Staying connected to your business while you're out of the office has distinct advantages, as we'll hear from a couple of experienced SMB owners. Of course, with so many options and technologies available, it's important to consider your mobile goals before you buy. Here's a short guide to get you started. For Cherie Gary, the idea of running a small business without her handheld multi-function device is simply unthinkable.

"As a small business, being responsive is something you can do better than your larger competitors," she says. "You may have to travel for one client, but that doesn't mean you quit working for the other three."

Gary owned her own marketing and PR firm in Dallas for three years before taking her current position as vice-president of corporate communications for Sony Ericsson North America. As a business owner, she had three employees watching the shop, but that wasn't enough. When she was on the road, she needed e-mail, plus Internet access, calendaring and, of course, telephone capabilities. "I had clients that traveled frequently to Asia, which has a huge time difference. If I wanted to be responsive to them, I needed to be available," she explains.

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