The Basics

These basic tips will help you think of ways to find work, stay positive and use your age to your advantage.

1. Make sure you’re up-to-date with technology. One of the things that makes employers hesitant to hire older workers is the idea that they won’t be able to use computers or other office technology. Whether you know a lot or a little, make sure you’re on top of whatever the latest trends are and know the tech basics.
2. Be flexible. You may not always be able to find a job that is exactly what your old one was or is just what you’re looking for. Be a little bit more flexible in your requirements and you may find something else that’s just as suitable for you instead.
3. Keep a positive outlook. Looking for a job is never easy, but it doesn’t make it any better if you approach it with a sour attitude. Keep positive and good things are bound to come your way.
4. Fight preconceived ideas. There are a lot of myths out there about older workers. Do your best to go against the expectation and be the best candidate for the job.
5. Take some classes. If you’re not up-to-date or could use a refresher in certain subjects, sign up to take some classes. In some cases, you may even find that just being signed up is enough to get you the job before you’ve even finished.
6. Use technology. Nowadays the web is the first place most people look when trying to find employment. Use all the resources available on the internet to help you get a job as there are many and some catered directly to your needs as an older worker.
7. Give everything your all. Even if you’re unsure about a particular job interview, go in there and give it your best. Even if you don’t even up working for the company it doesn’t hurt to have more options.
8. Don’t lie about your age. Hiding your age implies that you think you’re too old for a particular position and if you think you’re too old that might make your potential employer feel the same way.
9. Accept you may have to take a pay cut. If you’ve been let go from an executive position making a six figure salary, the reality is that you may not be able to find another job paying this well, regardless of your age. Times are tough, so be aware that finding work may mean working for less than you’re used to.
10. Focus on future potential. Employers aren’t always as worried about age as your potential for future success. If you have a great track record and can sell them on what you have to offer to their business, you have just as much of a chance as someone younger at getting a job.
11. Offer to work odd hours. If you’re just looking for a job to make ends meet you may be able to give yourself an edge by working odd hours. This may not be a long term fix, but it can help you find something to give you money to pay the bills.
12. Go without benefits if you already have them. If your spouse already has health care and you have a solid retirement plan already, you may be able to get an edge by forgoing the usual company benefits. This can make you more of a bargain to employers and won’t hurt you if you already have backup benefits.
13. Stay healthy. Searching for a job can be tiring, frustrating and depressing but it’s important to make sure that you focus on your health as well while you’re looking.
14. Be yourself. Being yourself has gotten you pretty far in life already, so stick to it. Act your age, show your experience and just be who you are.
15. Find out about legal action. If you feel that you have been discriminated against unfairly based solely on your age then you do have grounds for legal recourse. Be aware, however that it likely won’t be easy to prove, but if you’ve got a solid case go for it. You shouldn’t have to suffer discrimination more than anyone else.

The Job Hunt

Looking for a job is rarely fun or easy, especially not for those out of work late in their careers. Here are some tips that can help make the process easier or at least a little less painful.

