Starting a business can be scary for many reasons. it’s like stepping into an unknown world with unlimited possibilities. You would be hoping for the best but mostly having negative thoughts of the worst, especially in the first few months. That is when things can go south very quickly if you let negative thoughts take control and drive your actions.
But all that being said, starting a new business is kind of like having your first child. For those who experienced it, you know what I am talking about. It is one of the most incredible and rewarding adventures that one can experience in a lifetime. It is extremely exhausting but at the same time, you can not get enough of it. Much like raising an infant, most business owners remember sleepless nights and endless endeavours to get things done with impossible deadlines but the result was alwyse worth it.
So if you are embarking on your new business journey, I salute you. You are in for a challenge and lots of fun. and hopefully a shit load of money.
Now, while starting a business can be somewhat messy and things can happen in an arbitrary fashion, there are tools and techniques that can be used to manage the mess and sometimes turn it completely around. These tools are not expensive and can be adapted to any business. Considering that your business system and software expenses are tax deductible, it is a no-brainer to make these quick implementations at the start of your business.
Please note that I am not covering business planning in this article. I assume that you already have gone through the planning process and started your business. To cover business planning go to the digital start-up post.
New Business Start-up Tool Pack
1) Get a business suite preferably 365 or Gsuite (Workspace).
This one is a given and most of you already know it. Get a business suite setup for your business right at the start. They are cheap and easy to use. These software packs will provide your business with a functioning mail server and a bunch of office software that will be the foundation of your business’s new digital collaborative system. Do not use webmail servers from some cheap hosting provider. Get yourself set up for success and $20/month* is a small price to pay.
Recommendations: #Google Workspace & #office 365.
2) Get a decent Accounting Software setup right from the start
Having a proper accounting tool means that you won’t be chasing your tail when you need to collect, pay or deal with Money. It is essential that you have a tool that allows your team to invoice and collect money as quickly and as easily as possible from your clients. It is also critical that you have a systematic approach toward your purchases, expenses and your accounting structure so you can manage and control your incoming and outgoing. One of the greatest benefits of having a proper accounting software is its use during the tax time. It can make you money without missing a dime. Tax time is a nightmare for old-school spreadsheet lovers, so dont be one. Get a proper tool and get what you need from your software with a click of a button when it’s tax time.
Recommendations: #Xero, # Zoho books # Quick Books
3) Setup a simple standard operating procedure
You know what you do and you know how you do it. So set a standard operating procedure and make sure to document your ways of doing things. That way you can simply refer to your processes, improve upon them and provide them to your new team members when you need to delegate. Delegation is the biggest challenge for small business owners. It is what stops the businesses from growing and maturing in the early days as the business owners spend most of their time working in the business trying to deliver fulfilment instead of on the business trying to grow the business. Additionally, it is believed strongly by many system specialists around the world that the biggest risk that is threatening businesses is its processes. So the processes need to be managed, assessed and improved over time otherwise a bunch of bad habits and processes can be very destructive to your business. Set up a small system that accommodates what you do, right from the start and improves it as you go. Do not say, I am too small. That is exactly when you need to start. When you are too big, it is too late.
Recommendations: Talk to our systems team.
4) Build a responsive website or landing page
Oftentimes I recommend my clients to start building their website during the brand development stage so they can get their idea up on the net sooner rather than later. Remember in marketing you never get perfection. It’s a work in progress so don’t hold yourself back because you are waiting for that perfect website. You are not going to get it. Not at first at least. If you are offering a single product or service then use a landing page. You get much better and faster outcomes and they are much easier to maintain. Whatever you do, make sure your website is responsive and constantly updated. Please do not use web builders. Pay the price and get a professional to do your website. Your website is the single most important marketing investment that you need to do and get right as a start-up and it doesn’t cost a lot to get a decent website – not anymore. So once again, dont DYI your website, get a pro to do it for you properly and you manage it from there. Stay away from Wix and other web builders like that. They cost more long term.
Recommendations: Talk to our systems team.
5) Set up a free CRM system properly and use it!
The biggest problem small businesses or single operators (sole traders) suffer in Australia is not a lack of good leads. We live in a rich country with people who can not stop spending money. Even the interest rates can’t hold us back. The main problem is losing the leads due to not having the time or a proper system to attend to them. if you are a small business owner, you know what I am on about. A good CRM setup can fix that problem for you. Mix that with a simple combination of third-party software integrations and automation, and then you have a free virtual assistant that keeps you on track every day.
Recommendations: #Hubspot
6) Setup a collaborative task manager
Project management software may not be for everyone but a simple cloud-based task manager is certainly recommended. Especially if you are running a service business and starting off with a few staff. This will help you to manage your team, collaborate on the move and keep operations flowing without spending hours on the phone chasing people for updates.
Recommendations: #Trello, #Kanbanchi
The above is a good guide for anyone to find the software they need and set them up in a matter of hours. But if you dont have the time or you wish to get a team to support you with the above setup, please feel free to contact our system team and our experts would love to help you out. Again dont forget, business expenses are tax deductible. So dont save the money you can’t keep. Spend it on your business so it can grow and flourish.
