As a web developer, I consistently make recommendations to clients for shopping cart software that fits their budget, timeline, and web abilities.

Volusion, Shopify, Big Commerce and Big Cartel are four commonly-used stores  for web-hosted versions, and some self-hosted versions include Ubercart, ZenCart, Magento, and OS Commerce.

Any one of these has similar features - what your main decision boils down to is your budget, comfort level, and the ease with which you can add new or updated products to your store.

Here are five factors for you to consider as you decide on shopping cart software:

1) Externally Hosted or Self-hosted - Similar to Wordpress, where you can host the blog at Wordpress.com, or you can download the blog software and host it on your own hosting provider, you can have shopping cart/store software on a main provider's website, OR you can download the software and host your store within your existing website.

If you already have a website, see if your web developer has a recommendation that fits well with your existing content management system. For example, for Drupal websites, the Ubercart solution is a powerful, open-source solution that integrates well.

If you own (or are thinking of having developed) a custom-made website, it may be more economical for you to go with a hosted service where you pay a signup fee and then monthly fees. Ask your web developer what their recommendations for your particular needs are.

2) Ease of Use - If you are fairly tech-savvy, you will have less issues than if you are tech-averse. Take an honest evaluation of your skills and identify if you are able, on a scale of 1-10, to do the following:

a) enter data online

b) check Google for tech support issues

c) upload photos easily

d) edit existing content

e) add new categories or sub-categories

If you score in the 25 range and above, you will be fine with most shopping cart software. If your score is less than 25, you may need to hire someone younger and more comfortable with technology to either train you, or to do an initial round of data entry and/or ongoing updates.

3) Maintenance fees/Account fees

Many types of software require a setup fee, a monthly fee, or a per-transaction fee. Figure out your break-even points and get a sense of what will fit your budget and your potential sales. For many stores starting out, it may make sense to start small and build your clientele before upgrading to a more powerful system. Note that some systems have a limit on how many products you may upload; other systems charge a flat rate and you may post unlimited products, and for the self-hosted version, you may upload unlimited products but you must pay for your installation and regular hosting fees.

4) Credit card transaction fees

Does the service automatically deduct a fee for Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover charges? If so, how much is that and how does it impact your markup price? Consider the need for paying transaction fees and see if it is covered or is an additional expense on your desired shopping cart.

5) Dashboard and Notifications

A dashboard is a landing page of products for your website, including new products, most recently edited or updated products, recent sales, reports on carts/abandoned cart/completed cart activity, etc.

Ask your potential providers for samples of reports and dashboard functions.

With enough training and assistance, you as the store manager will be able to sell your product online; most of these solutions are fairly similar, and you can't go wrong if you have a winning product, a great "back story" and a dedicated network of "evangelists" willing to buy your product and help spread the word about your company.

Need some more ideas? Consider the trade paperback 30 Steps to Starting your Green Business: http://amzn.to/30greensteps or electronic version: http://www.tinyurl.com/30greensteps for more tips on how to launch your green business.

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The internet has provided an incredible way for businesses to reach a virtual sea of potential customers that might otherwise never know about them. But your business isn't the only one to come to this realization, which means that you are facing an awful lot of cyber competition. And while you have probably covered the basics (setting up a website, listing with search engines and directories, and possibly even advertising) you have to understand that marketing yourself on the web is a totally different beast than real-world marketing efforts. So if you want to increase exposure by expanding your online presence, here are just a few ways to get the ball rolling.

1. Forums. Joining forums is not only a good way to network with colleagues, but it's a fantastic way to get the advice you need to make your online venture a success. People who frequent forums should be able (and willing) to help you learn the ropes. And in some cases they can do even more than simply offering the wealth of their experience - they may offer actual wealth in the way of partnerships, backing, or even overflow business that they simply can't handle. You should not hesitate to take advantage of the many opportunities for knowledge and growth afforded by forums.

2. SEO. Search engine optimization is a must for any business operating in cyberspace. If a mom blogger poring over a copy of SEO for Dummies can figure out how to increase traffic and advertising dollars, you can use SEO to benefit your business. Of course, there are also plenty of companies out there that can offer you the service so that you don't have to learn it on your own, but you should at least gain a minimal understanding of how and why the process works so that you can ensure the service you're paying for is top-notch.

3. Viral marketing campaign. You've probably seen plenty of emails, photos, and videos go viral. But you may be at a loss as to how to capture that kind of explosive momentum for your own business. The trick with viral campaigns (and there is a trick) is to create something simple and attention-grabbing. It should be innovative, humorous, or at least on trend. Think about popular viral campaigns like the "Will it blend?" YouTube series, OK Go's music videos, Quicksilver's "dynamite surfing" campaign, and totally bizarre exploits like sheep art (Samsung has garnered an unbelievable 16+ million views to date with this ridiculous campaign). All prove that viral marketing can do some amazing things for your business if you get it right.