16. Don’t wait to seek out employment. If you’ve been laid off, take a little time to figure out what you want to do but don’t wait forever to start looking. The sooner you start, the sooner you can address problems and start working towards solutions.
17. Find employers that seek out older employees. There are many companies out there that actually seek out seasoned employees. Do a little research to see if there are any that you might be a good fit with. This listing from Wisconsin provides a good example.
18. Consider former employers. If you’ve maintained good relationships with former employers who know you and your work, why not go to them to see if they have any openings? You already have the connections to get your foot in the door so make the most of them.
19. Think about a career change. It’s never too late in life to consider a career change, especially if you’re feeling burnt out on your current career track.
20. Don’t give up. Looking for a job isn’t going to be easy, it never is, but don’t let a few rejections break your will to seek out work.
21. Consider temping. If you want to build experience in a particular field or even find an in to a particular business, temping can be a great solution. You’ll get short term assignments that could lead to longer employment or just some really helpful experience.
22. Use your connections. One thing many older workers have in abundance is connections. Make use of these people in your personal network from friends to other business people to help you find potential jobs.
23. Try joining professional associations. It doesn’t hurt to become part of a professional organization. Many times, these organizations offer job search help to members and you’ll have a built in set of people to network with who are in your field.
24. Expand your target companies. Since you’ve got a lot of younger competition, expand your job search to include more companies than you would have at a younger age so you’ll improve your chances of success.
25. Get help. If you’re floundering on your own, consider the services of a career coach or a recruiter to help you find work.
26. Consider starting your own business. For those who have always dreamed of owning their own business, unemployment can be a motivator to finally pursue those dreams. Look for investors and draw up a business plan and you could be on the road to being your own boss.
27. Explore a wide range of options. You may have your heart set on working in a particular field, but keep your options open. You may find a job that is ideal outside of where you would have looked had you stuck with your original plan.
28. Don’t focus on titles. Even if you were a high ranking manager before, titles are unimportant in a job search for an older worker. Focus on your passion, your drive and your love of the job instead.

Resumes

When was the last time you really updated your resume? If you can’t remember, check out these tips that can help you build a better resume and get hired.

29. Don’t provide your complete work history. If you’ve been working for 20 years, it may not be wise to include every job you’ve ever had. Many resume experts advise only adding the last 10 or so years to your resume.
30. Avoid clichés and tired language. Young or old, this rule holds true. Avoid using common resume phrases that will make you blend into the crowd instead of stand out.
31. Go back to school. Check out low-cost classes and degree programs at www.onlinecolleges.net.
32. Update everything. Go through your resume and make sure everything on there is current. Names of institutions and businesses may have changed and you want them to be appropriate for today, not years ago when you were working for them.
33. Show a commitment to learning. Take graduate classes or emphasize any current training you’ve had to show you want to keep up and learn new things.
34. Emphasize your experience. Experience is not a bad thing. Play up what you know about the field as this is one serious advantage you have over younger workers.
35. Avoid functional resumes. Functional resumes list your skills in clusters rather than in chronological order like a traditional resume. While this format may work well for those who are changing careers or who have gaps in their employment history, it can sometimes seem like a way to avoid indicating your age to employers. Many resume experts advise using a combination of a chronological and functional resume instead.
36. Use current terminology. One quick way to date yourself is by using old business terminology that’s been replaced by newer lingo, so try to learn what the latest terminology is for your field.
37. Look at other resumes for current models. If you want your resume to reflect current trends, try using online resources and free models to figure out how you should be laying things out.
38. De-emphasize dates. While you shouldn’t omit dates altogether, that doesn’t mean you have to flash them around either.
39. Create a great cover letter. No matter what you have on your resume, your cover letter can be a great way to introduce yourself to an employer. Just make sure it isn’t a review of your employment history and offers information your resume doesn’t.
40. Look at it from an employer’s perspective. if you were hiring for the position and received your resume would you hire yourself? Try to create a resume that shows your best assets and makes a great first impression.
41. Keep it short. While you may have an employment history that goes on for several pages, try to limit your resume to just a few pages. No one wants to go through loads of resume pages anyway.

Interviews

There’s no hiding your age in an interview, but these tips can help you score big in the process no matter how old you are.

