Category Archives: Web Resources

Word Clouds can be used in presentations, as images on a website or perhaps a cover photo for a social media site. Some businesses have them printed in large format* for display in the office or reception area, or on other promotional items such as shirts, bags, mugs, etc. Word Clouds can be created from reports, lists, product reviews, customer feedback, twitter feeds, blogs, newletters and more. Start opening your mind to the possibilities and get creative! Three very customizable and free online word cloud resources are: Tagul (http://tagul.com/) This tool allows the user a tremendous amount of control over the final result from selecting font colors to case preference to individual word inclusion/exclusion. Interactive images can be embedded on web pages. Tagul requires you to create a free account in order to access the service. Maintaining an account allows you to save and edit word clouds. Wordle (http://www.wordle.net/) This tool allows the user to control colors, fonts and layouts, though it does not generate shapes.  You can also delete individual words directly from the cloud image. You can print your images or save them in a gallery to share with others. Tagxedo (http://www.tagxedo.com) This tool has a large selection of shapes as well as the ability to upload a custom shape. Control over colors and fonts is somewhat limited. There are many other online word cloud and imaging tools. What are some of your favorites? *For Large Format Printing visit our GeoPrinter service website. [post_title] => Word Cloud Generators [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => word-cloud-generators [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2012-05-30 12:40:39 [post_modified_gmt] => 2012-05-30 17:40:39 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://geometrx.com/?p=3811 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [9] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 3634 [post_author] => 5 [post_date] => 2012-05-16 13:51:50 [post_date_gmt] => 2012-05-16 18:51:50 [post_content] =>

Web Resources: U.S. State Maps

  At Geographic Enterprises, we love maps. All of our services and applications are geared toward ‘mapping your success’ with our many online mapping resources. • GeoMetrx – Our web-based territory mapping software platform that allows you to dynamically aggregate, compare, rank, and map thousands of preloaded attributes along with your own proprietary data so that you can load and analyze it on demand, all without the need to install or maintain any local software. • GeoPrinter – Our Custom Wall Map and Large Format Graphics Printing service providing you the ability to select your own custom design area, or upload your existing CAD drawings and business graphics printed in high resolution on large format media, and shipped as soon as the next day. • GIS4Less – GIS Software, GIS Data, and GIS Services for Less offering you desktop mapping and custom map web services. Whenever we find other online mapping resources we like to share them as well. Today we are featuring Geology.com. This website hosts a wide array of U.S. State Map views including: City; County; Rivers & Lakes; Physical; Satellite; and Road. Check it out! [post_title] => Mapping Your Success: Online Mapping Resources [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => mapping-your-success-online-mapping-resources [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2012-05-16 13:51:50 [post_modified_gmt] => 2012-05-16 18:51:50 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://geometrx.com/?p=3634 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [10] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 3531 [post_author] => 5 [post_date] => 2012-05-02 10:45:12 [post_date_gmt] => 2012-05-02 15:45:12 [post_content] =>

Web Resources: Franchise Times Spring/Summer 2012 Superbook

  The Spring/Summer 2012 SuperBook of Franchise Opportunities, published by Franchise Times is out. This free resource is available in digital format online, putting a substantial amount of information at the fingertips of anyone interested in the franchising industry.

The SuperBook includes a comprehensive list of franchise opportunities ranging from Automotive Services to Retail Businesses, and everything in between. Additionally, the SuperBook contains advice columns covering topics such as site selection, how to read a franchise disclosure document (FDD), and some ‘do’s-and don’ts’ every franchisee should review. Also inside, you’ll find a glossary of terms and an upcoming events calendar.

Franchise Times is a leading news and information source for the franchising industry, publishing 10 issues each year. The company provides a variety of directories including financing, vendors, and legal resources (see the annual April issue). Other publications include the Restaurant Finance Monitor and Foodservice News. [post_title] => Franchise Times Spring/Summer 2012 SuperBook [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => franchise-times-springsummer-2012-superbook [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2012-04-30 15:42:09 [post_modified_gmt] => 2012-04-30 20:42:09 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://geometrx.com/?p=3531 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [11] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 3158 [post_author] => 5 [post_date] => 2012-04-04 14:52:01 [post_date_gmt] => 2012-04-04 19:52:01 [post_content] =>

Tax Tips for Small Business Owners

  It’s that dreaded time of year when taxes are due… again! If only we could sweep them under the carpet and pretend they didn’t exist, right? However, it’s best to simply tackle them head on and get them done. If you’re one who waits until the last minute to file, at least you’ll be glad to know the IRS filing deadline has been extended to April 17th this year. For Small Business Owners taxes can be especially challenging. There are so many rules, and exceptions to those rules, and endless interpretations. We certainly are not experts on the subject, but one thing is for sure, none of us want to pay a penny more than we have to. We’ve come across a posting from the American Institute of CPAs that provides ten words for Small Business Owners to keep in mind when thinking about taxes throughout the year.

