Please don't think I am calling you a "moron" to hurt your feelings in any way. I was a moron when I first started setting up my files. You have to force yourself to do it NOW -- right at the beginning! Many of a business has collapsed simply because they lacked organization in their basic accounting business practices. Don't be one of them!
As a small business you don't have to really do much in the beginning. Here is how to set up your files from ground zero:
1. Take out a hanging file folder and a label of any kind. (Hanging folders and labels for them can be purchased at K-Mart, Wal-Mart and any office supply store.)
2. Type or hand print "Receipts" on the label and place it on the hanging folder.
3. Now, place 5 MANILA file folders inside the hanging file folder (which you labeled "Receipts") and label each of the manila file folders with the following headings:
a. Advertising
b. Postage
c. Office Supplies
d. Utilities and Rent for the Office
e. Miscellaneous
You now have one large hanging file folder with 5 separate manila file folders inside it. Carefully place your hanging file folder in your metal file cabinet or cardboard banker's box. (A banker's box can be purchased at any office supply store also and normally cost around $4.)
Now, wasn't that easy? Some of you reading this will think that I am attempting to insult your intelligence. This is NOT my intention. This report is broken down in a simple, step-by-step way so everybody can understand it -- regardless of their previous knowledge and experience. Remember, some people have never worked in an office their entire life. What seems simple and accepted to some of us, may be something another person would never have known.
Okay, let's go back to where we were. You now have one master file completed and we're ready to make another just like it. This time we'll name the hanging file folder "Income" and label 3 manila folders inside it with the following headings: a. Completed and Shipped Orders b. Inquiries and Correspondence c. Open Orders Still Pending
See how easy? From now on, you simply make another folder as the need arrives and you're files will always be easy to maintain. (Once you get this concept down pat -- you can easily think about getting a computer. A computer organizes its information in the SAME manner. Believe me -- this same system works! You'll be amazed at how many mistakes it will help you prevent.)
Yes -- bookkeeping is a very simple process. All you have to do is keep the system going. For instance, every order that I process, I completely finish before moving on to the next order. Example:
1. Mail is received and opened. As each piece is opened it is placed into individual piles. Orders with pre-payment are placed in one pile, information and daily correspondence in another, and so forth.
2. Each order that has been pre-paid for is processed first -- with each one being processed individually to completion. (That means it is in an envelope, a label typed out and the completed order is ready to be mailed at the post office.)
3. During the process, the "date," "amount of check or payment" and "product ordered" is recorded on the outside of the envelope -- making sure the customer's full name, address and telephone number (if available) is on the envelope too.
4. Just before closing up the office for the evening, the envelopes are then keyed into the database on our computer (you can substitute a computer for the hanging files in the beginning.) We record all the information that was written on the envelopes during the processing of the order. (Don't think you will remember "what" the order was. That thinking will open you up to make human errors.)
If you operate an Internet business, you are going to use computer and email a lot. You need do following:
1. Create different folder in your computer, name it with different resources: marketing, search engine tools, articles and tips, ebooks, ezine lists, picture files...
2. Create folders in your email account, you can save useful emails for different purpose: training, sales, purchase receipt, new customers, prospects... As your business grows, your understanding and abilities will grow also. At that time you can grow into a more sophisticated means of keeping the books.
In the meantime -- keep good records. They are the lifeblood of any business and can eventually make or break you. You'll thank yourself in the long run.
---------------------------------------------------------
Julia Tang publishes Smart Online Business Tips, a fresh
and informative newsletter dedicated to supporting people
like you! To find out the best online business opportunities,
and to discover hundreds more proven and practical internet
marketing secrets, plus FREE internet marketing products
worth over $200, visit: http://www.best-internet-businesses.com
------------------------
----------------------------------
Seven Reasons Why Training Doesn't Produce the Desired Results and... Read More
Only one of every 5 businesses makes it to its... Read More
10. Procrastination Condemnation - Lose the Labels! All those things... Read More
Part Two of Cash to Cash Cycle SeriesNext: SalesWe've already... Read More
Please don't think I am calling you a "moron" to... Read More
If you've been thinking of starting a business on the... Read More
There are lots of benefits for some businesses to import... Read More
Looking for a manufacturer or supplier of home furnishings in... Read More
Rut -- a routine procedure, situation, or way... Read More
Which one are you? An effective IT project manager, able... Read More
You have a great idea you know is a winner.... Read More
Creating a website is one thing, making it better is... Read More
This is a quick checklist of a few things that... Read More
Who doesn't have issues with organizing their inbox!? I receive... Read More
You have seen their ads and you may have wondered... Read More
Have you ever found yourself having to scramble to organize... Read More
In building and runnng an independent private practice or small... Read More
Are you scratching your head after business events wondering why... Read More
While some new business owners face the issue of not... Read More
1) Prepare a realistic business plan.Think of this as your... Read More
Whether you are self employed or you work for someone... Read More
You need sales and you wanted them yesterday. Here are... Read More
Talking is the least important half of any conversation. Listening... Read More
Leadership, leadership development and leadership training are "Hot" issues in... Read More
Ten Tips for Staying ConnectedMany of my business clients tell... Read More
quick home cleaning Lake Forest ..1.) Brainstorming for an idea - You must select what... Read More
One way to manage your time more effectively is to... Read More
1) Prepare a realistic business plan.Think of this as your... Read More
One way links will help you gain better rankings in... Read More
Email etiquette is the key to help calm down anxious... Read More
Are the endless lists of Top-7's and Top-10's taxing your... Read More
Rut -- a routine procedure, situation, or way... Read More
This is a quick checklist of a few things that... Read More
Does your business have a money tree you can shake... Read More
Skilled workers of every age have prized their tools. I... Read More
Buckling under the weight of chronic corporate restructuring, and frustrated... Read More
It has been said you can lift the Rock... Read More
What is Choice Theory (CT)? CT is a theory of... Read More
Let's put to rest the fallacy that success, in sales... Read More
Either simply a looker-on or a player in the world... Read More
Hey, as hard as this may be for you to... Read More
Are you ready for a BASH? Have you ever been... Read More
10. Procrastination Condemnation - Lose the Labels! All those things... Read More
For most business owners and entrepreneurs, preparing, and communicating the... Read More
A lot of people are insecure about buying something or... Read More
We've heard numerous success stories of Internet entrepreneurs like Jeff... Read More
1. Get to know people. First meet those people in... Read More
"Vision is the spectacular that inspires us to carry out... Read More
Every event you hold can be extremely successful. Apply these... Read More
With today's technology and people's need for more information it... Read More
Top Quick Tips |