Did you know that online accounting software can increase sales by as much as 29%, sales productivity by 34%, and forecast accuracy by 42%!? Basically, online accounting systems can turn a small business into a sales force to be reckoned with.
Of course, finding the right online accounting software for your small business can be a bit tricky. Here’s a quick guide to help you find the right software for your business.
1. Evaluate Your Old System.
Before you rush off to buy new online accounting software, take some time to figure out what exactly prompted your quest. Write a list of all the issues you need resolved with your new online accounting software and evaluate your own IT and accounting staff. Do you need more data accommodation, increased functionality, or perhaps a combination of the two? The reason you need to evaluate your staff is because they’re going to be the ones using this new online accounting software, so you should at least consider their feedback.
2. Figure Out What You Need From the New System.
Ideally, your new online accounting software should take care of all of your needs and wants, but the fact of the matter is that you shouldn’t get expensive features that no one will use just because you wanted them. Figure out what you and your business really needs from the software–the things you can’t compromise on.
3. Start Searching.
Now that you know what was causing problems before and what exactly you need, you can start looking for new online accounting software. Get recommendations from business contacts and associates. Once you get a nice, big list, narrow it down to about three prospective vendors.
4. Begin the Trial Period.
Most companies are willing to offer a free trial period of their new software. This allows you to see just exactly how it works and how well it works. It’s important to test the critical functions, the ones you determined you really needed in step two.
5. Choose the Vendor.
After your long search, you should be ready to choose a new vendor. If you couldn’t find a suitable system, then you may have to go back and find other alternatives, but this method will prove successful eventually. Though it might seem time consuming, choosing the wrong software could wind up having some very expensive costs.
Using this method will yield a new system that turns your small business into a sales force of nature. If you have any questions about finding the right accounting software online, feel free to ask in the comments.