Business Tips Pro

Category: Business

HubSpot vs Salesforce: The Best CRM for Your Business

What’s the best CRM? Is HubSpot better than Salesforce? What about Zoho or Zendesk? Whatever the answer, it’s important to understand what makes each CRM unique, and which solution will work best for your business. In this article, we’ll examine HubSpot and Salesforce side by side to determine which CRM deserves your business, and why. Let’s start with the basics…

What exactly is a CRM?

Customer relationship management, or CRM, the system is used to manage an organization’s interactions with customers. It may include marketing data and customer records. A CRM can be customized to meet a particular business’s needs.

How do I know if a CRM is right for me?

It’s hard to make a decision about the right CRM because there are so many options. How do you know which one is best? A good place to start is to ask yourself these three questions: 1) What’s your budget? 2) What’s your staff size and organizational structure like? 3) What are the use cases that you’re looking to solve?

Salesforce and Hubspot have been in the business of helping organizations better organize and manage their leads, contacts, and accounts for years.

Which HubSpot vs Salesforce comparison should I choose?

Both Hubspot and Salesforce are great tools for small businesses, but the best decision for your organization depends on what you need out of a CRM system. For instance, if you need more marketing integration and automation, then HubSpot might be a better option. If, however, you primarily need to manage your sales pipelines, then it would make sense to go with Salesforce.

What are the pros and cons of each solution?

There are two main types of customer relationship management (CRM) tools out there that can be used by marketing and sales teams, HubSpot and Salesforce. These two systems allow you to stay on top of leads, follow up with prospects and customers, set appointments, make notes, take actionable tasks, and more.

There are many similarities between the two systems as well as a few major differences. One similarity is that both systems allow you to track a contact’s journey through the conversion process from lead to customer by creating different stages in their profile. Another similarity is that both have powerful integrations with other platforms such as Slack and Google Drive; additionally, both can integrate data feeds from things like news sources or social media accounts.

How much does it cost to use either tool?

Hubspot’s basic package is the most expensive of the three, starting at $200 a month, but offers some features that may be vital to your business. For example, you have the ability to create custom workflows that help your sales process run more smoothly.

Salesforce and Service Now are both priced lower and offer an even playing field when it comes to CRM tools. You will pay different prices depending on how many seats you purchase as well as how much storage space your company needs.

What features/benefits am I going to get from using this tool in my business?

I’m going to start off by saying that both HubSpot and Salesforce are fantastic platforms with a lot of benefits. What you should use will largely depend on what your specific business needs are, how you work and how advanced your tech skill set is. For example, if the majority of your team works remotely then an online-based platform like HubSpot might be a better fit.

Do I need more than one tool to run my company’s marketing?

There are many tools you can use to manage your marketing, but when it comes down to the most basic functionality of being able to email prospects and customers, nothing beats HubSpot.

When is the best time to use which platform?

SalesForce is the best software to use when you are more established and have a higher turnover in your business. HubSpot, on the other hand, is better when you need more marketing tools to find new customers and keep your current ones happy.

What’s unique about each solution (and what makes them different)?

With a different focus on integrating marketing, sales, and customer service, HubSpot is best for B2C (business-to-consumer) companies.

October 25, 2022
How to Launch Your Bookkeeping Business in 8 painless steps

If you’re reading this, it means that you’ve decided to open your own bookkeeping business, and you want to know exactly how to do it in the least amount of time possible! Well, there are no shortcuts to success, but these eight simple steps will help you launch your new bookkeeping business in less than four months while making you as much money as possible along the way.

1) Write down your bookkeeping business plan

You may have started your bookkeeping business as a side hustle, but it is time to make it official. Whether you just want the peace of mind that comes with having a legitimate business or you want more visibility, there are many benefits that come with hiring a lawyer and filing the necessary paperwork. Here’s how:

1) Decide on an entity type.
2) The two most common choices are sole proprietorship and LLC. A sole proprietorship is the easiest option because no formal paperwork needs to be filed. However, this will limit your liability protection if something goes wrong because your personal assets are at risk. An LLC offers more liability protection while also providing tax advantages, but it requires a little more work upfront.

2) Choose a location

Consider the location of your business. A number of factors will be important, including cost, accessibility, and visibility. According to The Balance, an accountant’s office should have a professional appearance. It is typically located on the main street where passersby can see it clearly from the sidewalk. This will make potential clients more likely to stop by for bookkeeping services.

3) Get legal and accounting advice

The first thing you should do is find a lawyer and an accountant who can help you with the legal and accounting aspects of your business. You will need both of these professionals at different stages of starting your company, but it’s best to get them on board as soon as possible.

4) Create an invoice design that stands out

Invoice design doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the simpler the better. Remember, you want your customer’s attention, not their confusion.

5) Advertise your services (online & offline)

We offer a range of services that can be tailored to meet your needs. These include:

-Bookkeeping and financial statement preparation

-Income tax preparation and filing

-Payroll processing -Payroll tax reporting and remitting

-Accounting, business consulting, and many other bookkeeping-related services.

