One of the great things about Twitter is that it has allowed us to connect with our customers and other entrepreneurs better than we ever have been able to before. We can answer questions within minutes, promote our customers and keep everyone up to date with what is new at Grasshopper.

We’ve gathered a few of our favorite tweets from the past month and are sharing them here on the blog. We also want to send a big thank you to everyone who has helped promote Grasshopper over the course of our six years!

Will Smidlein @nullfear

Recessions are frequently associated with bankruptcy, layoffs and business failures. For seemingly the entire duration, we are fed a steady diet of recession-related negativity by politicians and journalists. Unemployment soars, despair builds, and it seems like the worst is always yet to come. It might sound counter-intuitive, then, to suggest that a recession might be the perfect time to start a new business. But the idea makes more sense than many give it credit for.

For all the pain and hardships recessions cause, they also create unique opportunities for savvy entrepreneurs in general and certain types of businesses in particular. Today, Grasshopper explores why recessions can be an ideal time to get a business off the ground.

Lower Pressure & Expectations

A common barrier to starting a business is fear of failure. Entrepreneurs are often chastised by friends or family to pursue something more realistic (like a “guaranteed” job or career) than the company they dream of starting.

Here at Grasshopper we know how important it is for our customers to be able to reach us. We love getting feedback on what we’re doing well and what we can do to improve.

We also love helping other entrepreneurs succeed. Whether it’s getting press coverage, writing about their business or simply providing useful information, our goal is empower entrepreneurs.

Here are a few places you can find Grasshopper:

• Twitter

  @grasshopper not only offers updates on the Grasshopper virtual phone system but provides information for and from entrepreneurs. Get tips on starting a business, running a small business, marketing ideas and more. Follow us now!

• Facebook

  See what’s new on the blog, read what our customers have to say or watch one of our favorite Grasshopper videos.

We all know toll free numbers have become a staple in business communication over the past 35 years. However, as more and more people buy them, the less numbers there are for new businesses.

As a way to ensure toll free numbers remain available, the FCC intermittently releases new toll free prefixes based on demand. In 1996, 888 numbers were released, in 1998, 877 numbers were released and most recently, in 2000, 866 numbers were released.

Release of the 855 Prefix

The latest news indicates that 855 prefixes are the next to be released, meaning over 7 million new toll free numbers will be available to our customers. While there is no set date for this, the announcement is positive for companies looking to acquire toll free numbers and especially for those looking to purchase vanity numbers.

Grasshopper will keep you up to date on any new developments regarding 855 numbers. In the meantime, if you have any questions about toll free numbers, local numbers or the Grasshopper virtual phone system, please feel free to contact us 24/7 at 800-820-8210.

Have a great business idea but not sure what to do next? Luckily there are people all over the world who want to help you get your business off of the ground. We have listed 10 business plan competitions that can help you do just that. Get feedback and maybe even some funds to help you make your dream a reality.

Silicon Valley Boomer Business Plan Competition

Who is it for?

Anyone 18 years or older from around the globe with a business plan that shows the 45-plus market as the primary market for the product or service. Current annual revenues must be no more than $1 million.

How to enter?

Executive summary submissions are due via YouNoodle

Deadline: April 23, 2010

Link to competition: Silicon Valley Boomer Venture Summit – Business Plan Competition

Cisco I-Prize

Who is it for?