By BRUCE FREEMAN, Scripps Howard News Service

Dear Professor Bruce, I'm a graphic designer and seem to keep having a clogged inbox and storage issues. What can I do to solve this ongoing issue?

Dear Professor Bruce:

As a small business owner, I have been bombarded by daily deal sites to use their services to market my business. With the economic state still being in a downturn, how do I evaluate the right one for my business and make sure that I spend my money wisely?

Answer:

Dear Professor Bruce: I'm hearing a great deal about open source software. I am not a techie. Should my small business be investigating it? Why or why not?

A: Phil Simon, author of "The Next Wave of Technologies" (John Wiley & Sons, 2010), says there are two types of software applications:

-- Proprietary applications (i.e. Microsoft products such as Windows, Office)

Dear Professor Bruce: My small business is doing well. I want to increase the exposure of my company's product line and reputation, but I have to be conservative with spending. I've heard that public relations is a less expensive option than advertising. Should I try to do it myself or hire a professional?-- An owner

Dear Professor Bruce: I own a successful small business but at times money can be very tight. I have loans and high monthly expenses. I am often forced to run up my credit card. What other resources do I have?

Dear Professor Bruce: I own a successful small business but at times money can be very tight. I have loans and high monthly expenses. I am often forced to run up my credit card. What other resources do I have?

Dear Professor Bruce: I want to open a yoga studio. What is the best way to find a good location for my new business?

A: When opening any kind of brick-and-mortar business, "it's essential to find the right location specifically for your target market," says Judie Aronson, owner of RockIt Body Pilates, in Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, Calif.

Dear Professor Bruce: I'm a published writer and I've written a novel, but the world of literary agents and publishers is ignoring me. I've signed up with the query web sites, polished my work and sent it to over 50 agents. Do you have any suggestions?

A: Your choices are limited only by your determination and your budget.

Dear Professor Bruce: I own a neighborhood hardware store and get charged steep processing fees each time a customer makes a small purchase with a credit or debit card. Am I stuck with these costs? Or, are there alternatives?

Dear Professor Bruce: My small business is way off in this recessionary economy. Do you have any advice?