6) Manage your time

The key to success is not just having a plan, it’s sticking with the plan. One of the best things you can do for your new business maps out an achievable daily schedule and stick with it. This might sound tedious, but it’ll help you feel more organized and productive. And, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by starting your own business, you can always start small by offering bookkeeping services on nights and weekends before expanding into full-time hours.

7) Maintain relationships with customers through regular communication and providing value

#1 – Send a Welcome email. The first time you communicate with your customers, make sure you’re warm and friendly. Introduce yourself and offer a way for them to contact you if they have questions.

#2 – Keep in touch. Once you’ve established contact with your customers, stay consistent with your communications so they know they can rely on you. If you are providing a service like bookkeeping or income tax, provide regular updates on their account status so they know where things stand at any given time.

#3 – Answer their questions promptly. It’s not always possible to do this, but try your best! It will give the impression that customer service is important and that not only are you competent but also reliable and trustworthy as well.

8) Track progress on social media and have fun!

1) Create your company’s social media presence.
2) Create a professional logo.
3) Come up with a catchy name for the company, and then register it with the state.
4) Design your website, and make sure it’s mobile-friendly.
5) Gather customer testimonials from satisfied customers.
6) Hire staff, including an accountant/bookkeeper and marketing team member, if possible.
7) Develop a business plan that outlines your goals for the next year and five years down the road (if you are ambitious).
8) Start marketing your services!

October 24, 2022
The Lowdown on Food Truck Insurance: Cost & Coverage

Food trucks are rising in popularity, and there are now over 6,000 of them operating throughout the United States. If you’re planning on launching your own food truck business, you’re going to need some sort of Food Truck Insurance in order to protect your investment! Here’s an overview of what you can expect to pay for insurance coverage and other details about how that works.

What is Mobile Food Truck Insurance?

Food truck insurance covers both the trailer and any additional vehicles. The cost of mobile food truck insurance is determined by the size of the vehicle and any other risk factors. In general, food trucks that travel at high rates of speed or over steep inclines are more expensive to insure. This makes it difficult for some smaller, slower-moving trucks with lots of specialty items on board to stay competitive with the larger, faster ones while still being able to keep up in cost. But there are also a few things you can do to make sure your business has lower insurance premiums. To start, drive as little as possible; this will decrease your exposure to risks like accidents and weather delays. Keep your equipment in good condition too so you won’t have mechanical failures out on the road. Finally, if possible, try not to hire anyone else to help you man your food truck—more drivers under one policy means a higher rate from insurers.

What Does A Food Truck Insurance Policy Cover?

The type of food truck insurance you need is going to depend on the industry you’re in and what it is your truck does. For example, if you have a concession stand or roadside eatery that operates out of a food truck, then your coverage needs will likely be different than those who are catering an event. Depending on the state in which you operate, there are both federal and state laws that dictate when you need to get insurance for your vehicle- like when it’s being used for business purposes and when it’s not. When the latter situation applies, many things can go wrong- from somebody rear-ending your truck to someone spilling hot soup all over the interior of your vehicle- but either way, your truck could become unusable bec How Much Does The Average Commercial Auto Policy for a Small Business costs?

Does My Business Need Commercial Auto And General Liability Insurance?

Having commercial auto and general liability insurance is one of the most important things to keep in mind when operating a food-based business. These two coverages not only cover potential accidents but can also serve as an umbrella policy that provides extra protection should you have any claim costs. They also provide protection against various liabilities, such as someone getting sick from eating your food. So which coverage is right for you? It depends on what your needs are. General liability insurance covers lawsuits filed by customers alleging negligence or failure to meet certain standards like serving spoiled or tainted food. And while it may seem like it would be cheaper than having individual policies, this isn’t always the case because often there are several small claims per year instead of one large expense with a different company. Commercial auto insurance covers injury to pedestrians struck by vehicles while they’re delivering goods or picking up supplies–it’s important if you want to get paid if something happens during delivery. A lawyer can help you make sure all bases are covered; if not, it’s possible that you could be legally liable for damages even if there was no wrongdoing on your part!

A commercial auto policy is a package policy that combines coverage for your vehicle with other types of business-related expenses. What makes it ideal for small businesses is that this policy provides coverage for losses incurred as the result of fire, theft, vandalism, and other natural or man-made disasters. It also covers auto rentals if your vehicle is stolen or damaged. Pricing will vary depending on the value of the vehicle and can cost around $400-$600 per year.

What Is the Best Mobile Food Truck Insurance Company?

When it comes to food truck insurance, there are many factors that can affect your decision of what company is best for you. One important consideration is the type of cuisine that you plan to serve. While most mobile food truck insurance policies are quite similar, if you’re not serving up traditional Mexican or Korean BBQ fare, then you might have to compare your options carefully as certain insurers may decline your coverage. If the success of your business hinges largely on where you can do business–i.e., whether or not a nearby parking lot or public space will allow food trucks–then local regulations are also something to consider. For instance, in some parts of California and Florida, permission from the city council must be granted before setting up shop. Many cities also require food trucks to adhere to strict health codes and stay at least 500 feet away from any restaurants with established menus. Some companies offer mobile vending packages that include all these items and more; these packages usually include locations throughout the country so be sure to ask which areas they cover before signing on with one provider.