42. Don’t be unnerved by younger interviewers. You may be interviewed by someone significantly younger than yourself. don’t let this throw you off of your game. Treat this younger individual as you would anyone who is interested in hiring you.
43. Make it clear you can work with younger employees. Age can become an issue in the workplace, especially if you’ll be managed by someone younger and possibly less experienced than yourself. Make it clear in the interview that you have no problem deferring to authority, even if that authority is young.
44. Go the extra mile. If you’re really gunning for a certain position, make sure to do everything you can to make the best impression. In fact, it may not even hurt to ask what would make a person successful in their organization.
45. Make sure they understand you can keep up. Many workplaces today are fast-paced and rely heavily on technology. You need to reassure employers that you can roll with the punches and keep up in this kind of environment.
46. Stress a willingness to learn. Even if you aren’t familiar with every type of technology out there, you may be able to get by with stressing how much you’d like to learn about these new things and how willing you are to keep up.
47. Make sure questions are legal. In any interview it’s important to ensure that everything being asked is actually a valid, legal interview question. Age discrimination is a crime, so if you feel a question is hinting at this find a polite way to answer or move on to the next question.
48. Use your maturity to your advantage. In many cases, age can be a great asset. With it comes experience, wisdom and maturity that can make great assets to any job.
49. Promote your work effort and loyalty. if you’re like many other older workers, you likely spent several years working for one company. Emphasize your loyalty and commitment as a big asset.
50. Make sure you look up-to-date. Appearance, however superficial, can be a big deal in making a good first impression. It may be time to pick out a new suit or get some clothes that are up-to-date so you look fresh and able.
51. Plan ahead. You don’t have to go into your interview blind. Review lists of common interview questions and think about how you would answer ahead of time.
52. Aim to break stereotypes. As an older worker you are probably keenly aware of many of the preconceived ideas held about you. Do your best in the interview to dispel these myths and show that you are a valuable player.
53. Spin it. No one is perfect, but part of success comes from being able to spin even your negative characteristics into something that isn’t so bad after all.
54. Identify your benefits in monetary terms. Businesses, at the heart, are about making money. If you can identify a concrete benefit you offered former employers or ways you can do the same at this employer you’ll have some great bonus points when it comes to hiring.
55. Focus on where you excel. There may be areas of your resume where you are weak, but try to steer the conversation towards areas where you are particularly strong.

Helpful Books

Check these books out at the library or purchase them online for some helpful job search advice.

56. Age Discrimination in the American Workplace: Old at a Young Age, by Raymond F. Gregory: Learn about the role age discrimination plays in the workplace in America and abroad.
57. The Third Age: Six Principles of Growth and Renewal After Forty, by William Sadler: Learn how to make the most of your "third age" in this book that offers career and personal advice.
58. Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life, by Marc Freedman: If you’re looking for a second career later in life, this book can be a great source of inspiration and advice.
59. Age Power: How the 21st Century Will Be Ruled by the New Old, by Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D: Learn how ideas about aging are changing as health care advances and people are staying younger longer.
60. Age Works: What Corporate America Must Do to Survive the Graying of the Workforce, by Beverly Goldberg: Learn why your role as an older worker could actually be pretty important from this book focused on the aging workforce.
61. Happy About Working to Stay Young: Expanded Careers for Boomers and Seniors, by Jacky Hood: This book focuses on making your career matter later in life and how you can keep working and stay strong in a society focused on youth.
62. The Power Years: A User’s Guide to the Rest of Your Life, by Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D. and Daniel J. Kadlec: Read this book to learn how to make the years after 40 the best and most empowered of your life.
63. Resumes for the 50+ Job Hunter: This book offers a wide range of sample resumes that can be great reference material for older job seekers.
64. What Color Is Your Parachute? 2009: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers by Richard N. Bolles: This book can be a good read for those looking for work or planning to work in another field regardless of age.
65. The Executive Job Search: A Comprehensive Handbook for Seasoned Professionals by Orrin Wood: If you were pretty high up in the ranks in your former job, this book offers you some advice on how to be competitive in the job market, create good resumes and more.

Networking Tools

One stereotype about older workers is that they aren’t tech savvy. Break down that misconception by using technology to further your job search through these networking tools.

