The start of a new year is a time for a clean start. Resolutions are made, you clear your files of last year's paperwork, and you swear you are going to start the year off keeping your financial house in order.
It all sounds good when you say it on January 1st. But now, after only one month into the New Year, how many of you have done ANY of the above? I can't raise my hand, can you? Here are a few easy to follow tips that will benefit all business owners.
Learn to use the software you have
If you purchased software last year, and it's still shrink wrapped and sitting on your bookcase, get it open and install it onto your computer. Until you do that, you've done nothing more than waste money. You shouldn't have to hire a professional to handle the software installation.
If it's already installed, but you can't seem to figure out what to do next, read the manual, do the tutorial, ask for help. Do whatever is necessary for you to learn how to use the software that you spent good money on. You had a need when you purchased the software, and until you start using it, the need remains unfulfilled.
Automate common tasks
Once you've got the software you already purchased up and running put together a software budget for this year. Start by making a list of all the work-related tasks you wish were automated. Here are just a few ideas: contact management, inventory management, project management, bookkeeping, billing, appointment and employee scheduling and your new employee orientation program.
Next prioritize your software automation wish list. Put together a realistic budget for each of the four quarters. Then as money allows, purchase one piece of software at a time. Then, remember to actually install it AND use it!
Protect your Data
If you've not already done so, you must install virus checking software on every desktop that receives email. Failure to do this one thing can stop your business dead in its tracks. You don't have to spend a lot of money on this type of software; it's readily available and relatively inexpensive. Regardless of the cost, its cost is far lower than the price you will pay once your computers become infected. The costs of lost productivity as well as lost data will be steep.
Another thing you need to do to protect your valuable company data is to install a backup and restore utility and BE SURE TO USE IT! The price of this type of product will vary, and the amount you spend will probably coincide with the amount of information you need to backup. The more data, the more you'll pay for protection.
So many business owners purchase these types of software products only after a catastrophe has occurred. It's true that it's better late than never. But be smart and be prepared for disaster because it will happen.
Order the CD version
In some cases, you'll be able to purchase and download your new software right from the vendor's website. You'll have your new software installed and ready to use in no time. But, should your hard drive ever crash, you'll need the CD version of the software so that you can reinstall it right away. Most software vendors let download customers buy the CD at a huge discount. It's worth the money because, remember, hard drives will crash.
Register All Your Software
It's annoying, but important. You'll want to keep informed of such things as new versions and other important software-related issues.
And there you have it ? five simple software tips for business owners.
Copyright ? 2005 Cavyl Stewart. Find out just the programs you need to market, do finances, spiff up your site and more. Visit: http://www.find-small-business-software.com/software-directory.php - Also, be sure to check out my Exclusive, 100% free ecourses.
apartment cleaning near Wilmette ..Did you ever have one of those days or weeks... Read More
In many industries, image is one of the last things... Read More
Achieving real success should be the goal of any good... Read More
Q: A friend told me that as a woman of... Read More
To have one of the popular in home daycare businesses.... Read More
I love lists. I make them for everything. And I'm... Read More
Whether it has been thrust upon you by external market... Read More
How do we keep track of our business deals?If you... Read More
Where do you look for the appropriate alliance?One of the... Read More
Success is the desire of everyman on the face of... Read More
Are you a small business owner who wants to expand... Read More
Small business owners can relieve a lot of their own... Read More
As a practitioner and student of Small Business Marketing, I... Read More
1. Everyone Makes A Difference ? Despite not letting him... Read More
Providing high quality customer service is a must for any... Read More
A consultant must remember that the business belongs to the... Read More
Do You Really Need a Toll-Free Number for Your Business?... Read More
You make the decision to go into business and for... Read More
As you may know, there are many ways to incorporate... Read More
CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR INTERN: Specify the number of hours the... Read More
Many small businesses do quite well due to the blood,... Read More
Many have not experienced a fire up close. One year... Read More
Think the best way to get more customers is to... Read More
The life cycle of the typical small business is short... Read More
Seventy percent of US households use the web when shopping... Read More
reliable home cleaners Arlington Heights ..Often smart entrepreneurs look for out of the way businesses,... Read More
A common hazard faced by new entrepreneurs is a lack... Read More
We are noticing an increase in the length of time... Read More
Let's face it, we all tend to get stuck in... Read More
You see it often in large shopping complexes. Customers seem... Read More
The less a business pays for goods and services the... Read More
One of the primary concerns all small businesses have is... Read More
One of the major complaints in the QSR Quick Service-Fast... Read More
The following tips have come from a wide variety of... Read More
Microfiber cleaning towels have been around for about ten years... Read More
Just as you are about to say "good-bye" to your... Read More
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PRICINGIn case you hadn't noticed, people can... Read More
The bad things starts with the letter 'O'?.like Obstacles, Obstruction,... Read More
10 Best Practices to consider as your SBIR negotiations approach... Read More
Anyone who is serious about washing aircraft as a full... Read More
When a regulator finds a target to go after to... Read More
Your business account comes with an ATM, Debit card. Pick... Read More
Those who are in the pressure washer business should not... Read More
You know your prospects need what you sell. You know... Read More
The Federal Trade Commission which governs the franchise industry thru... Read More
Experts urge small business owners to "brand" their business ?... Read More
What types of companies do you want to align yourself... Read More
Administrative and clerical tasks are the bane of every industry.... Read More
There is a continual trend we are seeing which I... Read More
The difference between rates and wages is not always clear... Read More
Small Business |