As a CEO, it is vital that I have information readily accessible at all times. For quite some time though, it meant carrying around a laptop, a cellphone, folders, USB flash drives, hard drives and more.  With the necessity to carry so many gadgets, I had to then remember to pack chargers, memory cards and more. Essentially, I needed an entire bag just for all of my gadgets! This seemed hardly convenient - more like inconvenient. The whole point of technology is to improve upon past technology by making it faster and smaller, not to add more gear.

In 2010 though, things finally changed. Cellphones became smartphones, convergence devices that could make calls but also take pictures and videos.  Laptops became tablets, and everyone seemed to want in, with Apple making a huge splash with the iPad,

Then in 2010, Research In Motion (RIMM), announced the Blackberry Playbook -- another tablet coming to market to compete with the Apple juggernaut.  While reviews made it sound surprisingly good (and who wouldn't want a Blackberry product, they make great devices for handling email), so far, I'm not sold. There are two main reasons why I'm not sold.

Being an entrepreneur requires a lot of hard work.  While others are out enjoying vacations and spending their free-time doing other activities, let’s face it, we’re working. Of course, what they don’t know is that while they’re out spending their money, you’re building a path towards your financial freedom (along with a back-up plan).  Granted, there are a number of trade-offs when we make the decision to become an entrepreneur and to work for ourselves (but we wouldn’t have it any other way, would we?).

As entrepreneurs, it is all about taking risks, being unconventional, and doing our own thing. With this in mind, I wanted to take a minute to share with you some of my favorite (and essential tools) for those that have made the choice to become an entrepreneur.  While we can rely on our own wisdom, there are some essential tools that every business owner needs to have in their arsenal if they are to succeed at prospecting others.

Five business tools every entrepreneur needs to be successful:

A computer:We live in a digital age, where pen and paper just won’t entirely cut it. We’re on the go so much that we need a way to take our office with us.  Not only is a computer helpful for showing presentations, videos or taking notes, with an Internet connection, it becomes a line of communication, as we can email others, give a website demonstration, check our calendars, book appointments, even introduce ourselves on a social network – all before we’ve left our meeting.

Portfolio folder, notepad and writing utensils:The second item I feel is essential for any entrepreneur is a portfolio folder, notepad and writing utensils.  I threw the pen and paper in there just in case our laptop, iPad or smartphone wouldn’t power.  These tools are essential for when we’re meeting with someone and we want to give them a quick overview about what it is that we do.  I also carry a portfolio folder with me so that I can review and make notes on important projects or so that I can jot down ideas for when I am going over a presentation or preparing for a speech. Another thing that the portfolio folder helps with is if you have handouts (which you should). This way you’re prepared with a digital PDF file (which you can send them on your computer) or a physical handout for your prospect.

Business cards:The third item on my list is a no-brainer. Not having business cards means you’re definitely not prepared.  Sure, we can write down our phone number, but it looks a whole lot more professional when we are meeting with a prospect to be able to hand them a polished card, that is legible and conveys that we mean business!

Be sure you include the following information on your business cards so that people know how they can reach you.

• Name
• Website
• Email address
• Phone number
• Social media contact information

A smartphone:The fourth item is essential for a number of reasons. Not only do most smartphones include maps (so you don’t get lost on your way to your appointment), but you can also send text messages, stay on-top of emails with customers and prospects, check the Internet, even take pictures, record videos and the obvious…make phone calls. Consider this your lifeline when you’re in a pinch. There are a number of phones on the market; the Apple iPhone, Rim Blackberry, Motorola Droid to name a few that can help you get the job done. Consider it a convergence device – your office in your pocket.

Incentives:The last item that I wanted to mention is the use of incentives. I’m not saying go out and purchase large quantities; rather, use them when you’re really close with a prospect and need that extra push.  This could be as simple as rearranging your schedule to fit with their’s, a free product, or even a gift card so that they can experience your website firsthand.  In doing so, you’ll ultimately build a bond with your new prospect, which can help seal the deal.

While these are the tools that I recommend having on-hand, I’m sure there are others that you may find helpful.  Remember, when prospecting or recruiting, it is important to be prepared at all times and to make your potential client feels as comfortable as possible.  By being prepared, it helps to convey the sense that you are very credible and can be the difference that helps them make the right decision.

To help you with your own personal incentive program, I would like to offer two (2) people the opportunity to win an ma® Giftcard with a giveaway!

To enter my giveaway for a chance to win an ma Giftcard, simply follow these rules:

1. Like the JR Ridinger page on Facebook.
2. Post the following status update on Facebook or Twitter: Follow @jrridinger for great tips for #entrepreneurs in growing their #business http://bit.ly/magiftcard_giveaway_jr.
3. Leave a comment on this post, telling me one additional item you would add to my existing list.
4. Send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and include your name/username and email address.

Keep growing and good luck!

JR