October 24, 2022
2022 Payroll Compliance Laws You Need to Know

The term Payroll Compliance refers to the laws that companies need to comply with when it comes to the employees they hire and pay. A few of these compliance laws are federal, meaning they apply in all fifty states, but many are not, meaning the rules and regulations vary from state to state. If you plan on hiring more than twenty employees in any given year, it’s important to understand the payroll compliance laws that apply in your area so you can follow them appropriately. Here are the most important payroll compliance laws that will be active in 2022 and after (in no particular order)

Improving ACA

The American Health Care Act (AHCA) was a piece of legislation passed by the 115th United States Congress in order to repeal major portions of the Affordable Care Act. This controversial bill would have repealed Obamacare’s individual mandate and its employer mandates, as well as eliminated Medicaid expansion under Obamacare. The Senate recently voted down this healthcare bill on Tuesday, July 17th with three Republicans breaking ranks and voting no.

In response, President Trump is considering halting cost-sharing subsidies that allow lower-income Americans to buy health insurance while Congress deliberates on its next steps. With no clear solution in sight, the ACA marketplace has grown uncertain. Taxpayers are now facing significant increases in premiums and fewer choices for coverage due to some insurers pulling out of areas or leaving markets altogether.

Upcoming Tax Cuts

In April of 2018, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This sweeping legislation will affect everything from how much you make in each paycheck, what kinds of deductions are allowable, and how much you will owe for state and local taxes. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act included a provision that lowers the individual income tax rate, although it increases an individual’s burden if they were subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT). Corporations are also receiving tax cuts with a lowered corporate income tax rate as well as higher limits on deductions they can take.

DOL Fiduciary Rule Affects Retirement Plans

On July 1, 2017, the Department of Labor (DOL) released a new rule designed to protect retirement investors. The new rule is called the fiduciary rule and it affects how financial advisors can work with clients on their retirement accounts. For decades, advisors could have offered advice on any investment without having to disclose possible conflicts of interest or risks as long as they had been approved by the SEC or another regulatory body. If they offered advice and also provided transaction-based products they only needed to register their firm with the SEC in order for clients not to know that there was an advisor that worked on their investments.

New Guidance for Meal Periods

Last year, California passed the Healthy Workplaces and Opportunity Act of 2014 which entitles employees to a meal period of at least 30 minutes every five hours they work. This year, legislation was introduced in New Jersey that would provide lunch breaks as well. With so much new legislation, it’s important for businesses to know what their responsibilities are when it comes to payroll compliance. Here are some key points you need to know about payroll law changes from 2020-2022:

In 2022, employers will be required to follow guidelines set by the Affordable Care Act. They’ll be required to provide mental health coverage and post any data collected through electronic activity tracking software on an online platform where individuals can easily find it. Employees who use credit reports may face fines if employers use this information as grounds for refusing employment. Fines against employers could be up to $5 million dollars if they’re found guilty of race or gender discrimination or retaliating against whistleblowers who report misconduct or violations within their company. The Fair Credit Reporting Act is also slated to change, with stricter rules prohibiting reporting negative information on a person’s credit report without permission or notice after seven years have elapsed from the date of delinquency reported.

Overtime Updates

In 2022, the new overtime law will be implemented in over 60% of U.S. states on January 1st. This new law can provide a substantial amount of back pay to hourly employees who are entitled. If you have hourly employees, the updated laws may affect their salary and leave them entitled to more compensation than they currently are receiving. Keep in mind, that even if the worker has already been underpaid, they are still entitled to make up for it after 2022 – so you may want to consider remediating any workers who have been paid improperly. The last major update was the end of the tip credit provision which is set to expire at the end of 2020. Check your state’s requirements for how much an employer must pay tipped employees when this provision expires!

Upcoming Minimum Wage Increases

Starting in January, the minimum wage will increase for many states. Minimum wage increases in Massachusetts will jump from $11 an hour to $12.50 an hour for companies with 11 or more employees and from $13 an hour to $14 per hour for smaller employers. Starting in July 2020, hourly wages are set to increase by 50 cents, reaching the new rates of $12.50 and $14 per hour respectively. And starting on November 1, 2020 all small businesses in Arizona (whether they have employees or not) will be required by law to provide up to 40 hours of paid time off a year if they pay less than the federal tipped-wage minimum (currently set at $7.25/hour).

October 24, 2022
8 Job Fair Tips for Employers to Ensure a Successful Event + Free Checklist
Job fairs are an effective way to reach out to multiple candidates at once, but they aren’t the easiest event to run. Whether you’re hosting your first career fair or attending one as a job-seeker, it’s important to be prepared and take some time to consider these 8 job fair tips for employers so that your event goes smoothly. This free checklist will walk you through everything from deciding who should attend to setting up the booth to making sure you have all your paperwork in order, as well as provide some additional resources along the way.