66. Ning: This social networking tool lets you create your own customized network, an ideal way to connect with other businesspeople or older workers on the hunt for jobs.
67. LinkedIn: As one of the most popular business networking sites, LinkedIn can offer you a great way to get connected with those in your field.
68. Ryze: Through this network you can create a profile and connect with old friends while making new connections.
69. Xing: With over 7 million members, this site offers a wide range of individuals and opportunities for job hunters.
70. Ecademy: This site allows users to market a business, get in touch with others, and even find jobs.
71. APSense: Give your resume or business new life by creating a profile on this site and getting in touch with others in your field.
72. Networking for Professionals: Create a profile on this site to get in touch with numerous individuals and businesses.
73. Ziggs: With Ziggs you can learn how to create an online image for yourself, connect with other businesses and even find job listings that may interest you.
74. FastPitch: If you’re planning on starting your own business, this site can be a great place to pitch your ideas.
75. Social Networking Goes Professional: For those who don’t know a thing about social networking, this article from the Wall Street Journal provides some background and offers some advice on what to do.

Tutorials, How-Tos and Guides

These sites offer guidance, tips and information on making your job search more successful.

76. Interview Tips for Older Job Seekers: Check out this article to learn some big things to do in an interview or things you should avoid at all costs.
77. Resume Tutorials for All Job Seekers: If your resume is lacking, go through this tutorial to learn how to revamp it.
78. Older Job Seekers Must Disprove Prejudices: Learn how you can fight some of the biggest myths that surround older workers in this article.
79. Job Search Tips for Older Workers: Are you going about looking for a job in the right way? Here you’ll find advice and instruction on job hunting.
80. Older Job Seekers and Job Interviews: Don’t Let Age be a Detriment: Here you can learn how to ace the interview process.
81. Four Survival Tips for Older Job Seekers: Looking for a job can be especially tough on older workers. This article provides some advice on hanging in there.
82. New Tactics for Older Job Seekers: Looking for some fresh ideas on how to be more successful in job hunting? Give this article a read.
83. How to Make Age an Asset When Job Searching: You age doesn’t have to be an obstacle to finding a job. Learn how to make it your biggest asset from this site.
84. Top 10 Things for Older Job Seekers to Keep in Mind: Learn what you should be considering in your job search from this article.
85. Advice for Older Jobseekers Facing Negative Stereotypes: Read this article to learn how to fight ageism.
86. 40 Tips for Job Seekers Over 40: This is a great collection of tips designed to help you prevent making major bungles and get you the job you deserve.
87. Top 3 Job Hunting Tips for Job Seekers Over 40: Check out this article to learn some basic ways you can help yourself in your job search.
88. Jobs For Grown-Ups: This Forbes article provides some great advice for job seekers who are over 40, from resume tweaks to interview advice.

Career Help

If you’re looking for targeted career help, these specialty job search engines can assist you in finding the perfect job for you at any age.

89. AARP Work: Members of the AARP should give their website’s job section a look for advice on finding work and dealing with ageism.
90. 50Plus.com: On this site you’ll advice on life, health, money, travel and of course, work.
91. Experience Works: This community organization is designed to help older workers like yourself get the training they need to be competitive in the workplace.
92. RebootYou: Those looking to start a new career later in life can take advantage of the articles, advice and other resources on this site.
93. RetiredBrains: Whether you’re looking for full-time, part-time or temp work this site can help you find a job.
94. RetiredWorker: For those who are fast approaching retirement age but aren’t ready or willing to spend their days hanging out around the house, this site offers a wealth of job opportunities.
95. Senior Job Bank: Check out this site to find job listings geared towards the Boomer generation.
96. WiserWorker: This site believes that with age comes wisdom in the workplace. On it, you’ll find job search resources as well as listings for career fairs and more.
97. Seniors4Hire: If you’re 50 or older this site is a great resource for employment opportunities.
98. Senior Service America: If you’re an older adult looking to work in your community, this site can help provide you with information and ideas on how to do so.
99. Jobs 4.0: Here you’ll find a great resources for job searchers who are forty and over, with listings in a wide range of fields and geographical locations.
100. Simply Hired 50+: The jobs on this site are geared towards older workers who are nearing retirement age but aren’t ready to retire.

