Most business owners need all the help they can get because often they are short on time and sleep. There is so much more added work when you own a business, and some tasks that start out small often turn into large problems when they are not taken care of.
Too often we are all learning what to do as we go. We all struggle to find a balance between how much needs to be done and how little time there is to actually do it.
Luckily there are online tools to help with the added tasks business owners face.
1. QuickBooks
QuickBooks is an accounting solution that is geared towards small business. They have different options for your to pick from to match what works best for your business.
They offer the ability to create estimates and proposals. You are able to send professional proposals that you are able to turn into invoices in seconds. You are able to upload photos and contacts and then attach it to the estimate.
They also offer the ability for you to create and send invoices. You can attach your logo and customize the look and feel of the invoices. Then once you are ready send the invoice off and get paid online. They will track your expenses online and get financial reporting.
2. busybusy
busybusy is a mobile and browser based software that helps business collect accurate information seamlessly so they can make more profitable decisions. busybusy tracks time, manages project and allows business owners to see job costing in real time.
They have just released their 4.0 Version of the app that includes many new feature and a clean new look. Two of the new features they added are Offline Mode and Location-Based Reminders. The Offline mode allows busybusy to work from anywhere regardless of service, and Location-Based Reminders notify employees to clock in so they never forget!
Job Costing, is another feature, and it gives you real time numbers of your projects to see where you are at on budget. It allows you to make assessments while the project is happening rather then after its over. Since all the time is collected through app when you are ready to process payroll you are able to print out a report with all the totals. Making payroll quick and simple.
3. Google Calendar
Google Calendar is an easy way to keep track of your appointments, events and keep you organized. You are able to make multiple calendars such as; Employee Work Schedule Calendar, Bill’s Calendar,Project Calendar, etc.
You are also able to create an event and invite other people to it. So, if you are having a company wide meeting or just an office staff meeting you are able to create an event and invite your all who needs to attend.
In Google Calendar you are also able to “Change Responsibility” to someone else. When you have tasks you need completed you can assigned it to someone else. Google will send them an email and request them to accept the responsibility of the calendar event.
4. Social Media
Social Media can be easy to ignore, but it is very important for your business. If you find yourself unable to give it the attention it needs then you can use systems that post for you or assign it to an office member. Many social media systems allow you to post on all accounts so you don’t have to login to each one.
Important social media accounts include but are not limited to Linkedin, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Tumbler and Instagram. These accounts are all free! Free advertising and marketing is one of the amazing benefits social media offers. It also lets you connect with your customers like never before.
On these accounts, you can post photos and videos of your trade. So, if you are a painter post some before and after pictures or a video of tips for people who like to do projects themselves. If you are working on a big project post daily updates on how these projects are coming along. You would be surprised about how many people will wait to see the next update.
