Increasing business productivity is crucial if you want to maximize profit. If you have a business, it’s not just about products or services. It’s also about how you run your business. Many small businesses do not realize the importance of streamlining their business processes. When productivity goes down, profits go down, and businesses get into financial trouble – they can become impossible to survive.
A Virtual Assistant can help business owners leverage their time and increase business productivity by automating many of the mundane and repetitive business activities. With the assistance of an Administrative Virtual Assistant, you are able to pass off simple tasks like scheduling, email management, booking and data entry to a highly trained and qualified Virtual Assistant. These professionals are not employees, but independent contractors who are knowledgeable about many areas of business.
You can automate tedious business tasks with the use of Google Docs, Excel spreadsheets, Power Point presentations, notes, memos, task lists and more. Invoicing is one area where a Virtual Assistant can really make a difference. Instead of writing out individual checks, a skilled and dependable Google Docs or Excel spreadsheet expert can complete all of the necessary paper work for you, including printing, sending electronic payments, invoicing and tracking taxes. For businesses with small or medium size invoicing needs, having a virtual assistant business partner can free up your schedule to take care of other things-like growing your business or working on important client projects. A Google Docs or Excel spread sheet can be used for invoicing, tracking payments, creating reminders, and managing information from sales receipts, credit card invoices, bank statements, and more.
One of the primary goals of planning and implementing an online CRM strategy is to improve business intelligence through better understanding of customer buying trends and preferences. In this respect, using online tools such as Google Docs, which is free for up to 7 free account holders, is particularly helpful. To make it even easier for you, many of these business intelligence tools include “share” functionality, so you can make an initial list of tasks that need to be completed and shared. Later, once you have a better idea of what you want to accomplish, the tools will automatically generate checklists, worksheets and action plans that you can review before taking any steps toward implementing a CRM strategy.
While you would expect a high level of technical expertise among a group of virtual assistants working together on a large project, most of them are actually quite comfortable using most common office software applications (excel, Microsoft Office, Open Office, etc.). Of course, there are always exceptions, but most of the time your VAS will be able to use excel, outlook, PowerPoint and other common programs that most people are familiar with. In addition, some of your VAS may have previous experience with CRM tools (and likely still do) so it’s easy to get a jump-start on your own learning curve. Google Docs is also a great document management application that most virtual assistants have used. You can simply create a free workspace and invite your clients to join the online discussion area where you’ll all get in on the conversation.
Once you’ve gotten your online CRM strategy rolling, it’s time to organize all the data, voice conversations, notes and other business activity that need to be tracked. One way to do this is by using a “to do” list. Your VAS can take a role in directing your virtual assistant network by creating subgroups within the group and directing them to prioritize business activity. When they’re done, each virtual assistant can forward the information to the appropriate person in the team. This allows everyone to easily track progress and distribute workload as needed.
Some businesses choose to outsource their CRM strategy to a virtual assistant company. This works great for businesses that already have an existing in-house CRM system in place and want to upgrade only the front end application. However, for companies who are trying to boost their on-site CRM capabilities but lack the knowledge or time to integrate a web-based CRM tool into their existing in-house system, a VAS makes a great VAM/CSM solution. A VAS can coordinate email, voice communications, document management and other business activity that’s related to customer care. You can easily input this new data into your existing CRM tool and run reports that will help you understand your interactions with your customers better.
Another option that many vases provide is the ability to export data from one place to another. If your company’s information needs to be shared across different departments, VAS have the ability to export the data into a format that’s compatible across all departments. This means no more searching through folders of computer files when it comes time to organize all of the information that needs to be shared within your company. With one centralized location, all departments can view, edit and search documents within their own secure online environment. No more wasting time searching for important data or spending precious time typing it out yourself – it’s all in one place with a virtual assistant (or VAS).
“What’s the top 10 cameras?” You ask, as I am sure you have asked yourself, or someone else who has asked you this question, or someone who wants to know this. Well then, show you the top 10 cameras around and maybe even provide you with some tips on how to select the right one for your particular needs. Then I go into more detail about these top 10 cameras, which should give you the facts straight forward, not just techie robot jargon that makes you think WTF does this even mean? hopefully you get to the bottom of this article with a strong understanding of what is the perfect underwater camera for snorkeling that best suits your requirements.
