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.
family-safe home cleaners Lincolnshire ..The efficiency of debt collection is the difference between a... Read More
Just a few years ago, when one thought of a... Read More
The air in my client's office nearly crackled with her... Read More
In a quest for customers and to keep those customers,... Read More
The resume writing service serves an important role in the... Read More
Aircraft Interiors of personal and corporate jets have hundreds of... Read More
Most small businesses incorporated in 2005 will fail by the... Read More
Most businesses accept checks as form of payment for goods... Read More
How many "get rich schemes" have you joined? Or have... Read More
You bet it's worth it. Publicity via news releases, along... Read More
The Federal Trade Commission which governs the franchise industry thru... Read More
Are you -- like 70 percent of small business owners... Read More
Do you like animals? Would you like to work for... Read More
My clients and many of my readers are small and... Read More
The success of your business is critically dependent on how... Read More
On June 8, 2004, the world witnessed what no one... Read More
Multimedia is everywhere on the Internet, whether in the form... Read More
When does your ego get in the way?Let's go back... Read More
Cash is King... That is what everyone tells us and... Read More
No matter type of business you operate you've got to... Read More
You know what makes me really happy? Drinking a Starbucks... Read More
SBIR Corner: FFP vs. CPFF contracts:In the SBIR/STTR world, the... Read More
Deciding to start your own franchise is just one of... Read More
Disclosure laws in franchising are suppose to help the consumer.... Read More
Every company has business pain, but the pain does not... Read More
after renovation cleaning Bannockburn ..My clients and many of my readers are small and... Read More
Concrete cleaning can be a lucrative business to start. Here... Read More
Opening a carpet cleaning business is a great way to... Read More
Franchising is the fastest way to build small businesses, provide... Read More
Many auto detailers fall short in their sales presentations. I... Read More
One of the critical success factors for service-related businesses is... Read More
The choice to incorporate a small business in Florida has... Read More
Sexual Harassment is a disturbing part of employment life in... Read More
You've heard it before; we're living in an information age.... Read More
Here are just a few ways to increase and diversify... Read More
Many government department heads are on the take. Oh they'll... Read More
Consistency is a huge word when operating your business. I... Read More
Just when the entire state was kissing Wichita goodbye, economically... Read More
In the summer, I can't drive two blocks without seeing... Read More
Do you promote yourself as offering prompt, reliable and quality... Read More
If you own a Pressure Washing Company and wish to... Read More
If your home business is not performing the way you... Read More
Franchisor expansion policies are not as simple as one might... Read More
When starting a business, you have to determine the method... Read More
As small business owners we're in business to make money... Read More
Starting your own e-commerce business can be quite the adventure.... Read More
The American system of business management has been admired and... Read More
CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR INTERN: Specify the number of hours the... Read More
1. Leadership Is Learned ? While many people appear to... Read More
You need to be visible to attract customers, right? But... Read More
Small Business |