• Expenses – keep a daily log of expenses all year long
• Deductions – be sure to apply for all you are entitled to including: entertainment, travel, meals, capital assets, home office and health insurance
• Traps – be careful not to trigger red flags such has claiming deductions that exceed your income
• Retirement – funds from income paid into a retirement plan are deductible
• Equipment – deduct up to $500K for equipment (if you spent $2M or less); repairs are also deductible
• Payroll – don’t rob Peter to pay Paul; in other words, do not use withheld payroll taxes to finance other business expenses - if you are late or short on payroll taxes the penalties can be enormous
• Insurance – there is a small business health care tax credit for which you may be eligible
• Veterans – tax credits are available for businesses that hire certain unemployed veterans
• Contributions – keep records of all goods, services, and financial donations made to charitable organizations throughout the year
• Help – meet with your CPA quarterly to keep your tax situation in check

Keeping these words handy and your paperwork up-to-date will hopefully reduce the amount of stress tax season brings for many. While taxes, like death and shipping & handling, can’t be avoided, we can at least make the process less ‘taxing’ for ourselves!   [post_title] => Making Taxes Less Taxing for Small Business Owners [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => making-taxes-less-taxing-for-small-business-owners [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2012-04-11 10:40:25 [post_modified_gmt] => 2012-04-11 15:40:25 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://geometrx.com/?p=3158 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [12] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 2906 [post_author] => 5 [post_date] => 2012-03-21 14:18:59 [post_date_gmt] => 2012-03-21 19:18:59 [post_content] =>

Watching the Web: Walkscore.com

  How walkable is your neighborhood?  How walkable is the area surrounding your business?  What makes a neighborhood walkable?  Walkscore.com, a web resource that has scored thousands of neighborhoods across the U.S., has the answers.  Scores are assigned with values ranging from 0 to 100 based on the following criteria listed on the website:

• A center: walkable neighborhoods have a center, whether it's a main street or a public space.
• People: enough people for businesses to flourish and for public transit to run frequently.
• Mixed income, mixed use: affordable housing located near businesses.
• Parks and public space: plenty of public places to gather and play.
• Pedestrian design: buildings are close to street, parking lots are relegated to back.
• Schools and workplaces: close enough that most residents can walk from their homes.
• Complete streets: streets designed for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit.

The higher the score, the more walkable the neighborhood.  Neighborhoods are then classified by type:

For a full list of walkability scores by city along with an interactive map click here.

  [post_title] => Neighborhood Walkability Score [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => neighborhood-walkability-score [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2012-04-10 20:24:10 [post_modified_gmt] => 2012-04-11 01:24:10 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://geometrx.com/?p=2906 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [13] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 2731 [post_author] => 5 [post_date] => 2012-03-07 18:56:30 [post_date_gmt] => 2012-03-07 23:56:30 [post_content] => U.S. Custom Wall Maps: We wanted to share a couple of great websites for U.S. Maps  The first site is Geology.com, which features a variety of online maps from all 50 states including, cities and roads, elevations, physical features, rivers and lakes, and more.  The maps are provided by a variety of contributors.  Here is an example of a drought map courtesy of the USGS:

We'd also like to share our affiliated website GeoPrinter.com.  Here you can create your own custom tailored wall maps ranging in size from 3' x 4' to as large as 9' x 12'.  You can select the level of detail as well as determine which features you would like printed including zip code or county boundaries, streets indexes, radius rings,  and more. Standard maps are laminated and additional finishing options are available.  Dry erase markers are a perfect companion for laminated maps.

Custom wall maps are a great resource for many businesses and organizations that need a detailed reference map of their trade areas, delivery boundaries, competitor / service provider locations, construction zones, real estate planning, etc.  Prices start as low as $195.  Check out the site today and if you have any questions please contact us at 1.888.848.4436.

[post_title] => U.S. Custom Wall Maps [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => u-s-custom-wall-maps [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2012-04-10 20:24:15 [post_modified_gmt] => 2012-04-11 01:24:15 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://geometrx.com/?p=2731 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [14] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 2573 [post_author] => 5 [post_date] => 2012-02-22 16:26:52 [post_date_gmt] => 2012-02-22 21:26:52 [post_content] => “Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it.” ~ Samuel Johnson Recently we discovered a handy on-line resource that tracks and monitors extraordinary events around the world as near to real-time as possible which is then displayed on a global alert map.  The icons on the map are linked to detailed event information and status updates.  The website, RSOE-EDIS, is the Emergency and Disaster Information Service (EDIS) operated by The Hungarian National Association of Radio Distress-Signaling and Infocommunications (RSOE).

RSOE-EDIS Motto: “Prepared Citizens - Prepared Communities”

The service tracks a wide variety of events including earthquakes, volcanic activity, severe weather, tsunamis, animal infections, insect infestations, forest fires, vehicle accidents (planes, ships, mass transit, and more), major power outages, bioterror/terrorism, health epidemics, flash floods, explosions, chemical accidents and even jellyfish invasions and shark attacks.  If you want to know what is going on in the world at any given moment, they’ve got it all.  You can select a world-wide view detailing the most significant events occurring around the globe, or narrow your focus on a particular continent/region with additional events identified. At GeoMetrx we believe that visualizing data allows for making better informed decisions. Every business has a wealth of data at its fingertips just waiting to be mapped. If you’d like to find out more about how GeoMetrx can help your business grow, give us a call today at 1.888.848.4436 [post_title] => Real-Time Global Alert Map [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => real-time-global-alert-map [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2012-04-10 20:24:18 [post_modified_gmt] => 2012-04-11 01:24:18 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://geometrx.com/?p=2573 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) ) -->