4. Social media. With over 800 million people on Facebook, over 100 million on Google+, and nearly 200 million using Twitter, it's hard to argue that there isn't a waiting audience in the social networking arena. So it behooves you to be a part of it in order to expand your online presence.

5. Blogs. You may realize that creating an on-site blog will bring in more traffic, and that writing a guest post for a related blog could result in a link back to your site, but did you know that you can actually hire a guest posting service to do the work for you? You may not appreciate the positive impact that blogs can have on your business, but a link on a popular blog could drive a lot of traffic your way and significantly increase your online exposure.

As someone who owns, operates, or works for an environmentally responsible business, you may not be too keen on traditional methods of networking (like handing out business cards, for example). Or perhaps you simply don't have a clear idea of how to create the network contacts you covet within your industry. Luckily, there are several ways that you can meet other eco-minded professionals that share your passion for environmental pursuits in order to do find and create opportunities for the continued growth of your green business. Here are just a few avenues that you'll definitely want to explore in order to expand your eco-network.

1. Cold call (or email). This old-school method of making contacts got a modern update with the advent of the internet. But it still requires you to approach people that have no idea who you are. This can be a daunting and challenging task, especially if you're not particularly outgoing. However, a little flattery can go a long way, and since there are probably reasons why you want to network with specific people or organizations, you should have no problem expressing your admiration, as well as the reasons you think you might work well together (or at least why it could be beneficial to both parties to remain in contact).

2. Volunteer. The world of environmentalism and conservation is rife with opportunities to volunteer your time, money, and/or expertise to worthy causes. And whether you're doing so for personal reasons or on behalf of your business (or both), it's a great way to meet like-minded professionals, enhance interpersonal relationships, and seek ways that your businesses can work together in the future for the betterment of the planet.

3. Webinars. Industry seminars provide a fantastic opportunity to meet not only prominent business people (those delivering speeches and running groups), but also colleagues from related or adjacent fields. However, with all the travel and setup involved, you might wonder how green these events really are (even though they're for environmental industries). So instead of spreading rampant pollution for the chance to network, consider seeking out webinars. You'll have access to all of the same content (online rather than in person) and in most cases they are set up for live streaming and real-time interaction (Q&A, and so on). They may even provide group chats or other opportunities to discuss presentations with attendees.

4. LinkedIn (and other social networking). LinkedIn is a social networking site specifically geared at garnering professional contacts. It allows you to build a list of friends and expand your contact list through them (with various degrees of separation requiring introductions). Along with other types of social networking (accounts on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Foursquare, and even Pinterest, just to name a few) this can be a heavy-hitting tool in your arsenal when it comes to professional networking.

5. Forums. Some people join forums seeking work while others are looking for invoice factoring opportunities. But probably the best reason to join is to meet contemporaries. You can not only get (and give) advice, but you can also greatly enhance your opportunities to network with other professionals in your industry and potentially even team up or get some work tossed your way.

Real estate, medical transcription, court reporting, and tax filing have traditionally been "non-green" industries.

Reams of paper go towards filing complex legal documents that require a "wet" signature like contracts and mortgages. In the medical business, all United States facilities will be transitioning to electronic management, but I'm sure you've seen the hundreds or even thousands of paper folders in the front office at smaller clinics. Court reporting is traditionally a job that requires a "paper trail" with the transcription of the trial as well as exhibits and documentation. Tax time usually requires photocopies, faxes, and printed versions of filings.

How can we green up these industries?

Modern companies have an information management plan in place and are continuously evolving with the space-age technology around us: better capacity and storage means an easier way for professionals in all industries to sort, catalog, file, and store information. A CD-ROM, a web-based video, or a slideshow is so much easier to access than a heavy stack of paper, a bulky A/V setup, or a clunky posterboard presentation.

Electronic versions of files (such as in PDF, TXT, or HTML) as well as web-based authorization, fax-via-e-mail, video files, and webforms make the difference.

• Some escrow and title companies offer e-tracking and PDF versions of files.
   
• Medical professionals can, with training, switch easily to working on computer terminals in the exam room, instead of paper folders
   
• Huseby, a North Carolina based court reporter firm, offers "Go Green!" packages with e-transcriptions, condensed hardcopies, CD versions, and web access to videos and files related to the deposition and hearing.
   
• Your tax professional may accept scans of common documents like real estate and W-2 forms.

I predict we'll see more respect for -- and reliance on -- the green movement in the coming years, as people appreciate the convenience, search functionality, and automation of using electronic versions.