We will begin with the last two, which are interchangeable lens cameras. These are much more common now than they ever were before and they are mostly used by professional photographers. The reason that professional photographers use them is that they give them a wider angle of view than they would with a normal point and shoot and with the ability to adjust the focus to suit the shot that is taking place at that particular moment. There are many different types of mirrorless cameras available and all can be used effectively by professional photographers.
Next we will look at the next level up from the point and shoot. The next type of camera that we will look at is the menu system. This is also very popular among professional photographers. The menu system gives you many options when you are taking a shot. Some of the most popular menus include; a time selection of when the image was taken, what light is available, if there is someone or something in the way and the color of the background. This allows you to experiment with the different settings for each image so you can get the exact look that you want.
Another great feature of these cameras is the social media integration. Many of the social media sites allow you to upload the pictures online and share them with your friends. You can also add music and video to your photos, which allows you to show off your creative side and share your pictures online. If you have the feature on your camera then you can really show people what you are capable of.
Now let’s move on to cameras that can actually fit in your pocket and are much better for the environment. The best camera for the environment is the compact digital camera. These are much better for the environment because they take up very little space. Also, since they are so small they are easy to carry around and you can take as many pictures as you want.
One of the newest and most popular type of cameras is the underwater photography housings. Some of these housings are made out of a special material that allows the camera to remain completely waterproof. They usually also have some type of anti-static charge built into them so that the housing does not become too soft during use. Most of the professional underwater housings are made out of an extremely hardy material that stands up to a variety of conditions and environments.
Another feature that is becoming more popular among people who are taking pictures is the ability to preview the picture that is going to be captured before it is taken. This allows people to see what they are getting into before the actual picture is taken. As someone taking the pictures the importance of having a camera that is perfect when you need it is critical. Since there are so many different cameras available on the market today, there is no guarantee that the one you purchase will be perfect when you need it the most. Having a preview is a great way to make sure that the picture is exactly what you expected it to be. With the many different features available in the camera’s today you are bound to find the perfect one for your situation.
One of the newest gadgets to hit the market is the portable gopro camera. This new style of camera was originally designed for those that wanted to film their everyday lives on the go. They are very small and can easily fit into your pocket or purse. The amazing feature of this camera is that you can actually view the photos that you take on the screen of your computer even while you are traveling. This is a very cool feature that makes it great for taking pictures anywhere you want to go.
The IT industry needs a plethora of tools to help the entrepreneur, the developer, and the designer get more work done in less time. There are many types of software programs and devices available, including software for web design, database management, content management, software for video editing, movie production, and even effects templates that help make videos look better. With so many choices, it is important to take the time to explore your options.
Most programs provide the basics, but what if you need effects templates? Many software packages offer basic graphics like photos, photosque, cliparts, and clip art. However, there are other features like text effects and 3D graphics that can make your job easier. You may also need to add text boxes with borders, make a background color or gradient, and select text fonts.
Many people don’t like waiting around for technology to arrive just when they are about to start their project. This can be frustrating, and it can take away from your time. When you have everything planned out before the project gets underway, this makes it easy to get started and focus on your tasks. It’s better to get done earlier, then worry about a missing program element later.
Many people want to create a website for their business. They plan to update it regularly with new products and information, and they like the flexibility and control it offers. If you need to build an ecommerce site, having a program that allows you to create and edit your pages quickly makes the process go more smoothly. You won’t need to wait for graphics, video, and other elements to load; you can focus on your task right away.
Many people aren’t aware that there is an option out there called Microsoft Project Professional. This software is similar to Adobe Project, especially when it comes to its simple, intuitive interface and ability to easily organize all your projects into a single place. You can import all your projects into this one program, which means you can move, delete, change, and add other items to your list quickly and easily. It also makes it much easier to track your project history, your expenses, and track your progress.
