New Year’s Resolutions for Your Small Business
(ARA) – While you’re reviewing your year-end budget and gathering information for tax time, if you’re a small-business owner, it’s also a good time to reassess your computer systems. There may be technological upgrades available that will enhance your ability to compete and increase profitability.
Kurt Plank, owner and president of North Station Millwork, manufacturer of hardwood moldings and flooring, needed to find a way to streamline his accounting and computer systems, “So I could spend my time on providing quality product and supreme customer service,” he says.
“After researching other businesses in my field, I knew something else had to give so I could spend more time focusing on customer service. I looked at our other processes and decided to make the system updates. It gives us the advantage that sets us apart from our competitors,” explains Plank.
The first move he made was switching to the Business Care program by Peachtree. It includes software, unlimited access to support, unlimited access to training, and you can also get it with payroll tax service included. You wear many hats as a small business owner — CEO, accountant, human resources manager, IT manager, sales — the job list is endless. The last thing you need to worry about is whether or not your software is current. Many software vendors are filling that gap by offering subscription services.
With the Business Care program, you will always have the latest version of your software, often with unlimited access to support and training services. This is a great solution for small business, and will help them maximize their software investment.
Here are some other system upgrades that may give your business operations a boost:
Remote Access
It’s the up-and-coming way to work and many companies have already adapted systems for employees to work remotely. If you don’t already have it, research remote access as a way to help employees stay connected from wherever they want to work, and for salespeople to have access to information they need out in the field. GoToMyPC from Citrix is a great solution for remote access. You can even manage your business from home, which frees you up from time spent going to and from the office.
Payroll
If your company has outgrown your current payroll system, or you do it yourself by hand, consider upgrading your accounting software. Updated payroll software can help you by providing you with tax updates to make it easier. Or, outsource your payroll. Peachtree offers a payroll tax service as well as a fully outsourced payroll solution; you upload your info and Peachtree manages the payroll checks and direct deposit — one less item on your to-do list.
Getting Expert Help
It’s a good idea to start working with an accountant on financial planning to help you foresee the future of your business — and to reach your goals! If you need one and don’t know where to turn, start locally. Depending on the kind of accounting software you use in your business, search for an accountant who knows how to use it. Check with your accounting software vendor; you can visit sites like www.sagesoftwarepremieradvisors.com to find an accountant near you.
For more information about a remote access program, visit www.GoToMyPC.com. For the Business Care Program and the Sage Software Accountants Network, log on to www.peachtree.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
