Manage your schedule with Internet-based personal calendar tools Many professionals live by their datebook. With meetings often scheduled back-to-back, they depend on their calendars to help them stay productive and in touch. As handy as the traditional paper calendar is, online personal calendar tools offer greater flexibility. You can post your calendar online, so other staff members or clients can see when you're available, and you can set email reminders so you'll never miss an important appointment.

I recommend:  With The Calendar Planner from Reel Logix, you can customize and publish an online calendar, and add links to web sites, images and documents. Or, sign up for a free 30-day trial from CalendarWiz, and create a public or private calendar, and send out emails, newsletters and reminders to your user list. You can also try free versions from Google and Yahoo.

Keep track of colleagues, clients and friends with online services for contacts You probably have a stack of business cards given to you by associates, clients and suppliers, and managing all of that information can be challenging. Your network of associates and colleagues is one of your most valuable assets, so you'll want to ensure their contact information is never lost. Online address books and contact lists can serve as permanent storage for that information, and make it easier to add to or change your list.

I recommend:  With the online address book from Zexer, you can access your contact information from any Internet-connected computer, no matter where you are. With Plaxo, you can sync your address book with programs you already use, including Outlook and your cell phone.

Enhance your online presence with personal web site tools Spruce up your company's web site with interactive features like discussion forums, guestbooks, and contact and feedback forms. These tools make your business seem more accessible and user-friendly, and may encourage visitors to come back to your site repeatedly.

I recommend:  Bravenet offers several free web tools, in addition to paid hosting and domains. Website Goodies offers free extras such as guestbooks and polls, in addition to tools like broken link check, web site speed test, and a Google PageRank button.