A popular alternative to Microsoft Project is Quicken Pro. This software is designed for those who are familiar with Microsoft Project, and it works great for those who have never created a project of its kind. It includes drag and drop features to help you organize your files and includes all the same powerful features as Microsoft Project. The key selling point is that it is very easy to use, and has one of the top 10 project tools on the market.
There are a few other top 10 project tools as well. One of the most popular is QuickBooks Online. This software will work with virtually any Windows-based operating system and it includes a fully-functional, online-based version. In addition to QuickBooks Online, users can also download additional tools that include financial management tools, support for third party applications, an extensive library of templates, and more. All of these tools work seamlessly with one another, making it easier than ever before to manage your finances and complete projects. This software also integrates with many different other popular programs, allowing you to share information between them with just a few clicks of the mouse button.
If you’re looking for top 10 software solutions that are easy to use and that feature several powerful tools to help you manage your business, you’re in luck. You don’t need to spend hours trying to find these tools, because they are all available in one convenient place. You can easily download and install these tools right onto your computer. Start immediately upon installation, and you can begin immediately enjoying the benefits of top 10 project management software tools.
All small businesses’ operations are included in Accounting. Those companies lack the means to justify hiring an accountant. In many cases they have to figure out themselves the best accounting tools for their business. As there are so many solutions to choose from, it is tough to decide where to start.
To help you short-list the best small business accounting software, we have compiled below a list of the best options available in the market now.
It is one of the most important resources in this category. It has facilities like receipt capture and 24/7 chat support. It also integrates with PayPal, Shopify, and Square. It has many other features as well, hence it is very popular for many small business companies.
All plans of this resource facilitate tracking income and expense, send invoices and receive payments, run reports, send estimates, track sales and taxes, capture and organise receipts. In case you require to track inventory, track time, and full service payroll, there are more advanced plans also available.
Intuit QuickBooks is ideal for small businesses. It is an affordable, time-tested and easily accessible solution, suitable for a company of any size. It is reliable with exceptional functionality.
It makes small business accounting more efficient. It can save a lot of time every year on filing for taxes. This software integrates with many business applications and provides you with an integrated single dashboard to manage your finances and accounting. It also has a facility to take regular secured backups. Its mobile app enables you to keep track of your business at all times. FreshBook is ideal if you require to send out recurring invoices, need time tracking capability, or run a subscription model business.
It also includes a feature that lets you see the exact location a customer opened your invoice thereby eliminating excuses of non-receipt of the invoice. FreshBooks has affordable plans suitable for businesses of every size.
Pabbly Subscription Billing is a recurring and subscription management software for small and medium sized businesses. This software has been designed to provide real-time actionable metrics on your monthly payments, revenue, net revenue,active customers and new subscriptions. It also automates all your business workflows, customer communication and invoice creation resulting in saving your time which you can use for your business growth.
Its subscription billing model is one of the major features. The most noticeable feature is it does not charge any extra fees on the basis of per-transaction and monthly revenue generation. Its consistency and the top rated functionality make it the best option for a business.
It is a powerful accounting solution for small businesses and individual contractors. Its main emphasis is on easy user interface, better sync across various important segments like your bank accounts, track your expenses, and balance your books with ease.If you invest in its other products, it lines up with Wave’s additional resources. It’s like an all-in-one solution for your business.
It is also suitable for a freelancer or a business having just a few employees.It’s worth highlighting that most of its services are free including invoice and transaction management.
This software offers a centralised platform that covers almost every aspect of your business- from purchasing to warehouse management to job costing. A wide range of tools includes a powerful suite of accounting features that can help any small business streamline processes like data entry and syncing invoices.
The platform’s accounting element also seamlessly integrates with other applications like Xero and Quickbooks- with additional resources that allow for real-time visibility into your financial data.
Its pricing is certainly higher as compared to other solutions, hence it may not be suitable for all businesses. Still, for a one-stop, comprehensive solution for virtually all your business needs including accounting, this may be the right choice for you.
Tipalti automates the entire accounts payable process, liberating you to focus on making strategic decisions of your business.The solution can streamline international payment processing in about 190 countries, automate your payment operations and even make sure you pay your taxes on time and avoid any default.