1) Create an agenda

Schedule and Reserve the Space
1. Preparing Handouts, Flyers, and Other Marketing Materials
2. Decide How You Want to Staff Your Booth
3. Anticipate and Prepare Your Attire
4. Know What Questions You Want Answers To
5. List of Suitable Candidates – Contact Info or Personal Statement of Interest in attending your booth (i.e.: recent graduate looking for full-time employment) – Specific Company Information about Job Openings, Salary Range, Benefits, and Opportunities
2) Create a Staging Area

Below are eight steps that can help you organize your booth and ensure you’re ready for any queries from fair attendees.

It’s always a good idea to have water, coffee, tea, snacks, and other assorted beverages on hand in case someone has a hankering (pun intended).

At the entrance of your area, put up one or two large posters outlining some of the great benefits that come with being an employee at your company.

If you don’t have space for both laptop and desktop computers available at your booth, try making posters highlighting various products/services offered by your company as digital downloads and place them near the laptops.

3) Advertise the event

Planning an event or interview can be tricky, but we’ve compiled these 8 job fair tips for employers so you don’t have to worry about doing it all yourself! Not sure if these tips will work with your company’s event? Download our checklist and give it a try.

Congratulations on getting into the job market! We’re confident that this guide will help you through one of the most exciting yet nerve-racking moments in your life.

4) Manage your expectations

1) Recognize that there will be more applicants than you can hire. This is one of the toughest things about hiring from fairs – knowing that many, if not all of the candidates you meet won’t work out, no matter how well they do during the hiring process. You might have had a great conversation with someone, but in the end, it just doesn’t feel like their skills are a good fit. Try not to take it personally if this happens!

2) Bring everything you need with you. Chances are, you’ll spend most of your time setting up and then tearing down your booth. Make sure you pack plenty of water and snacks so you don’t get hungry or lightheaded while running around trying to get set up.

3) Be prepared for heavy foot traffic and high noise levels – and make sure your booth has an inviting vibe so people don’t feel awkward standing around waiting to talk with someone or sitting down on the hard floor.

4) Bring something fun: whether it’s freebies or an activity such as tossing bean bags at balloons- your event will go much smoother when participants have something enjoyable to do while they’re waiting in line.

5) Communicate with attendees before, during, and after the fair

The event went smoothly and we had ample opportunity to interact with attendees. We even got the chance to attend some of the other booths, learn about new companies, and network with potential employers! We also left feeling hopeful – these 8 job fair tips ensured that our event was successful. If you’re considering holding an upcoming hiring event, consider these steps to make sure it’s a success: -Post-event follow-up: following up after the event is crucial because this is when your post-event survey can be completed

-Making connections: if someone has applied or interviewed with you at your last hiring event, take note of their information so you can follow up in order to gauge their interest

-Don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone!

6) Have a Plan B if necessary.

Planning can go wrong too, but here are seven steps you can take to prevent that from happening:

-Check your advertising strategy-Would it be more successful if you hand out flyers or hire a bus and a band? Find out beforehand.

-Attend job fairs regularly-Find out where the other companies who typically attend these events are located. This way you know where the competition is and when they will be at the next event. Set up meetings with them before so you’re prepared and make sure your schedules won’t conflict with each other on the day of the event.

7) Don’t forget these essential items.

1. Get there early! Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start time and leave an hour before the end of your shift. This will give you enough time to secure a place in line, set up your booth, interact with people who stop by, and clean up after the event is over.

2. Set-up location – if you are not allotted space on the floor, bring displays (i.e., podiums) or shelving that can be used during breaks or downtime.

3. Your pitch – have a great elevator speech ready to engage people walking by and answer any questions they might have about your company. Remember: sell yourself! If you don’t know what you’re selling, nobody else will either.

4. Be ready for anything! Prepare yourself for any type of question with samples or mock resumes in case someone wants one on the spot.

5. Dress professionally – even if it’s just running errands, dress as though you’re going out to lunch at an expensive restaurant; everyone else is dressed professionally too!

6. Comfortable shoes – you may be standing all day and need something supportive.

7. A good attitude! No matter how many people come to visit your table, treat each person like they’re the most important person you’ve ever met! 8. Good luck!

8) Follow up after the event.

By following these eight tips, you will be able to be successful at the job fair you are hosting.

Congratulations on hosting your very first job fair! You’re one step closer to finding great candidates and hopefully filling some open positions. Below is a list of things that you should prepare in order to have the best possible event -Give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Get as much information as you can from the location ahead of time so there are no surprises once you arrive. Ask about rules or restrictions they may have with regard to setup, parking, and access to restrooms.