Whether you’re a victim of cutbacks, outsourcing or your own personal ambitions, your side business is probably more than just a hobby. And since you’re intent on growing your company into something respectable and profitable, you’ll need the tools and connections to help you project a professional image. Check out our list of 100 essential web tools for anyone who’s starting up a side business.

Marketing and Customers

Attract and spoil your customers with these marketing, PR and CRM tools.

1. Twitter: Use Twitter to network, expand your brand and update the public on new releases and projects.
2. Retaggr: Retaggr lets you set up a "definitive profile" for all of your online accounts and works much like a virtual business card.
3. Cafe Press: Create your own promotional items for a reasonable fee.
4. Breeze: Use Breeze to send out reports, newsletters and email campaigns.
5. SEOMOZ Tools: Find out how well your website is reaching out to customers with this toolset.
6. Craigslist: Reach out to customers by posting your services on Craigslist.
7. Policy Map: Get demographics reports, charts and maps so that you can more effectively target your customer base.
8. Spot Runner: On this site, you can create TV advertisements for your independent business.
9. Your Pitch Sucks?: Get your PR pitch reviewed for free on this site.
10. Knol: Become known as an expert in your field by sharing tips on Knol.

Project Management and Collaboration

Let this collection of tools help you multitask, map out your major game plan, and work with team members around the world.

11. CreativePro Office: This free set of office tools features an office dashboard, project manager, time tracker, invoicing and more.
12. No Kahuna: No Kahuna is a great project management and collaboration tool that’s uber simple and streamlined.
13. Zoho: Zoho is another free office suite that features reporting, e-mail hosting, online invoicing, web conferencing, organizers and more.
14. Lighthouse: Use Lighthouse to track milestones, goals and more.
15. Basecamp: Once your side business takes off, use Basecamp to manage all of the projects, to-do lists, deadlines, feedback and more.
16. ClientSpot: This tool organizes projects, clients, feedback, time tracking and more in one spot.
17. activeCollab: Here you can prioritize tasks, organize big ideas and small tasks, and work with team members.
18. Loose Stitch: With Loose Stitch, you can share brainstorming ideas, edits and to-do lists.
19. Stixy: Marketed as a family organizer, Stixy is also great for teams who want to share notes and ideas on a virtual bulletin board.
20. bubbl.us: This free mind-mapping tool will help you organize every step of your project.

Finance and Accounting

Even if you think you’re not talented at handling money, you can turn your business into something profitable and legit with the help of these finance and accounting tools.

21. Less Accounting: This simple, cute accounting system manages taxes, budgeting, IOUs, repeating invoices and more.
22. PayPal: Request that your customers pay you through PayPal for secure, organized payments.
23. Blinksale: Send invoices online with Blinksale, which lets you send a limited number per month for free.
24. CurdBee: Cute little CurdBee creates estimates, displays account overviews, works with PayPal, lets you use your own logo, and a lot more. Standard subscription is free, or upgrade to a plan that’s $5 per month.
25. Google Checkout: Use this service for safe and convenient selling online.
26. CannyBill: CannyBill manages web-based invoicing that also lets you sell products, integrate with QuickBooks, accept credit card payments online, and more.
27. The Invoice Machine: Choose from different plans to get invoices that are designed with your logo, saved in PDF format, work with PayPal, and more.
28. Dimewise: Dimewise is a financial management tool that’s just the right size for new businesses.
29. Mint.com: Plan out your budget, view all of your finance accounts, get savings tips and more with Mint.com.
30. Invoices Made Easy: Here you can track invoices, accept online payments, print and mail invoices for just $1 each, and more.

Time Tracking and To-Dos

Keep track of the time spent on your side business and how much you should charge clients with these tools.