It is perfect for deadline-driven businesses. It can help you keep control on and meet time-bound objectives every time. This programme aims to correct all key issues like late payments, non-compliance, and administrative overload. Tipalti is ideal for you to keep your accounts payable process timely and smooth. Its pricing is available on request.
This software is specifically designed for desktop users. It provides double-entry accounting tools- from time billing and reporting to inventory that are customizable and optimised for desktop users. This program has a unique facility of one-time fee potentially saving you considerable money as in subscription costs.
If your business doesn’t need a mobile option, AccountEdge can be an ideal choice for you.Yet there is an option of cloud-based collaboration available for purchase which can give you mobile flexibility.
Sage saves your lot of time on administrative tasks. This software performs multi tasks like sending invoices, tracking payments and expenses, and calculating what you owe in the coming tax season. There are certain limitations of this software. You do not get Time-tracking and collaboration tools and also payroll is a separate product.
Sage is suitable for small to medium businesses. It is expensive in the list of all such softwares yet its features are quite impressive which justify the pricing. If your small business is capable enough to afford little extra cost, it is worth considering for Sage 50cloud.
Kashoo offers powerful functions at a reasonable price. It offers automatic reconciliation, categorisation using machine learning technology, and income and expenditure tracking.
It is perfect for small businesses that require truly simple solutions. Kashoo offers plans and features that meet with requirements of any small business. Its functionality is simple, seamless but effective. Its pricing structure allows for unlimited users at a relatively low price.
OneUp is a double-entry accounting solution.It provides sync with your bank, categorises bank entries and validates suggested entries which helps you to to update your books quickly and accurately. In other words about 95% of your accounting is automated.
The other features of this software are impressive as well. The flagship feature of this software is its inventory management capabilities. The program automatically adjusts your inventory levels as they change and suggests you reorder. If the main focus of your business is inventory management.
From the above narration you will understand that depending on the size of your business, exact requirements, and your budget you can decide which one of these solutions is the best for you.
There are a lot of startups that fail, and it doesn’t always have to do with a lack of funding or talent. One major hurdle they face is the uncertainty of whether their idea has any merit. Diligence is key when starting a business. Some people like to take risks and see what happens, but there are just as many who would rather play it safe. The following article will outline my five steps for growing a startup business, from ideation to execution.
The five steps for growing a startup business
Imagine there was a formula for startups that had been mastered. Then all you had to do was go and write down those steps and follow them. So, my friend, let’s take a look at how to get a startup off the ground. Step #1: Ask why Your first question should always be why. Why do you want to do this? You want to make a difference with your business. Why is that? Do you want to make a business impact? Do you want to create a product or service that people are willing to pay for? I know that it can be hard to keep track of all of the answers to why, but it can give you the clarity you need to define your business objective.
What are the five steps to grow a startup business?
1. Determine the Idea This is probably the most crucial step in growing a startup. The idea should answer the question, “What problem can we solve?” and must ultimately be something that solves a problem, provides value, and/or increases the customer base. The likelihood of having an idea that satisfies all of these requirements is low.
Here are a few things to keep in mind: You can’t solve a problem for more than one person. Your customers must be interested in what you are offering If you don’t have a product or service, try to find out what your competition does or has, and use that as inspiration 2. Solve the problem using simple tactics There are two main approaches to solving problems: algorithmic and human.
Understand your idea
We’re all entrepreneurs at heart. If you have an idea for a product or service that’s captured your attention, there’s a good chance that you’ve already started to form some ideas about how you would go about creating it. You have to understand your idea as thoroughly as possible if you want it to be successful. You’ll need to have an idea of your price point and business model, as well as a strategic plan to grow it to profitability and establish a reliable revenue stream. Figure out your target audience You’re going to be pitching your business idea to a variety of people, and what you say will go a long way towards defining it. Do you want to target hard-to-find consumers or the whole world?