-If parking is limited or not available onsite, contact local business owners in the area and ask if they will allow parking for attendees on their property (many times it’s free). If this isn’t an option, find other places where people can park around the building (like residential streets) so they can walk over.
October 24, 2022
8 Steps to Starting Your Own Bookkeeping Business
If you’re hoping to start your own small business, consider starting a bookkeeping business. The bookkeeping industry has never been more in demand, and this demand will only continue to increase as companies rely on more and more technology to run their finances and keep track of their transactions. If you’re thinking about starting your own bookkeeping business, these 8 steps will help get you started on the right foot.

1) Get your bookkeeping degree

You will need a bookkeeping degree, which can be attained by enrolling in an online course or community college. You may also be able to take night classes at a local school in your area. This is the first step on the path to starting your own bookkeeping business. After you graduate with your bookkeeping degree, you will then want to find an internship that specializes in accounting and tax preparation. From there, after successfully completing your internship, you should get as much experience as possible so that you have time for full-time work if desired. Once you have enough experience and education under your belt, it’s time to start looking for opportunities that align with what interests and excites you most about the field of accounting.

2) Establish your bookkeeping services

Bookkeeping services are a great business idea because they fill a need that many small businesses don’t have the time or knowledge to take care of. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder why bookkeepers are in high demand and can earn a hefty salary. In order to start your own bookkeeping business you must first figure out the type of service you would like to provide and get an accountant certification. Here is how you can start your own bookkeeping business in 8 steps:

1) Figure out what type of service you would like to provide. Are you skilled with QuickBooks? Do you love working on spreadsheets? Or maybe accounting just isn’t your thing but customer service is something that comes naturally?

3) Network, network, network!

The best way to get your business off the ground is by talking to people. That’s why networking is so important when you’re just starting out. You need contacts that know what they’re doing and can give you advice on how you should be running your company, plus they might be able to refer you new clients or hire you themselves. If you’re lucky enough to work with a mentor who has years of experience in the industry, all the better!

4) Use LinkedIn for business development

LinkedIn is a great place to network with other professionals and learn about new opportunities. You can use LinkedIn as an excellent tool for marketing your bookkeeping services. Asking for referrals from past clients and business contacts will help get you more clients. You can also join groups on LinkedIn that are related to your profession, like The Association of Accounting Technicians. This is a good way to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your field and make connections with others who may be interested in hiring you as their accountant.

5) Create a compelling website

If you’re interested in starting your own bookkeeping business, the first thing you’ll want to do is get your website up and running. A website is the most important tool for any business nowadays, so make sure that you spend some time on it.

1) Pick a domain name

2) Use WordPress

3) Optimize your site

4) Add content

5) Get listed with Google My Business

6) Setup a Facebook page

7) Hire help

8) Get out there!

6) Stay up to date on technology

Today’s businesses are using more technology than ever before. This means that you need to make sure that you’re up-to-date with the latest advances in order to take advantage of all of the benefits that technology can offer for your business. So, here are some helpful tips for staying up-to-date on today’s most important tech trends:
1. Learn about the latest devices and software – It’s essential for any business owner in today’s competitive market to stay on top of the latest developments in hardware and software. This will help you keep your company productive and competitive. One way to do this is by reading a blog such as this one, which is updated regularly with information about recent advancements in technology.
7) Monetize your blog through affiliate marketing

Once you’ve created your blog and established some sort of authority in your niche, it’s time to monetize. One way you can do this is through affiliate marketing. This means that when you post about a product or service on your blog, you include a link at the end of the post so readers can purchase the item through your affiliate link. If they end up buying something, you’ll earn a commission from the company that is selling that item. Once they click on your link and make their purchase, they are an affiliate of yours and get paid every time someone they referred buys a product or service.

8) Have patience when growing your business

Starting your own business takes time, just like anything else. If you want to be successful and stay in control of your life, you have to be patient with the process. It won’t happen overnight. You need to work hard on marketing and find a niche for yourself that you can grow over time. It’s also important to set goals so you know what steps are necessary to get there. For example, if your goal is $100,000 in revenue by 2020, then it’s good to set quarterly goals of $10k each year and then break those down into monthly or weekly goals too.
October 24, 2022
3 Ways to Evaluate the Investment of Time and Money

Before you start investing your time and money in something, it’s important to be able to evaluate whether the investment will yield returns or not. Sometimes the investment may not be worth your time and money, which could result in lost time, lost money, and lost credibility—all of which are difficult to recover from. These three ways can help you evaluate the investment of time and money before moving forward with something new.

1) Does this have a high ROI?

As a business owner, you will constantly be trying to determine if what you’re doing is worth your time. Will this new client give you more money than they cost? Can I delegate this task, or will I just have another thing that someone else could be doing instead? When you’re putting time into something, always make sure it has a high ROI. If not, it’s probably not worth your time. In other words, evaluate each decision based on whether or not it’s going to bring in more revenue than the investment of time and energy required.