31. Tick: This "simple and friendly" time-tracking tool offers a free plan and an iPhone app.
32. Harvest: Harvest offers a solo time-tracking plan for $12/month, which features room for unlimited clients, estimates tracking, time tracking, online invoicing and more.
33. Toggl: Enjoy one-click time tracking and a Toggle Timer that you can embed on your Gmail page, desktop and more.
34. Remember the Milk: This to-do list works with Gmail, IM, Google Calendar and more.
35. Jott: Send yourself voice-to-text messages when you’re afraid you’ll forget something.
36. LiveTimer: This time and expense tracker has a ledger for daily and weekly entries, flexible billing rates, and more.
37. Toodledo: Toodledo lets you organize tasks and more into folders, goals, notes, time estimates and more.
38. hitask: Use this tool alone or with a team to manage tasks, keep a calendar and use the drag-n-drop planner tool.
39. Side Job Track: This manager features job tracking, invoicing, reporting and more, and is designed for part-timers.
40. Fanurio: Fanurio is a freelancer’s tool for time tracking, performance analytics, billing and more.

Social Networking

Continue your marketing blitz through free social networking sites that let you meet customers, partners and more.

41. LinkedIn: LinkedIn is one of the premier social networking sites for serious professionals.
42. Facebook: Facebook is ideal for networking, cultivating awareness for your brand, and creating a free page for marketing.
43. Digg: Meet more potential customers and share information about your product or services on this social bookmarking site.
44. APSense: On this site, you can get paid to build up your business social network.

Website Tools

Here you’ll find tools for creating and maintaining an attractive, interactive website for your business.

45. Jumpchart: Track the growth of your website according to how your business grows.
46. Google Alerts: Monitor your online reputation by setting up a Google alert for your brand.
47. Blogger: This free and easy blogging service will help you get the word out about your business.
48. Icebrrg: Design forms for customer feedback and more for your website.
49. Woopra: This analytics tool can let you peek into the reports of your competitors.
50. Userplane: Create a community section for your site with Userplane.

Outsourcing and Extra Help

When you need extra help but don’t have the space or time to manage a full-time team, turn to these resources.

51. Moo: Moo prints postcards, business cards and a lot more based off of your own photos and designs.
52. Ziki: This directory finds suppliers to help grow your business.
53. Zoominfo: Zoominfo is a search engine for people and businesses.
54. XHTMLiT: Fake web design know-how with this easy transition tool.
55. Professional on the Web: Find web workers to work for you or list your own portfolio in this database.
56. Get a Freelancer: Look for freelancers to work on web design and more for your business.
57. iFreelance: iFreelance is another freelancer directory.
58. BizReef: Look for contractors on this site.
59. GetACoder.com: Look to this site for connections to web designers and freelance writers.
60. Elance: Post opportunities for sales, administrative support, writing, translation, and more.

Productivity

Get a handle on your productivity even as you juggle other jobs and responsibilities.

61. BlueTie: Set up your own e-mail system designed for small businesses with BlueTie.
62. Documents Online: Here you an create documents that you can work on at home, at work and with a team.
63. Mindquarry: This productivity and organization tool lets you store and share wikis, files, and tasks.
64. ThinkFree Office: This free workspace lets you create and manage documents more efficiently.
65. Central Desktop: Create a desktop that you can access from anywhere and share with anyone.
66. MarsEdit2: This blog publisher for Macs works without a web browser.

Business Tools

This list of business tools will keep you organized and professional.

67. PlanHQ: Set up a business plan with this tool.
68. MyNewCompany: Let this site help you decide whether or not you need to become incorporated.
69. Mecanbe: This task management and goal setting tool is great for creating business plans.
70. Help Me Work: This tool takes care of administrative and accounting tasks like payroll tax withholding and vacation pay and scheduling so that you can work on the important stuff.

Contacts and Communication

Stay in touch with all the players who are making your business possible with these tools.

