Job Uncertainty? Start a Consulting Firm

4. Marketing material: There are a variety of inexpensive software packages such as Business Card Designs and My Business Cards. The software typically costs less than $30 and usually comes with business-card, brochure and other types of templates. You can also go on-line and get up to 200 free business cards.

5. Business plan: You have to develop a road map for your business. There are a few products you should look at, such as Business Plan Pro and Bplans.com.

6. PDF converter: If you are e-mailing contracts and other documents you don't want altered, purchase something like Nuance's(NUAN Quote) PDF Converter 5 Professional.

7. Tracking receipts/business cards: There's no question: The best product on the market is NeatDesk by the Neat Co., a Philadelphia-based entrepreneurial company. This product is a digital filing system that allows you to scan receipts, business cards and documents. The device takes up a small amount of space on your desk and connects with Quicken Books, Turbo Tax and Excel. This is really a must-have product because of the diversity of tactics it performs.

8. Traditional telephone: The best buy for the money is Vonage(VG Quote). You get unlimited calls nationally and some international countries for less than $30 a month. One of the things I like about Vonage is that it forwards my calls to my e-mail, which allows me to listen to the calls on my computer and BlackBerry. You can try to use Skype, but I have still found it inconsistent and inappropriate for business use.

9. Mobile phone: Everyone has a mobile phone, but as a business tool, I still prefer Research in Motion's(RIM Quote) BlackBerry, which allows me to collect and send e-mail. This falls under the category of "invaluable." I once was in a remote part of Panama and a client had a problem. I could respond by e-mail through my BlackBerry.