The hardest part of running a small business is using the right software to help it run. The right software can take care of tedious and monotonous tasks so you can free up your time for what’s important. So, how can you tell which software you should be using aside from Aspira campground management software?
Here are the five software programs that every small business needs to operate.
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office is one of the most essential software programs for small businesses. It’s one of the programs that you’ll find yourself using the most throughout the day. It’s an all-in-one program that includes Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word. Consumers, employees, and vendors also expect you to use Microsoft Office to open and view attachments via e-mail.
Outlook is always looking to improve its e-mail program. Word is ideal for creating contracts, invoices, and more. It also has tools to help you improve your writing. Excel is a spreadsheet program that’s great if you want results. PowerPoint is an important tool for most salespeople to use in their presentations. Don’t make negotiations without Microsoft Office in your arsenal.
Only the Microsoft Office Home and Business version come with Excel, Outlook, and Word. This version of Excel has a “Tell Me What to Do” link that you can use whenever you’re not sure how to approach a certain task. The only disadvantage to this feature is that it won’t tell you which command to use.
QuickBooks
Financial management is important when it comes to running a small business. QuickBooks is an accounting software program that gives you control of your finances. It provides you with accurate tracking of your expenses and earnings, automatic data backup, consolidation of all of your tax information, and extensive financial reports. QuickBooks is run by Intuit, a major company in the personal financial industry.
Don’t let this software program fool you. QuickBooks wants to help small businesses and entrepreneurs with its software programs. Their programs include hundreds of templates for any report you need. It also helps you plan a budget and focus on your payroll – although this feature is an add-on that costs extra.
QuickBooks lets you do anything you need to take control of your finances. The only downside to this program is that is has too many features that it requires a professional to master it. Phone support is available, but for an additional fee. You can buy a one-time download or download the Pro version for more money.
QuickBooks Pro is available for up to three users, but the additional two will cost you more money as well. This software program is only compatible with Windows.
TurboTax Self-Employed
TurboTax is king when it comes to tax software. It has received praise and awards over the years. It even updated its Home & Business version, calling it Self-Employed. It doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles that QuickBooks does, it’ll help you prepare your business tax returns.
The “It’s Deductible” feature help you determine which items you can write off, making tax time less stressful. The “SmartLook” feature connects you to a tax expert you can talk to in real-time whenever you come across an issue. Whenever you grant the tax expert access, they can see what you see on your monitor so they can help you.
You can download TurboTax for a small fee or you can buy the disc at most retail stores. This software is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems.
Adobe Photoshop
Don’t assume that Adobe Photoshop is just for graphic designers. Every small business needs a log for their website, marketing graphics, products, and more. Adobe Photoshop allows you to create the photos you need for this line of work. It also makes it easier for your graphics team to create the visuals you have in mind. Make sure that your team is comfortable with using this tool since it’s complicated for beginners.
Salesforce
Salesforce is a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool that allows you to keep track of your customers and sales leads. It gives you the proper tools to manage your sales and improve your forecasts. This is important if you have a high sales turnover. It’ll show you the complete history of each of your customers, so you can reduce the turnover rate.
Norton Antivirus
You want to ensure the safety of your computers by using antivirus software. Keep your computers and employees safe from bots, malware, spyware, Trojans, viruses, and worms with Norton Antivirus by Symantec. This software program prevents the loss of time and money that a virus can take away from a productive business day.
There are hundreds of software programs to improve your small business These five programs can help you effectively operate, protect, and run your business.