For example, many people would say that taking a phone call from an unhappy customer is worthwhile because it might lead to future sales and customer loyalty. However, if you are spending 20 minutes per day answering emails while others are working on tasks with a higher ROI, then the company as a whole may not see as much growth as desired. Therefore, in order to get a full picture of what should happen for the business, it is important for all employees to do their fair share so that everyone can work on their highest ROI project. Think about who is responsible for tasks: Another way to decide how valuable a task will be is to think about who owns the responsibility. Often times we think someone else should take care of it, but in reality, no one cares about something as much as those who are responsible. So why delegate? The only person who knows how you feel about the project is you! If there isn’t someone at work assigned to complete this kind of task, then you might want to assign it yourself.

2) Will I need to reinvest the money?

Ultimately, the potential investor will need to decide if they are willing to reinvest money into your business. This is one aspect of investment that has more control than anything else. The second step would be to evaluate whether you are an entrepreneur or a solopreneur. As a solopreneur, it’s up to you as you will be running all aspects of your company, so there is no question about whether someone from outside your company could do it better. You are accountable for success or failure–so this may not be an option for some people with smaller budgets or who lack experience. If you are an entrepreneur, then the best way to determine how much time and money should be invested in developing your product is through market research: gathering data on consumers’ needs and wants, understanding competitors’ offerings, identifying gaps in their products, etc.

From here, investors can make decisions on how much money to put into the project–and what form it might take (e.g., equity or debt). Lastly, both entrepreneurs and solopreneurs must keep in mind whether they have a long-term vision for their business; if they don’t see themselves in 10 years without significant changes, then investing might not be worthwhile because of startup risks (which we’ll cover later). In general, every investor will want to know if they’re going to get paid back in full over a short period of time before making any investments. A last piece of advice is always to ask yourself would I invest my own money?

A good starting point would be conducting at least 3 weeks’ worth of market research to determine how much investment is needed. Remember, a positive ROI=investment!

3) Is there customer support?

Providing customer support is a necessary component of any successful business. Customers want to feel like their satisfaction matters, so it’s important that you make an effort to reply in a timely fashion. But even if your customer base isn’t large enough for formal customer service hours, there are other ways you can show your commitment. Always be sure that you’re available when customers contact you, either by email or social media inbox messages. If people feel like they’re getting brushed off, they may go looking elsewhere or leave bad reviews on your site. Customers are more likely to come back if they know there is someone willing and waiting to help them with whatever problem they encounter.

In addition to being accessible, provide technical assistance: Technical assistance doesn’t just mean installing programs and fixing software. Provide solutions for your client’s needs whether it’s project-specific (e.g., installation) or general (e.g., setting up a phone). It doesn’t matter how basic the solution is – providing solutions will keep people coming back to your company because they know you care about them as an individual not just as sales prospects.

Finally, stay educated on industry trends: One way to grow your company without spending any money is through learning new technologies and techniques which then allow you to offer better services than competitors who don’t update themselves often enough!

October 24, 2022
The 5 Best Mileage Tracker Apps to Help Your Small Business in 2022

If you’re running a small business, one of the things you need to keep track of is how much your employees are driving. By monitoring mileage, you can be sure that your tax deductions are accurate and that you aren’t paying more than you have to on auto expenses. To help you do just that, here are five of the best mileage tracker apps to look out for in 2022.

1) Gas Cubby

Gas Cubby is an app that helps businesses track the miles their employees drive on company-related business. It works well as a mileage tracking system for companies with small fleets because it does not require you to purchase or maintain a Bluetooth or cellular device for each vehicle. The app sends updates about your location every few seconds and then syncs them with your reports when you connect the phone again. If you choose Gas Cubby’s annual subscription, they will provide detailed reports with charts and graphs illustrating all of your trips, fuel stops, mileage patterns by month, and much more. All of this information can be used to better plan future business trips or even adjust the way you allocate budgeting dollars within the organization.

2) Google Drive

Google Drive is the app of choice for many small business owners. With Google Drive, you can store your files and access them from any device with an internet connection. Drive also offers a suite of collaboration tools that can be used to share documents with your employees, contractors, or clients. The best part? You can get started for free! If you have multiple teams or users sharing the same drive, it’s a good idea to set up shared folders so everyone can collaborate easily.

The downside of Google Drive is that if one person on your team changes a file offline and someone else needs it right away, they’ll have to wait until their colleague comes back online. It also lacks integrations with mileage-tracking software so there’s no way to automatically track mileage between drives. That being said, there are some great apps available below that help address these issues while keeping everything in one place!

3) My Trip Mate

My Trip Mate is a mileage tracker app that assists small business owners with their tax deductions. The app automatically tracks trips, calculates mileage, and stores all the data for submission. My Trip Mate’s integration with QuickBooks Online makes it easy for users to import their information and file their taxes in one place. The app sends reminders on when it’s time to file your taxes and offers tips on how to maximize deductions. With My Trip Mate, you’ll always have up-to-date records of all your mileage so you can be confident knowing that you’re getting the best tax refund possible! You don’t even need to spend any extra money on this app as it comes at no cost to you. Plus, there are features like unlimited account history access, editable trip statuses, and automatic syncing between devices.

