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.
best cleaning company Lincolnshire ..Administrative and clerical tasks are the bane of every industry.... Read More
Traditional advertising methods are still being used for almost 90%... Read More
You are selling your small business (business value under $1... Read More
Achieving real success should be the goal of any good... Read More
So you want to start a business but you don't... Read More
Treat your business as a serious, full-time business and be... Read More
Have you ever heard the phrase, 'PREPONDERANCE OF PROOF'?I recently... Read More
As you reflect on this year and prepare for next... Read More
Cash is King?That is what everyone tells us and it... Read More
In many industries, image is one of the last things... Read More
That sizzling sound you're hearing may be a symptom of... Read More
Am I the only one that does not have an... Read More
As a solo entrepreneur or small business owner, one of... Read More
To maximum potential profits and dollars in a mobile washing... Read More
Business owners rarely go into business to deal with the... Read More
Data. Most people think it is a term relegated to... Read More
Business Process Automation or BPA for short. This was a... Read More
So it's time to invest some finances into advertising your... Read More
Running a business on the net these days can be... Read More
If a customer owes your local business money, it's hard... Read More
How is your pipeline structured?I assume most of you have... Read More
Quality control in franchising companies is paramount and all franchising... Read More
Many companies wish to expand and a few wish to... Read More
And is having a logo really that important?My answer to... Read More
What was your aim when you went into business for... Read More
on demand house cleaning Lake Forest ..Thankfully, most of us will never find out. That is... Read More
Cash is King... That is what everyone tells us and... Read More
How do you make sure you have the business solutions... Read More
The Customer Analysis section of the business plan assesses the... Read More
Your business account comes with an ATM, Debit card. Pick... Read More
Small businesses need Public Relations, possibly more than large corporations,... Read More
No matter how small your small business is, it is... Read More
As small business managers, we juggle limited resources in a... Read More
Aside from the fear of losing a spreadsheet or research... Read More
Once you've decided to incorporate your small business the next... Read More
Too often in business we get trapped into reviewing our... Read More
Quality control in franchising companies is paramount and all franchising... Read More
If you own a mobile truck washing, pressure washing or... Read More
Think of all of your business ideas as tiny seeds... Read More
With the massive explosion of start-ups and home businesses developing,... Read More
After over 30 years of participating in hundreds of businesses,... Read More
Most small business owners are faced with so many responsibilities... Read More
While driving through Pennsylvania farmland, you have probably noticed an... Read More
The revenue history is a vital piece of your power... Read More
Many people ask how many graphs or charts they should... Read More
"What do you do?" It just might be one of... Read More
Fuel prices these days are quite high and they take... Read More
Macon, GA goes after garage-gas station conversion detail/hand car washes... Read More
You know what makes me really happy? Drinking a Starbucks... Read More
Would it help you as a real estate investor to... Read More
Small Business |