This is a Guest Post by Brett T. Brett writes about small business, new software, inventory management, and time management.

The realm of possibilities for small businesses is growing larger and larger every day. The development of applications and software that help with everything from payroll processing to inventory management has changed the way entrepreneurs are able to do business. It is now possible to carry your contact list, payroll, every invoice you've ever sent or received and your mailbox with you in the palm of your hand.

Twenty years ago you would have been crazy to hope for any of that. If you're looking for a few handy tools to help you manage your small business, read on.



PlacePop

PlacePop is a virtual rewards program that allows customers to check-in at their favorite stores. The merchant can then check their software and see who has checked in, how many times and how frequently. The shopper then gets to reap the benefits of frequent shopping by collecting rewards like discounted merchandise or a free gift. This program is very similar to FourSquare but the kicker is that PlacePop allows for a “solo check-in,” meaning that the person's location is not shared on their social networks and their privacy is protected. This is a must-have app for any small business with a brick and mortar storefront.


RUN Powered by ADP Mobile Payroll

This iPhone app does exactly what its name implies. It allows you to manage your payroll and finances 24/7 from anywhere. PC Magazine recently went so far as to call the app “exceedingly simple to understand and use.” With the app you can pay employees and contractors with pre-determined rates, set different rates for employees who work multiple jobs, calculate employee earnings and deductions, calculate various types of taxes and much more.


Google Docs

This app is perfect for anyone who ever coauthors a document — whether it’s a speech, business proposal or employee newsletter — and wants to be able to collaborate on the go. The app is very similar to the search engine giant's computer application and allows the user to create spreadsheets, text documents and other files that can be collaboratively edited in real time.


TweetDeck

If you are a small business owner and you do not have a Twitter handle for your business (complimented by a Facebook page or group) you need to stop reading and take a step into the 21st century. Twitter and Facebook allow small business owners to interact with their customer base in exciting and important ways. You can run promotions and alert customers of sales and events through your social media channels. Once you have everything set up, you'll want the TweetDeck app; which streamlines your multiple social media outlets into one big grid that allows you to see what people are tweeting about your business, your products, and your industry. You can customize the columns in your grid to show only what you want to see, meaning that you will never have to hear some whiny tweeter prattle on and on about something that's not related to your business.