Researched & Written by Karen Barnes Staf of IAHBE

 

Q: I would like to make a small catalog of products to send out via postal mail; is there a way to do that using my own computer and software?

A: Yes, there is a way to do this using Microsoft Works on your PC. Microsoft Works comes as a standard software on your Windows PC when you purchased it.

Q: How can I find Microsoft Works on my computer?

A: You can find Microsoft Works two ways. You can locate Microsoft Works on your Start Menu under Productivity. If you cannot locate Microsoft Works on your Start Menu, you can locate it by doing a search on your computer for “Microsoft Works.”

Q: Is Microsoft Works hard to use?

A: Microsoft Works can be hard to use the first time you try to make a brochure or flyer for the first time. Once you have created one or two items using Microsoft Works, using the program will become much easier to use every time you create a new document.

Q: Are there instructions and a help feature with this program?

A: Yes, these are both available for you to use to help you get started and to use when you are in need of assistance. They are located at the top of each task that you choose to use.

Q: What if I need further help with using Microsoft Works for making a brochure?

A: There is a step-by-step “how-to” at the following URL: http://www.sfidboard.com/showthread.php?p=209616#post209616

Q: What else will I need in order to create a brochure, catalog or flyer?

A: You will need a printer connected to your computer with both types of ink cartridges (Black and Color), paper, and the information that you want to put on your documents. These are the minimal items that you will need to create the documents.

To mail them out to the list of prospects, you will need the following items in addition to the items mentioned above:

Mailing list

Stamps

Envelopes

Be sure to do some comparison shopping for your printing and mailing products to get the best deals and save yourself some money.

Q: Can I make the documents and take them to printers for printing if I prefer to do it that way?

A: Yes, by all means you can do that too. You will also want to do some comparison shopping on printing companies to get the best deals for this. You’ll need to check with your chosen printer to see if they can take electronic files or if they prefer just a “hard copy” of your document. Some of this will depend on whether they are going to reproduce it with a high speed copier or make a negative and actually print it on their press.

Q: Can I keep my receipts for a business expense?

A: Yes, most certainly do that. This can be used as an advertising expense for your business, but also check with your tax consultant as well.

Q: Is there a program with Microsoft Works that will allow me to print labels or the address on the envelopes?

A: Yes, you can also do that with Microsoft Works. This can be done with mailing labels or mail merge documents. These two programs are located in Microsoft Works Tasks as well.