When we reduce our use of natural materials, resuse items as much as possible, and encourage recycling, we leave behind a better planet for the next generations. We also benefit from better searching and filing, and more intuitive ways to cross-reference disparate pieces of information.

If you work in an industry that still relies on printed and stored version of documents solely in paper, I urge you to do some additional research. Come up with three additional ways to save money, time, energy, and raw materials by encouraging non-paper storage and filing, and your team will benefit from the long-term savings (and ease of use) of these alternate systems.

Photo by Aunt Owwee

Many modern businesses, both large and small, are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint while improving their brand image, thanks in large part to the push in the consumer market for companies that display environmental responsibility and a focused plan for sustainability. And while you can certainly start with minimal efforts along the lines of recycling or donating to eco-friendly causes, or alternately, you can take your efforts to the extreme by seeking out LEED certified office space to operate in, most businesses are looking for something that falls between these two benchmarks. And there are plenty of options to green up your office.

Of course, you may be a bit concerned about how to keep your office looking chic when you make the decision to seek out green alternatives. You might worry that you won't find options that fit your professional aesthetic or that you will have to spend an arm and a leg to outfit your space with items that don't really suit your needs. And a couple of decades ago you might have been right in these assumptions. But we've come a long ways since the days when eco-designers were few and far between. Because of an increased awareness of environmental issues like waste, pollution, and conservation, along with a greater demand for green business, you too can find the products and services you need to make your office space eco-friendly with less cost and effort.

So let's start by dissecting the office space in manageable parts. Lighting, for example, is a key feature that you'll need to address, and the ideal solution for a greener office is natural lighting. But since this may not be an option (especially if you're leasing space) you can cut down on energy usage by simply replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) that last longer and use less energy. Or you could go all out by installing LED lighting fixtures (which conserve even more energy).

And along the lines of conservation you should also consider how much water goes down the drain in your operation. If you're not using low-flow toilets, aerated or motion-sensor faucets, and recycled water for the landscaping, you could be doing more to conserve fresh water. And if you've got your own building, think about installing a rooftop garden complete with recycled wood (check out ipe decking prices) and drought-resistant plants to combat the urban heat island phenomenon, save water, and create an incredible outdoor Zen space for employee usage and even client meetings.

But what about the white elephant in the room: furniture and equipment? How can you find desks, tables, and chairs (not to mention computers and machinery) in an eco-friendly package that still meets your professional (and budgetary) needs? When it comes to office furniture, there are a lot of options. You could look for office furniture outlets that feature environmentally-friendly fare (you might be surprised by the number of manufacturers doing their part to create eco-furnishings that are suitable for an office space) or you could seek out sales at other offices to give old furniture a second life (instead of a trip to the landfill). As for computers and such, you may have trouble finding eco-friendly options. But you can certainly green up your practices by implementing policies for power-saving modes and mandatory shut-down when items are not in use. Every little bit helps when it comes to creating a greener tomorrow.

When it comes to being successful in business, virtually everyone wants to make their mark on the world. This doesn't mean that they have to leave their carbon footprint on it, though. If you're not familiar with that term, it's basically a catchphrase that speaks to how much carbon dioxide your daily choices are causing you to produce. And, as we all know, too much in the environment is unhealthy.

If you'd like to know how you can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide, you don't need a business MBA or to have graduated from one of the top online MBA programs in the country. There are many simple things that can work wonders when it comes to environmental conservation in the workplace. Here are just five of them.

Go with a Laptop

Did you know that laptops actually use 80% less energy than a desktop? Aside from laptops being great for the environment, they're also convenient because they are lightweight and portable. This makes it a lot easier way to convince your boss to allow you to work from home every once in a while (by the way, telecommuting to save oil is also a great "go green" tip!).

How Much Paper Do You Use?

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, in 2010, close to forty-five million tons of paper were recovered. That's a lot of paper! In doing your part to cut down on paper usage, remember that you can read most newspapers (and a lot of magazines as well) online and when printing copies of something, try your best to use both the front and back sides.

Go Without Bottled Water

It used to be that if you wanted to save a few extra bucks each month, you needed to not eat out so much. That's still a good tip; however, there's something else that you should add to that list: reduce the amount of bottled water that your purchase. At one dollar or so a pop, by the end of the month, that can get to be pretty expensive. Aside from the money you're spending, according to the National Tap Water Database, bottled water is no better for you than tap and the packaging of it produces close to two million tons of plastic per year. Use a recyclable bottle instead and suggest getting some water filters placed on the faucets in the bathrooms and kitchen.