4) TripLogz

TripLogz has been the mileage tracker app on the market for over three years, with more than five million users logging over 200 billion miles. We take every opportunity we can to improve our product and evolve based on what our customers tell us they want. The app is constantly being updated with new features, fixing bugs, and overall improving the user experience. Our goal at TripLogz is to help small business owners track their miles quickly, easily, and painlessly so they can concentrate on running their companies! Our comprehensive list of features will not only make it easier for you to keep your finances organized but will also give you the peace of mind that your business is on top of everything from start to finish. The result? More time doing what you love while saving money by avoiding unnecessary expenditures and fees.

5) MyTaxiPro

MyTaxiPro is an all-in-one app that allows you to track your mileage, gas mileage, and service records and even perform an oil change on your vehicle without ever having to leave the app. It’s a great tool for any small business owner with a truck or van who needs the ease of on-the-go access.

How does MyTaxiPro work? Simply enter the beginning and end of your trip (or just take a photo) then let our system automatically update your odometer reading, save your parking location and upload documents like receipts from each trip. If you want more granular control over how much you spend, you can use MyTaxiPro manually record each mile and kilometer as well! MyTaxiPro is perfect for small businesses because it offers detailed reports and graphs that are easy to understand, so you always know where your money goes.

This handy mobile app saves time, space, and money while providing accurate reporting and complete visibility into company expenses. We recommend MyTaxiPro for anyone looking to find the best mileage tracker app available today.

October 24, 2022
The 8 Best Alternatives to 8×8 for Small Businesses in 2022

8×8 has been one of the top VoIP solutions on the market since 2004. It’s well-suited to small businesses of all sizes with unlimited calling and mobile access, as well as 24/7 support and enterprise-level features like voicemail to email and shared lines. While 8×8 continues to be an excellent solution for small businesses looking to save money on their telecom bills, there are several other business VoIP solutions that may be better suited to you in 2022 depending on your specific needs. Here are the best 8×8 alternatives for small businesses in 2022.

The 10-year review

In the past ten years, more and newer options have emerged as a result of companies moving away from their 8 x 8 offices. These new alternatives allow startups to accommodate quickly and at a lower cost than traditional lease-based office spaces.

-Co-working spaces are ideal if you need to furnish your entire office; they provide options like meeting rooms, phone booths, printer access, and high-speed internet.

-Pods offer a flexible option that comes with fewer commitments than co-working spaces or offices so you can exit your lease without penalty after the initial sign-up period expires.

-Outdoor rooms are good for sun lovers who are working remotely because they typically offer plenty of natural light and fresh air.

Switching from hosted PBX

While hosted PBX systems are generally priced competitively, they’re also prone to downtime and outages. The cloud is still a relatively new technology, so it’s not always easy to predict how well the system will work when you need it most. If you have a small business or plan on day starting one, you should consider using voice-over IP (VoIP) instead of hosted PBX. VoIP is cheaper, more reliable, and easier to maintain than a hosted PBX. Plus, with VoIP, you can share your number across multiple devices and locations without having to invest in expensive mobile data plans like some platforms require.

Alternative number 1: Hosted VoIP services like RingCentral

As the world of business changes and shifts, small businesses need to keep up. With the rise of Cloud-based technologies, it is important that your business has access. Hosted VoIP services like RingCentral allow you to have a virtual phone number and access all communications from any device with internet access. This service is perfect for when you are out of the office and need quick accessibility. The best part? You can mix and match what features you want as well as customize voicemail messages, call forwarding rules, call transfer rules, auto attendant routing rules, etc. Plus RingCentral offers free local and long-distance calling within the U.S., Canada, Mexico & Puerto Rico through 2018!

Alternative number 2: Virtual PBX services like Grasshopper

Virtual PBX services such as Grasshopper can provide the tools you need to start a business, or even expand your current one. All that is required is internet access and a phone and you’re set. One of the best features of virtual PBXs like Grasshopper is that they allow you to grow your company without having to pay high monthly costs. Instead, there are no contracts or long-term commitments so it will be easy and affordable for your business to grow at any speed it chooses. There are plenty of phone systems available that meet the needs of today’s small businesses, so whatever industry you are in– take your pick! All offer certain features but with unique pricing packages.

Alternative number 3: Office phone systems with HD Voice support

One of the best alternatives to a traditional phone with a digital adapter is still using your old analog phone. The old analog phone will work just fine with a digital adapter that plugs into your computer’s USB port and has Bluetooth capability. This can be a good option if you only need occasional access to voice calls, and don’t need more than one line. It will save you some money on hardware and long-distance costs by not having to use your smartphone as much, which also saves battery life. A downside is that there won’t be any visual voicemail or text-to-speech capabilities, so you’ll have to pick up the receiver every time you get an incoming call.