71. Email Charger: This software package manages bulk mailing lists and can send out newsletters and more.
72. Google Groups: Set up a Google group to chat with the people who are helping with your projects.
73. Dimdim: This high-quality, professional-looking web conferencing tool is also marketed as being affordable.
74. Vyew: Use Vyew for instant web conferencing meetings and presentations.
75. Project Stat.us: Keep your clients updated with your progress on their projects.
76. Yugma: Yugma is free, remote web conferencing.
77. Doodle: Use Doodle to create polls, schedule meetings and keep in touch.
78. Gmail: Gmail’s searchable e-mail has no cap on storage and also features integrated chat.
79. ooVoo: Manage free video chat and video conferencing with this tool.
80. Plugoo: With Plugoo you can chat instantly with your website visitors.

Legal Tools

Make sure your contracts, copyrights and HR practices are all lawful.

81. Nolo: Visit Nolo for business legal resources.
82. eLaw Advisors: The U.S. Department of Labor has set up this list of laws about security, contractor compliance, training and more.
83. Creative Commons: Protect yourself from copyright infringement by researching licensing tools on Creative Commons.

Calculators

Let these calculators help you compute rates and more.

84. Cha-Ching!: FreelanceSwitch’s hourly rate calculator helps you figure out what to charge.
85. FLSA Overtime Calculator Advisor: Use the U.S. Department of Labor’s overtime calculator when deciding what to charge clients and when paying employees.
86. Breakeven Calculator: Find out when you’ll break even when you use this tool.
87. Cash Flow Calculator: Monitor your business growth with this calculator.
88. XE Universal Currency Converter: When doing business with people in other countries, use this converter to keep everything legit.
89. Loan calculator: Figure out loan payments here.
90. Debt to assets ratio calculator: Figure out your payment plan.

Miscellaneous

Find tools to help you stay current, creative and on track in this list.

91. QOOP: This marketplace lets you sell images, art, documents and more.
92. Contract Pal: Use Contract Pal to sign and process contracts online.
93. Scriblink: This online whiteboard space is just begging for you to brainstorm business plan ideas, new logos and more.
94. Booking Pad: The Booking Pad lets you add bookings capabilities into your website.
95. Yammer: Share project updates, ideas and more with co-workers.
96. OrderMotion: Keep track of incoming orders.
97. carbonmade: Establish your portfolio on line with this sleek tool.
98. Bright Ideas Lab: This brainstorming tool is great for keeping all of your disconnected ideas safe and organized.
99. Zapproved: Use Zapproved to create proposals and send them out cleanly and swiftly.
100. eFax: While the internet may be a faster way of doing things, many clients will still want to send faxes the old fashioned way. This site lets you get them to your email in case you don’t have a fax machine.

In business, you may find yourself traveling often. As a business traveler, you can benefit from connections that help you learn about deals, places to visit, and more. In this list, we’ll explore 50 networks that offer useful information to business travelers.

Travel Guides & Ratings

Join these networks to learn about the best places to go, and share your opinion as well.

1. Tripwolf: Check out Tripwolf to find a social travel guide with professional tips and traveler experiences and help.
2. Gusto!: Find member travel guides from this website.
3. TourSpot: If you have time to see a few sights while you’re on your trip, take advantage of TourSpot’s guides to find local facts, social networking, and more in a mobile tool.
4. World66: World66 is a travel guide written by travelers, with information on more than 20,000 destinations.
5. Real Travel: Get ideas, learn about flights, hotels, deals, and more from Real Travel.
6. TripAdvisor: TripAdvisor is an excellent resource for finding candid photos and opinions on hotels and more.
7. SKYTRAX: Find passenger flight reviews for more than 620 airlines and 645 airports on SKYTRAX.
8. TravelPost: Check out TravelPost to find hotel reviews, rates, and more from thousands of websites, and add your own.

Planning

With these social sites, you’ll be able to arrange your travel plans.

