When Choosing Accounting Software

Business owners have so much to do and plan and manage that the administration and accounting tasks associated with a business sometimes do not receive much attention. The task of finding and installing, setting up and using an accounting software package can be daunting and intimidating. The following are a few things that may make the process easier.

1. Make a list of the features that you would like to see in your software package.  While there are accounting principles that require things to be done in a certain way there are several different packages available to choose from.  Will you be using the software from more than one computer, do you have a network and consequently need a software package that can be accessed from several machines. Do you want to have the ability to preschedule certain tasks, such as writing recurring monthly payments? 
2. Is there training and support available locally for the software package? If you are going to be relying on this package to track all your financial records then you may want to have classes available in your area where your staff, and you, can receive training on the use of the package. 
3. What software package are other businesses using? Are they satisfied with the performance and with the support from the developer? 
4. If you are using the services of a public accounting firm to have your tax returns and other reports generated, do they have a recommendation for a specific software package?  If they are using one package, it might be to your advantage, financially and otherwise to use the same package. This will reduce time in completing your year ends and other regular reports. 
5. Will you require the ability to track expenses and revenues by project or job? Do you have an inventory that you would like to have recorded and tracked through your software package? How many employees do you have and will you be using this software package to calculate wages and any subcontractor payments? 
6. Can you make changes in tax rates for federal or provincial sales taxes?  If the GST rate drops or if that tax is eliminated you will want to be able to make that change without having to purchase a software update. 

The above are a few of the things to consider when you are starting the process of choosing an accounting software package.

Top Ten Reasons to Review Your Marketing Plan

Many business owners are so pleased when they get all the planning done, the business plan, the marketing plan, the strategic plan and the HR plan that they heave a sign of relief and put the "plans" on the shelf, never to be used again.

Your marketing plan is a living document, at least it should be. The plan needs to be implemented and then monitored and then corrected and the process starts again.


Reasons to Review your marketing plan:

1.  To learn if it is working
2.  To monitor the results of your marketing activities
3.  To implement any updates and changes, using social media for example
4.  To develop a consistent look and feel to your marketing efforts
5.  To develop a budget for your marketing activities
6.  To monitor repeat business
7.  To learn where your customers are hearing about you
8.  Get referrals
9.  Build sales results
10.  Develop marketing materials, brochures, business cards, other promotional material.

Ten Sites with Great Business Advice

1.  http://www.entrepreneur.com

2.   http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/story/2009/10/05/f-entrepreneurs-business-tips.html

3.   http://entrepreneur.lifetips.com/

4.  For Young Entrepreneurs   http://sbinformation.about.com/lw/Business-Finance/Small-business-and-entrepreneurs/10-Business-Success-Tips-for-Young-Entrepreneurs.htm

5.   For Young Entrepreneurs    http://blogs.sitepoint.com/top-tips-young-entrepreneurs/

6. For Artists and Craft Producers     http://ezinearticles.com/?Art-and-Craft-Business-Tips-for-Entrepreneurs&id=1041437

7.  Business Networking Tips.   http://entrepreneurs.about.com/od/businessnetworking/Business_Networking_for_Entrepreneurs.htm


8.  http://www.scribd.com/doc/14021497/Buying-a-Distressed-Business-Ten-Tips-for-Entrepreneurs


9.  Home Based Businesses   http://www.powerhomebiz.com/112007/business-tips-entrepreneurs.htm

10.  Great Canadian Content for all provinces  http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/

Ten Reasons to Vote

1. Become involved
2. Influence the outcome
3. Without voting you lose your voice
4. Make changes
5. Reshape the face of parliment
6. Support worthy candidates
7. An opportunity to learn about the candidates and their platforms
8. Raise awareness in others
9. Have an opinion
10. This is your government, without voting you have no say in who will form the next government.

Ten Things to Issue A Press Release About

There are a lot of missed opportunities by business owners, many don't issue press releases. One reason is that a business owner doesn't think they are doing anything that is newsworthy.  The following are a few ideas that could be used for press releases:

1. A business milestone, having the 1,000 customer, or celebrating 10 years in business.
2. Hiring additional employees
3. Adding a new product line or service
4. Being a supplier for a celebrated business
5. Supporting a local charity or organization
6. Being interviewed or featured in a magazine article
7. Starting a newsletter or blog
8. Being nominated for an award, and of course winning an award 
9. Being honoured 
10. Being the guest speaker at an event
11. And the list goes on. 

Is there anything in the above list that you could use to prepare and issue a press release?

Press releases should be no more than one page in length and should be to the point. Enclose or attach a photo if that is appropriate. And be sure to give the name and contact information of the media contact.

Ten Tips for Motivating Employees

1. Say thank you
2. Recognize employee excellence
3. Treat every employee fairly, no favourites
4. Clearly communicate your expectations
5. Create win/win situations
6. Don't micro manage
7. Establish reasonable deadlines
8. When hiring new employees, hire skills and build on the existing base 
9. When forced to lay off employees, give fair notice and give references if they are warranted
10. Be truthful and honest with your employees. They are people who deserve your respect.

Ten Reasons To Start A Business

While many people scratch their heads in confusion when someone suggests starting a new business, others see the challenge, the sense of accomplishment and the future. The following list includes a few of the reasons who people choose to start a new business:

1. Can find a job that they like. 
2. Can find a job.
3. Is tired of working for someone else
4. Wants the autonomy of owning a business and doing things their way
5. See a gap in the services and products available
6. Wants to increase earnings
7. Wants to create a legacy for family members
8. Wants to create jobs and give back to the community
9. Wants to reduce work hours (although that one is usually quickly proved incorrect)
10. Wants the opportunity to work with family, friends etc. 

These are just a few and none of the above are right or wrong in every situation.  If you are starting a business research your options carefully and tread lightly. You may get what you wish for:-)