If you are anything like me, all of your business data is stored on your computer (if not, get it there!). Don't store it on an office network or other computer that you don't own.

I store everything...CMA's, pictures, correspondence, net sheets, cost sheets, marketing, just listed cards, flyers, mileage records, business expenses...everything. Now, what would happen if your computer crashed, got stolen, got a fatal virus, etc? Could you rebuild all of that data?

Well, here's a friendly tip...back up your computer on a regular basis. Do this at least once a week, but daily is better. Write it in your day planner if necessary, but do a regular backup. With the technology today, backups are easy, fast and cheap. If you have a computer with a USB port (most do), get yourself a flash drive. A flash drive is an electronic hard drive that plugs into your USB port, and are the size of a pack of gum or smaller. If you are unfamiliar with these, anybody at a computer store can help you. But, make sure you get one with enough space on it. I have one that is 8 gigabytes, and I did have to buy it online as it was impossible to find one that size at a store. I need a large capacity drive because of the immense amount of data I have. Mine cost me about $80, and it is large enough and re-usable.

If you have ever suffered a system crash and lost your data, you know how destructive it can be. I can perform a total backup in about 25 minutes, so there is no excuse for not doing it. Do yourself a favor a make this a daily habit. Your business could depend on it.