9. TripTie: On this social travel site, you can share itineraries and remix travel plans.
10. Groople: With Groople, you’ll be able to easily coordinate travel between groups.
11. Yahoo! Trip Planner: Yahoo!’s trip planner includes the ability to share journals and see other traveler’s trips on a tagged map.
12. FlightStats: FlightStats features flight status, delays, airport information and more in its community.
13. Facebook Trips: Use Trips to plan upcoming trips with contacts, share past travels, and see where you’ve been.
14. Triporama: Triporama will make it easy for you to plan a trip with others in your group.
15. Dopplr: Make your travel planning smarter by sharing your business travel plans, finding tips, and getting advice from other travelers.
16. CoGoJets: Use CoGoJets to connect with people who want to split the cost of a private jet flight.
17. Hitchsters: With Hitchsters, you’ll be able to arrange for ride sharing in large US airports, with services to other airports coming in the future.
18. TripWiser: TripWiser’s social travel planning site will let you create a trip, and collect all of the important information you’ll need when traveling.
19. TripIt: TripIt offers an online travel itinerary and trip planner, plus an app for the iPhone.

Communities

Connect with other travelers, find deals, and more through these business travel communities.

20. Business Travel ConneXion: Join the BTX community to get connected with travel managers, industry experts, and more.
21. VirtualTourist: Check out VirtualTourist to find guides, reviews, forums, photos, and deals.
22. BootsnAll: BootsnAll is an incredibly useful resource for independent travelers.
23. Flight Club: This air travel social network makes it easy to meet other travelers to hang out with on the plane.
24. TripSay: Join groups on TripSay to discuss places around the world.
25. Bluenity: Find and share your tips with Air France and KLM travelers in Bluenity’s community.
26. Driftr: The Driftr travel community makes it easy for you to keep track of your trips and research destinations.
27. Travellerspoint: In this travel community, you can find travel guides, forums, blogs, and useful tools.
28. Mobissimo: Find people and cheap travel deals from Mobissimo.
29. WAYN: This lifestyle and travel social network will connect you with likeminded people wherever you’re going.
30. FlyerTalk: As a part of FlyerTalk, you’ll benefit from a popular interactive frequent flyer community with up to date information on loyalty reward programs.
31. TravBuddy: TravBuddy features a fun way to share travel advice and meet other travelers.
32. Airtroductions: Through Airtroductions, you can find business networking partners, ridesharing, and more.
33. CouchSurfing: Through CouchSurfing, you can find free places to stay all over the world, and make friends and connections.

Forums

Find and share news about the latest in frequent flyer programs, deals, and lots more on these forums.

34. Thorn Tree: Lonely Planet’s forums offer advice from a worldwide travel community.
35. FrequentFlier: Join this forum to learn about ways to earn more miles and travel rewards.
36. TravelBlog: You’ll find a friendly travel forum for independent travelers on this site.
37. SeatExpert: Take part in the SeatExpert forums to learn about the best seats on airlines.
38. Fodor’s: On Fodor’s, you’ll find a community including the Travel Talk forums.
39. FlightAware: FlightAware’s discussion forums offer aviation news, flight planning, and more.
40. TripAdvisor Business Travel Forum: Get the latest on travel programs, business class, and more.

Wikis & Databases

In these wikis and databases, you’ll find a wealth of information about business travel that you can add to.

41. Cybercafes: Use this database to find Internet cyber cafes all around the world.
42. AirPower Wiki: Find power outlets in airports around the world with the help of this wiki.
43. Wikitravel: Wikitravel offers a free worldwide travel guide from Wikitravellers around the world.
44. Wikia Travel: Wikia Travel is a free travel directory that you can edit.

Blogs

These blogs offer ongoing news and information about business travel.

45. Tripso: On Tripso’s blog, you’ll learn about travel consumer issues, deals, and more. Plus, the site features a forum community.
46. InFlightHQ: InFlightHQ will help you learn how to be productive while flying.
47. Venere Travel: Learn about special deals, places to eat, and more on Venere Travel Blog.
48. Gulliver: Read Gulliver to get the latest on business travel from The Economist.
49. Vagabonding: Mike Pugh’s Vagabonding offers insight into Asia and East African travels.
50. Everything Everywhere: Gary Arndt offers insight on locations around the world.