Be prepared for uncertainty
All good ideas start with a premise. What problem are you trying to solve? There are two types of ideas. First, you have a grandiose or grand design that alludes to a huge opportunity. These ideas typically require some number of resources to achieve them. They are virtually guaranteed to fail, but still, end up affecting the world in some way. Second, you have a “skeleton” idea, one that has only the essential elements of what you’re looking to accomplish. These ideas typically require fewer resources to accomplish but are easier to test for efficacy. Related: Making the Leap From ‘Entrepreneur’ to ‘Business’ One of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face is the uncertainty of how a business idea will turn out.
Focus on execution
According to Robert Kiyosaki in his book Rich Dad Poor Dad, the most important thing an entrepreneur can do is focus on execution. Many entrepreneurs fail because they lost sight of the focus of their venture, and there’s no room for distractions when you’re trying to build a business. To determine what direction your startup should head, make a list of all the needs of your target customer. Spend a great deal of time focusing on customer needs and what problems you can solve. You need to know your industry inside and out and, at the same time, know your audience inside and out. With these few steps, you can form the proper team and start growing your startup business.
Execute your product idea to perfection
Before you spend millions of dollars on a technology solution or launch your product into the market, you have to make sure your product works. Whether you’re a computer scientist or a former advertising executive, your ideas must meet the needs of the marketplace. If not, you will be wasting money and wasting time. The only way to avoid wasting time is to execute your idea to the highest standard. Get every detail right For this step, you must develop a solid business model, marketing strategy, and go-to-market strategy. These four things ensure that your business can be profitable and survive for years to come. When implementing your strategy, make sure you set the right goals, identify the wrong ones, and manage your team well.
Combine your ideas to find what’s best.
Ask yourself the question: what do you want to create? You’ll need to whittle down the possibilities a bit to find the one or two things that have the best chance of being a success. Once you’ve narrowed the possibilities down to a couple of options, then test it out. See how the idea plays out in the market, and gather some data to give you data to add to your pitch later on. It can be a bit discouraging to try and develop an idea with limited data, but sometimes that’s all you need to get the ball rolling. I’m constantly looking for great ideas, but it’s so easy to get distracted by things like money and resources. I’m always looking for great ideas, but I also think about how they will play out.
Stay committed to your plan
Diligence requires dedication, and your commitment to your business should be focused on the end goal. Aim for what you are working toward as long as you can see the progress. It is easier to focus and stay motivated when you know that all of your decisions are being based on good ideas. Don’t take the easy path There is nothing wrong with taking the path of least resistance. However, there are other options that might result in an even better end result. Strive to achieve what is within your power, and be willing to do what it takes to get there. Don’t let the market make the decisions for you. If you are not willing to work hard to make your idea a reality, find another area where you can help people. This will make your startup even stronger and more meaningful.
Growth is the most challenging issue for small and medium-sized enterprises. And by growth, we mean increased visibility, more customers and workers, and, most crucially, increased income. As we all know, a lot has to happen for this to happen. One of the most important is that your company’s workflows and organizational procedures must be simplified to function smoothly for all operations. That is when CRM software becomes extremely valuable to small and medium-sized enterprises. A CRM consolidates information and records into a single database that is easily accessible and manageable. It provides you with automated mail alerts, calendar notifications, and other features to increase productivity and efficiency. The primary reason they don’t have a CRM is that they believe they are too tiny. This is where they go WRONG; in fact, small and medium-sized enterprises require CRM more than their bigger counterparts.
That is why we have made a list of the top ten CRM solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Top 10 CRM Tools that your business can use
SalesForce
SalesForce is possibly the most popular and commonly used CRM software on the market. Fortunately, SalesForce offers a minimal edition called Lightning Essentials for small and medium-sized businesses. This package includes a sophisticated contact manager with email integration and follow-up reminders. It also provides a plethora of integration and customization possibilities. Salesforce price varies; here’s a look at the pricing: Lightning Essentials subscription ($25/month/user), Lightning Professional ($75/month/user), and others.