Rethink Appliances

Yeah, this one may be a hard pill to swallow. Some of us live for the break room where we can check out fifteen minutes of programming on a plasma TV while microwaving the lunch we brought from home. The truth of the matter is that most of what you're watching on television is streaming on the Web and aside from using a lot of energy, what we tend to microwave often is frozen food, which is not as healthy as the fresh stuff, anyway. The TV you can definitely go without. The microwave? At least consider using it minimally.

Turn Them Off

Many people overlook this tip, mostly because they're not the ones paying the bill, but a lot of electricity can be spared while helping out the environment if you'd just take a couple of minutes at the end of the day to turn off your computer and any unnecessary lights that may be on around the building. Matter of fact, you might win "Employee of the Month" by suggesting to your supervisor or human resources advisor to invest in lights that automatically turn off after a certain period of time. It's a great way to reduce power consumption. If you can unplug a few things, that's even better!

With the release of the Al Gore Documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" in 2006, more consumers than ever are aware of the environmental impact their dollars spent can make. Whether they choose to support a big box store that employs overseas labor, or small, local businesses that create a much smaller environmental footprint and support sustainable initiatives, the general consumer now knows they are voting with their dollar. For business as usual, or the support of a greener planet. But that doesn't mean that starting a green business is easy; no business endeavor ever is. So if you've decided you want to go into business for yourself, but you want that business to be environmentally aware, what challenges might you need to overcome?

Lack of experience. Many people want to do something better for the environment, but don't necessarily know how to go about it. You'll need to find the right niche for your product, but make sure you spend time experiencing other offerings within that nice, or your burgeoning business may never get off the ground.

Insufficient funding. There are many options for funding small businesses these days, whether through private investment, corporate or government grants, or loans from banks or credit unions. But green businesses have a larger hill to climb than traditional businesses when it comes to launching their product. With stricter quality standards, and varying definitions of what makes something 'green', you'll have to jump through a series of hoops before you're able to tout the environmental friendliness of your offering in a way that will impact the marketplace. Make sure you research the costs of green business in advance of taking on investment. Incorporate these additional R&D costs into your business plan, and you'll save yourself a ton of stress and heartache when you hit the inevitable difficulties you'll face in bringing your product to market.

Skepticism in the marketplace. 'Green' is in. Which also means there's many impostors, looking to capitalize on the sexiness of environmentally conscious business to gain a foothold in their industry. Consumers looking to buy green do their homework, and will be more than willing to challenge your green assumptions. Be clear that your green offering is one the market is clamoring for, and that you've done your due diligence to back up your claim. If green is nothing more than a marketing ploy, you'll hear it from your customers, and see it in your dwindling bottom line.

Successful marketing. You may find that traditional marketing techniques are not enough, especially on the tight budget of a new business. You won't be able to compete with the marketing spends of larger companies, especially those that don't spend the extra cash on environmentally conscious product lines. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work. That may mean going to where the customers are. Farmers markets. Organic/fresh supermarkets. Local non-profits. Green technology conferences. If you don't think you have the energy or ability to be places where environmentally-aware consumers are shopping, and you can't foot the bill to generate global payment reviews of your services, you may want to rethink your convictions.

As part of a corps of green business women/mompreneurs/conscious social enterprise changemakers (at least I like to think of myself that way!), I believe that most of what I am doing, I'm doing for my children.

I have two young ones and my focus from the very beginning of starting my own business was to have the freedom and flexibility to take care of them, yet still be able to pay for living expenses. When I had my first child, I realized that my husband and I had to "get serious" and start taking care of the real business of committed, focused parenting.

I left my 'regular' job in 2004 and have been self-employed since then, launching over 200 projects for clients and creating 7 startup projects for myself. While business has been up and down since then, I still have freedom and flexibility, and I  have time to pay attention to the children.

I think the way my children perceive me has been generally favorable. Their father and I are typically able to come to their school events, we participate in the parent-teachers association and school community council, and we volunteer for coaching positions and other mentoring positions. While we are stressed, I don't feel like we are super-stressed or overly "frazzled". We practice gratitude for our daily blessings. We eat dinner together. We go out on weekends to the park, beach, and to get-togethers with other families. We take care of pets. The kids know that they have their own jobs to do, and that mom and dad have the job of working to support their needs and the other needs of the family.

High on my list of what to teach kids about money is the understanding that money is merely a different form of energy. I encourage them to realize that they sometimes have money, but they always have an ability to be of service, to have something to share, and to have something to offer to others.

As entrepreneurs and business owners, our task is to bring a new product or service to market, to build a lasting company, and to create a thriving marketplace; however, as regular people who are working each day, I believe my main job is to use my talents and skills wisely and to demonstrate to my children the daily routine of being as much of a productive and engaged, contributing/working citizen as I can be in my community, my state, my country, and my world.

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