Negosentro|5 Tools Every Small Business Owner Needs |If you are starting a small business, you may feel overwhelmed by the choices ahead of you. From business software to regulations and requirements, you will probably need to learn many new skills. Luckily, there are a lot of programs and apps like business management software that can help you out. Check out these five top tools to get your business up and running and keep it going strong.
1. Comprehensive Accounting Software
There are numerous accounting packages available for small businesses, and you’ll want to find the one that works best for your needs. Also, one with more features isn’t necessarily better than another.
Quickbooks offers income and expense tracking, invoicing, and cash flow management features. You’ll be able to generate a variety of reports easily and quickly. It is available in both online and desktop versions and has plans that range in price depending on the level of service and support you need.
Wave Accounting is a free service that has many of the same features as Quickbooks. It is available for free, which makes it an attractive option for small business owners looking to save wherever possible.
Of course, you aren’t limited to one of these programs. Shop around and find the best one for your needs.
2. Employee Management Software
This is the software that will help you track time, scheduling, time-off requests, and payroll. It will be used to calculate employment taxes due and remind you to file paperwork and send payments to your state and the IRS. Gusto, Quickbooks, and Wave are all highly regarded software programs that offer affordable payroll solutions.
Not everyone needs such a comprehensive software system. In fact, you might decide to download a pay stub template and calculate that by hand instead of using a software program. If you simply want to use a less integrated approach, only have one or two employees, or have an accountant handling your other finances, this is a popular option for many entrepreneurs.
3. Editing and Design Package
You may not be a designer, but you will undoubtedly be preparing items that need at least basic design services. Think of flyers, signs, and promotional material you want to get out fairly quickly. Even updates to your website and social media sites can benefit from editing.
Start by familiarizing yourself with sites like iStockPhoto and Shutterstock that can help you find royalty-free images you can use for commercial purposes. You will also want to have a basic editing package.
Try out Canva, which allows users to do fairly in-depth photo editing with a free account. Upgrade to Canva Pro for more features. If your needs run deeper, take a look at Adobe Creative Cloud.
4. Integrated Email Marketing
Email marketing is one of the easiest ways to get customers coming back. It allows you to communicate directly to people based on their preferences and can help your business build customer loyalty.
While there are too many email marketing programs to list, MailChimp and Constant Contact are two of the most popular options available today.
5. Project and Task Management System
Businesses that focus on project or task-based work will benefit from an overarching system that can manage every ball in the air while you juggle them effortlessly.
Asana is an excellent option for larger teams. it allows you to see what everyone is doing and where they are on their projects. Now with different tools available, you can easily find alternative to asana as well. Slack can help teams communicate effectively.
If you are looking for a simple and intuitive tool for your teams, Trello may be worth looking at. It offers flexibility in scheduling and planning that can accommodate changing business needs.
Running a business takes a lot of work, dedication, and coordination of multiple moving parts. The right software tools can help you free up time spent on administrative tasks so that you can focus on other things. Be sure to perform an honest assessment of your business’ needs to find the programs that can best meet them.