Alternative number 4: Traditional analog phones with digital adapters

Keep your business old school with the style of a traditional analog phone. With the digital adapter, you can still do faxing and texting without any trouble at all. Plus, a traditional analog phone will run off of landline or cellular services so you don’t have to worry about it running out of power or breaking on you! To go old school, there is really nothing better than getting a headset! These accessories fit over one ear and allow you to wear them while on the phone with someone else. This can be helpful if you’re trying to hold an important conversation with someone while simultaneously doing something else. Just make sure that both the business and the customer are aware that the conversation might not be entirely private!

Alternative number 5: Hosted IP Phone Systems like Sipgate

Hosted IP Phone Systems like Sipgate is a great alternative to the traditional phone system for small businesses, allowing you to manage your business from anywhere with an internet connection. They provide all the tools you need such as VoIP connections and extensions, voice mail, fax forwarding, and SMS integration, while at the same time they can be managed remotely by IT experts who are always monitoring your account. These systems also let users manage how calls are routed and who has access. Costs depend on the volume of use but packages start as low as $20/month with plenty of options depending on the size and needs of the business.

Alternative numbers 6+7 are both cloud-based unified communications software suites, so we merged them into one.

Two cloud-based unified communications software suites that small businesses might want to consider are Ring Central and Cisco Spark. Both are very different products but, it could be beneficial to explore both before making a final decision. Ring Central has the ability to use existing phone lines instead of a cell network which means the cost will only go up if you need more lines or phone numbers. Meanwhile, Cisco Spark can offer all the same features as Ring Central, but also provide conferencing capabilities and professional-grade online meeting tools.

October 24, 2022
The 6 Best Business Plan Software Options to Help You Start Your Business

Starting your own business can be tricky. There are so many things to consider and take care of – from hiring the right people, to getting the money, to managing the company – that you can easily become overwhelmed if you aren’t prepared. The good news is, there are a ton of tools out there that can help you! One important tool to consider using is business plan software. What is business plan software? It’s software designed specifically to help you create an effective business plan, which will allow you to set up your new business with ease and ensure that it takes off successfully right from the beginning!

#1 – Home Base

Home Base gives you a comprehensive business plan with everything from the executive summary to tips on pitching your business idea. Home Base lets you work at your own pace and add supplemental information as it becomes available, like feedback from customers. Plus, when you’re finished, you’ll get a beautifully formatted Word file of your entire business plan that’s ready for printing or distribution via email or any other methods.

If what you need is an easy-to-use but complete project management tool for your new venture, then Startup Planning Tool will be perfect for you.

#2 – DocuSign

DocuSign is an e-signature platform that offers digital signature capabilities, as well as workflow automation. There are two primary components of DocuSign – DocuSign for iPad and DocuSigned agreements. The former allows you to sign and send documents from your tablet or iPhone, so you can get your approvals right on the go. The latter component of DocuSign enables users to automatically record their signatures, which are then time-stamped in an online document. This ensures that if someone is granted the power of attorney and tries to sign without authorization, later on, the signature will not be accepted. Moreover, DocuSign’s Instant Document Review feature means any changes you make to a signed agreement after it has been submitted will also be reviewed by a human before they take effect. That way you can rest assured that the other party received your proposal exactly how it was originally submitted.

#3 – Trumba

Trumba is a cloud-based business management platform that helps entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their companies. Trumba’s product suite includes tools for marketing, sales, operations, finance, and accounting. The software also has integrations with popular applications such as Facebook and QuickBooks Online.

In addition to its online tools, Trumba offers an offline option for businesses that need a permanent solution. The company’s flagship product is the TrumbaBox – a hardware device that can be connected directly to your company’s in-house data center or operated remotely via the internet.

#4 – QuickBase

Quick Base is a business management and planning software that was designed specifically for startups. The interface is user-friendly, easy to learn, and designed so you can get up and running quickly without paying hefty consulting costs. Quick Base handles all your day-to-day operations, including project management, online CRM, analytics, invoicing and accounting, team collaboration, and scheduling. It also includes an option for mobile access from any device via their app. This means you can access your information from anywhere at any time! With the 30-day free trial period and monthly pricing starting at $19 per month, it’s one of the best values out there.

#5 – FastTrak

Zoho is a fast, feature-rich suite of business applications that enables you to manage everything in one place. The best part is that it can integrate with a variety of third party tools so you can use the tools you know and trust, not the ones they force on you. You can also get things done from anywhere using their range of mobile apps. Zoho’s G Suite integration lets customers streamline workflows and get work done more effectively across devices. This business plan software will help you create an optimized workflow for your team and let them focus on the most important tasks without interruption. Another nice thing about this business planning software is that it integrates well with other business apps, making communication seamless between teams.

#6 – Zoho

Zoho is a business suite that includes a variety of applications to suit the needs of any business. Zoho’s best tool for starting your business is its online accounting software, which can be integrated with other Zoho apps like Zoho CRM and Zoho Projects. This lets you organize all your financial information in one place, so you don’t have to do any data entry. It also makes it easier to manage different aspects of your startup from within the same app.

October 24, 2022