Television sets come in a variety of styles from many manufacturers. Some of the top television manufacturers are RCA, who created the first TV and now specializes in discount TVs, Sony, which is still one of the most widely recognized television manufacturers, and Panasonic, which specializes in plasma TVs.

TV monitors vary from flat to wide-screen and from LCD to multi-screen. Many businesses use TV monitors for security. However, there are other reasons to consider televisions for your business--from keeping your employees happy to keeping your customers happy.

When choosing TV sets to use for business consider the following:

1. What are the best values on the market right now. What TV brands provide the best picture, last the longest and cost the least?

2. Which TV monitor is best for the security of your business?

3. What television brand will be best for your office?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine the best TV for your employee break area

Offering employees TV sets to watch during their breaks helps to relive the stress of the job and gives them a chance to unwind. This is also beneficial to you if you have snack areas because employees are less likely to leave the building during their breaks.

I recommend: Circuit City has a large assortment of TV makes and models. They also offer free shipping on orders over certain amounts and no interest for up to 2 years. Buy.com offers a variety of television brands that are inexpensive and good quality.

Consider setting up a TV monitor for your store surveillance

If you are dealing in retail, shoplifting is a common practice. Therefore buying TV monitors for security reasons is a practical way to increase your store profits.

I recommend: Radio Shack offers a wide range of TV monitors that will help your business and pay for itself in the end. The prices are reasonable for small businesses too. Super Circuits, which has been in business for over 15 years, offers LCD video security monitors, which small businesses can afford.

Keep your customers happy by with TV sets for them to watch while they wait

Many service businesses need people to wait for their product or their turn, such as car repairs and doctor offices. Investing in a TV set makes sense, since it gives customers something to do while they wait.

I recommend: CompUSA offers a wide variety of LCD TVs, HDTV TVs and plasma TVs for reasonable prices. Office Depot offers a variety of cheap TVs under $500, which includes television manufacturers such as RCA and Phillips.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You may find a high definition TV makes an excellent monitor. Some televisions have a VGA port that makes them computer monitors as well as TV sets. Therefore, you get two items for the price of one.