HubSpot
HubSpot provides a free version of their CRM software, which small enterprises widely use. The program offers all of the fundamental CRM software capabilities, allowing you to keep track of your firm’s operations, such as contacts and company profiles, assigning and tracking deals, and managing all of that data in a comprehensive dashboard. Are you already a HubSpot Sales user? Then you may utilize this CRM software to increase incoming sales. In addition, HubSpot has many connectivity options with significant programs like Salesforce, Shopify, and Microsoft Dynamics. With this software, you can get started for free.
Zoho
Despite being featured in our list of enterprise-grade software, Zoho may also be used by small enterprises due to the range of versions available. In terms of sales/marketing capabilities, Zoho has a lot to offer, including website visitor monitoring, lead scoring, sales signals (including pop-up notifications regarding prospects), and more. However, keep in mind that some of the most complex features are only available in the professional and business editions.
PipeDrive
Pipedrive’s sales management solution automates the administration of your contacts and transactions, as well as the organization of your emails, documents, sales, and other activities. It also aids in the planning of your actions and the management of recommendations from others. It saves you much of your time and allows you to keep track of all your sales and prospects.
It is the premier sales management solution for small and medium enterprises, with over 50,000 clients.
Main Features of PipeDrive
Make a plan of action to ensure that no trade goes between the cracks.
Keep track of all the information regarding your deals, such as the talks you’ve had with all parties.
Data representation in the form of a visual pipeline allows you to see where all of your deals are moving.
Freshworks CRM
Freshworks CRM (formerly Freshsales) allows you to automatically gather and organize website visitors as sales lead based on their interaction with your website. Assign them to the appropriate salespersons in your team. Reach out to each lead with full context and track transactions through tailored funnels.
Nutshell
Nutshell is a robust CRM recognized for its easy-to-use design that provides a lot of value. There is no need for any special IT department. Sales and marketing solutions enable you to create and access customer interaction histories, convert website visitors into contacts via lead form integration, and segment leads and customers in complex ways (including industry, lifetime value, and location).
Nutshell comes with a map view, in-app phone calling and recording, a sales automation suite, and completely configurable reporting capabilities.
Here are some disadvantages: Users complain about the lack of automatic connections and customizability, however depending on your scenario, Nutshell’s simple UI and third-party integrations through Zapier may compensate.
Agile CRM
Agile CRM is a CRM software that provides many significant business features such as custom appointments, drag-and-drop marketing automation, and email reporting. This program also includes widgets, an extensive plugin library, API-powered integrations, and other features. The free edition, on the other hand, is severely constrained in terms of functionality.
Microsoft Dynamics 365
If you’re a Microsoft user, you’re undoubtedly aware that Microsoft Dynamics 365 is an all-in-one sales and marketing platform. This CRM offers a wide range of CRM features and interactions with Microsoft products and LinkedIn.
Main disadvantage of this software is that novice users may find it challenging to navigate at first, and mobile app functions are restricted. There are many modules and licenses available. Sales Insight, for example (€ 42.20/user/month)
Sugar CRM
Sugar Professional is an attractive choice for small enterprises in this CRM. The platform provides customer experience solutions, resulting in a straightforward and uniform experience. Each user may personalize and utilize this tool whenever and wherever they choose. Sugar Shell allows you to automate operations and have the correct information for each client encounter due to actionable insight. This program is available in a variety of price options. Sugar Professional (£41.60/user/month, minimum of 10 users) up to Sugar Market (£800 per month)
Nimble
Nimble CRM is an excellent CRM software for people who want to consolidate contacts, emails, and social media interactions (it works particularly well with Twitter). The design is also quite simple to use since it displays a to-do list, top / important offers, and other information. It also has a clever ‘rules engine’ that assists Nimble in predicting relevant contacts and activities based on your user behavior. Users may set reminders to Stay in Touch with certain people and particular flag conversations as critical to remaining ahead of the game. Nimble’s price ranges from $9 per user per month to $19 per user per month.
The Top 10 CRM Tools for Small and Medium Businesses
Growth is the most challenging issue for small and medium-sized enterprises. And by growth, we mean increased visibility, more customers and workers, and, most crucially, increased income. As we all know, a lot has to happen for this to happen. One of the most important is that your company’s workflows and organizational procedures must be simplified…
