Well
here we are half way through 2005 and with Auckland's Indian summer but
a distant memory!
As I review my first
year in operation I am aware of all the inspirational people I have come
into contact with and how their 'know how' and experience has improved
and enhanced the service I offer to my clients ... so to that end, here
are some tips, tricks and ideas to stimulate your business
Accounts
Hopefully you have managed to satisfy Inland Revenue in respect of those
dreaded and imminent tax returns!! Whether preparing them in full
yourself or collating paperwork and reports for your accountant, it can
often be a time consuming and somewhat mind numbing job. Please don't
hesitate to avail yourself of my services to assist with any accounts or
tax tasks. With QuickBooks 2004 on my office computer I am able to
oversee all your accounts and/or utilise this program to manage your
customer invoices, debtor management and so on.
Database resource
I can recommend the attached booklet which you will find provides
factual, neutral and objective information on New Zealand suppliers of
business databases, directories and lists.
Having created many customised mailing lists for clients that target
both key regions of New Zealand as well as potential customers or
providers for product or service you may well find this the alternative
way to start, add to or maintain your database based on your specific
needs and budget.
Internet nasties
If your computer has been plagued by Internet nasties I can recommend
the following free downloads to prevent attacks on your hard drive:
Remember to always make sure you use the
Windows Automatic Updates feature to keep up-to-date
with security patches, along with running regular back ups (and store
those back up tapes well away from your hard-drive - a fire or a
thief is bound to take both!!).
Data transcription
The days of old style dictaphone tapes are now well and truly gone and
with the internet and email now in common use, digital dicta is the
quickest and most efficient way to go. With a click of an email your
voice files can be sent, received, transcribed and returned ready for
printing or forwarding on. I can recommend Warehouse Stationary and Dick
Smith Electronics for a range of reasonably priced, hand held digital
recorders and I have Olympus and Sony transcription software to manage
and process your digital 'tapes'.
Promotional materials
Producing sales and marketing information along with promotional
material via Powerpoint on to
compact disc's for your customers so that they see, and hear, your
latest product or service range is now a widely utilised marketing tool.
One that is cost effective, high impact and compliments your printed
material. With Publisher software I can create for you a fully
customised promotional package that includes CD covers, product and
service brochures, email stationary, note pads and comp slips along with
creating customised CD labels, complete with graphics and logos,
at a fraction of the cost of a graphic designer.
How well does your
website rate?
Ever wonder exactly who is visiting your
site and what it takes to get them there? Go to
http://www.yahoo.com and type in
linkdomain:followed by your website address
(linkdomain:www.yourcompany). You'll find all the pages linking into
your website. This is of key importance in getting both a top Google
ranking and to see links coming
into your site.
Website development
Why have a website at all? As your online 'brochure' internet access
provides a 24/7 profile view of
your business, products and service. If creating or updating your
website seems a daunting and potentially expensive undertaking I am able
to modify and manage your existing website or assist with creating a new
site utilising Front Page and other graphic manager programs, ensuring
that your products and services are current and professionally displayed
for all to see, access and purchase from. Never doubt the power of your
website and its ability to enhance and increase your business.
My top 5 user-friendly sites:
- Inland Revenue - recently
upgraded with a host of new user friendly calculators, tools and
downloads
http://www.ird.govt.nz/
- The Sales & Marketing Institute
of New Zealand - a non profit professional organisation for
anyone involved or interested in sales and marketing
http://www.salesmarketing.org.nz/about.php
- Homebizbuzz - an excellent
magazine type resource, regardless of the size or type of your
business, featuring regular articles and resources from respected
and renown NZ professionals
http://www.homebizbuzz.co.nz/
- The Auckland Chamber of Commerce
- influencing the environment in which businesses operate and
providing "opportunities, products, and services" that will improve
the success and vitality of business
http://www.chamber.co.nz/contentlink.asp?page=homepage.asp
- Free PDF Converter Download
- why post or fax that document or invoice if you can email it?
Convert any document from any program to a PDF format and send as an
email attachment
http://www.pdf995.com/download.html
Attention parents - a
must have program!
Watch Dog - this download
program (US$35) is what all parents have been waiting for. Allowing you
to monitor and control your children's computer time and internet access
without nightly stand over tactics. With a host of features built in, it
can be installed on up to 3 PC's and is also compatible with PC's that
are networked to each other. Read more at
http://www.watchdogpc.com/
Time is money
One of the biggest challenges facing small to medium business owners
is the need to be working on your business not in your
business. On any given day you will have numerous tasks pending that can
be easily delegated without the need, responsibility or cost of a
permanent employee. Time is money and you will be surprised at how
quickly administrative tasks, in particular the specialised ones, eat
into your week and distract you from your primary focus.
I look forward to
assisting you with the on going profitability and growth of your
business.
SEMINARS
