Software needs for Business Startups
Many people have considered opening a business, but many may not know what kinds of software is needed to run even a very small business. This article will discuss the minimum software applications needed for startups. These software applications will ensure a healthy start to your business and get you off to a great start. A disclaimer, there are a few areas that may not be covered by my list, but not all areas need to be covered on day one of a startup.
Payroll & Timekeeping Software – Every business will need a way to keep up with the number of hours either yourself or employee works. A good timekeeping software will be able to be used on mobile devices as well as should be able to accommodate multiple projects and clients. Payroll software will allow you to pay your employees via direct deposit, deduct and pay their taxes to the state and federal governments, keep up with vacation hours and provide employees with pay stubs.
Bookkeeping Software – A business will have ongoing financial transactions. Credits in the form of business income and debits in the form of expenses. These transactions need to be tracked, sorted and accounted for every week, month, quarter and year. They will form the basis of the business financial documents from year to year. A good bookkeeping software will be essential to the business in accounting for these transactions.
Email, File Sharing & Project Management – One of the first things a business needs is to secure a domain name and in doing so that name will also serve as their email domain name. File sharing and storage is another need. It is important that business be able to maintain the documents that are created, control permissions to them and be able to access them when needed. Project management is another need; businesses need to be able to start, track and complete projects necessary to the operation of the business.
Website & Social-Media – A business website is an absolute necessity. Websites allow businesses to tell their story on the web which allows potential customers to learn about the business and become potential clients. Social media platforms allow for businesses to capture and hold the attention of potential clients. It also allows businesses to become authorities on various areas and it allows an ongoing conversation to be had with the public.
Communications Software – Many businesses receive interest and sales calls via telephone. It is therefore critical for businesses to secure a telephone number as well as a phone system of some sort to receive those phone calls. Most phone systems now work via mobile devices via apps. These apps allow calls to be received on cell phones, they include meeting software capabilities as well as fax to email capabilities. A good phone system software can really be great for a business that relies on incoming phone calls to generate business.
