow small business owners to deduct a percentage of their health insurance premiums.

Always include your email address and website address on your business cards. Never forget to use the back of your business cards to provide additional information about your business to your customers and associates.

Use your email signature to advertise your business. Include your web address and a line about the work that you do. You never know where or how you will find business.

Walk away. Burnout is a great killer of small businesses. Don't let it happen to you. Be sure to schedule time away... even if it is one night a month. Get out of town, change your surroundings and recharge.