Using Technology to Make Your Business Easier

Technology is our friend, right? Sometimes when your computer is locked up and the cell phone is out of battery, the printer needs ink and you just cannot remember your password to get into your content management system technology can feel like a real pain. However imagine running your business without it?

For internet based businesses, it just couldn’t happen. One of the common struggles is that new technologies pop up daily. How is a busy business owner to keep track and sort the good from the bad?

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Here are a few basic technologies no small business should be without and a few to look into.

Accounting software. This is an absolute must even if you have an accountant and a bookkeeper. Paper gets messy, it gets lost, mistakes can be made more easily and running a report can take most of a day. Accounting software enables you to keep your profits and losses at the tip of your fingers. It makes forecasting easier and it helps you stay within a budget.

Planning software or tools. A blackberry isn’t necessary however some sort of calendar system is a must. Outlook, Google calendar, and a whole host of online planning programs are at your fingertips. Find a system that matches your personality and needs and stick to it.

Time tracking software. This is a toughie because many business owners skip tracking their time, however it is important to know what tasks actually result in a profit and what tasks are profit suckers. For example, answering email for many business owners can take several hours and generate little or no direct profit. Take a look at your monthly profits and a breakdown of what you spend your time doing each month. A time tracking device will help you determine what tasks to eliminate or outsource and what tasks to focus your time on. They’ll also help you set your rates and quote accurately if you’re a service provider. There are an abundance of time tracking software programs online that are available for free or for a monthly cost. If you’re looking at one that requires a fee, ask for a free trial first to make sure it’s the right software for you.

Email management. Many business owners have several email accounts. Make answering and sending emails easy by pulling them all to one email address and utilizing autoresponders when appropriate.

Okay those are the must haves, here are a few nice to haves:

Start Page. Do you have a number of blogs and forums you subscribe to? A start page, like Google Home Page, can pull all of your subscriptions, emails and even fun and useful gadgets to one location that starts when you log onto your computer. It makes staying up to date really easy.

Wireless broadband. This is a luxury for sure but the ability to move around your home without a tether makes running a business extra convenient. Imagine being able to receive an important email while making dinner in the kitchen or surfing from the couch, bed or yikes even the bathtub? Kidding about the bathtub, laptops and bubbles don’t mix.

Social networking page. Hesitant to jump onto the social networking bandwagon. Stick a toe in and visit LinkedIn where you can connect with other professionals around the world. It’s a great place to find partners and outsource contractors.

If technology is to be effective and ease the stress of owning a business, it has to be user friendly. Take the time to research a software or technology and when possible try it out for free before you commit.