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Before we kick off this week, we just want to say - on behalf of the whole Bizbuzz community - we are thinking of all of you in Christchurch. We can't truly imagine what you are going through but our hearts and thoughts are with you all, and if we can do anything to help, jump on our forums and let us know. And if you're from elsewhere in the country and just want to show your support, you can leave a message here.

Owning a business means living with change – and that can be good, especially for small and home businesses which tend to be able to change tack quickly to take advantage of opportunities or avoid issues which suddenly arise. This week’s guaranteed-under-two-minute-read has ideas, tips and tools to help you identify and embrace new directions.

Article of the week

An important emerging trend is cloud computing. Online software allows business owners and advisors to have real time access to vital financial information, and Sue Hirst explains how the benefits generally far outweigh the negatives.

Also popular:
What to do when your web site sucks? Try these 12 quick remedies to  change you visitors’ opinion ….

Tip of the week

We can’t always be sure how things will work out, so when you are doing any business planning, it’s always worth spending some time contemplating alternatives. If, for instance, you have drawn up a “Plan A”, based on a certain market condition or an anticipated reaction from a competitor, think about “Plan B”, or even “Plan C”, should the unexpected happen. Apart from being nimbler should the need arise, it will open your eyes to alternatives you might not otherwise have thought about.

Hot spot of the week

Many businesses do not so much fail, as get reinvented – and this issue is discussed in more detail in Queenbee’s blog. Has something changed that’s forced you to rethink? Have you reinvented your business? How? Why? And has it been worthwhile? Join the discussion and share your insights and experiences.

Freebee of the week

Not one, but dozens, of great tools to help you analyze and optimize your web presence and online activity. Whether you’re a serious web developer or just an occasional tinkerer, you’ll find something here which will make a real difference to your web site’s performance.

Quote of the week

If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could then better judge what to do, and how to do it.
- Abraham Lincoln

Wishing your success and fulfilment!

Heather and the Bizbuzz Team

PS If you enjoy Bizbuzz and our newsletters, we’d love you to vote for us as your favourite small business web site in this year’s Netguide Awards.  Thanks!