Tech Chat: Operations
As a small-business owner, I know that operations can make or break me. That’s why finding the most reliable, cost-effective platform is critical. I’m Andrea, owner of LuminAID. Let me share some of my tactics and tools with you, with help from some small-business peers.
As a small-business owner, I know that operations can make or break me. That’s why finding the most reliable, cost-effective platform is critical. I’m Andrea, owner of LuminAID. Let me share some of my tactics and tools with you, with help from some small-business peers.
Behind the scenes, the right tech equals a well-oiled machine.
You know you need to optimize your operations. But how? Here’s good news. Technology can help.
From accounts payable and receivable to financials and payroll, you can manage all your backend
operations efficiently while keeping your team in the loop. And it won’t break the bank.
You know you need to optimize your operations. But how? Here’s good news. Technology can help. From accounts payable and receivable to financials and payroll, you can manage all your backend operations efficiently while keeping your team in the loop. And it won’t
break the bank.
Accounting
Don’t get bogged down in the amount of time it takes to handle accounting needs. Accounting software and payment tools help you manage your workflows and finances so you can get back to business.
“Choose your accounting platform based on your bookkeeper’s preference. For us, that was QuickBooks. It’s not the most intuitive software, but it provides robust reporting and integrates with many third-party applications. And invoicing is easy, which is great.”
—Kelly, Yellow Scope
Payment
Finding the right payment option for your customers can take the stress out of your process and put money securely in your account. Choose a payment service that gets you paid quickly — and with ease.
“PayPal is great for getting paid instantly. It’s accepted worldwide and transactions are easy. Be careful with return fees, though. If a customer pays but decides they don’t want the product (even before you ship it), you get hit with return fees.”
—Anne, HED Cycling
"I used Square before switching to Shopify. The rates are a little high, but the chip readers are free at the start. It’s great for expos and getting paid quickly. Just be sure to get a signature so you don’t run into any problems with customers later.”
—Kat, Locker Lifestyle
"I used Square before switching to Shopify. The rates are a little high, but the chip readers are free at the start. It’s great for expos and
getting paid quickly. Just be sure to get a signature so you don’t run into any problems with customers later.”
—Kat, Locker Lifestyle
“Braintree is expensive, but you can negotiate your price. Especially as your business grows. The technology is good and the payment interface is easy to use. Their platform also makes tasks like refunds and credit card disputes less tedious.”
—Karen, Fundraising for a Cause
“Braintree is expensive, but you can negotiate your price. Especially as your business grows. The technology is good and the payment interface is easy to use. Their platform also makes tasks like refunds and credit card disputes less tedious.”
—Karen, Fundraising for a Cause
“Lightspeed’s interface features product images alongside product information. Traditional POS systems feature product codes and/or text only. This dramatically reduces SKU errors and inconsistencies. It also makes product searches more user-friendly.”
—Greg, Pampered Tot
Collaboration
The right work management and collaboration platform provides a single hub for messaging, tools, and files. You can organize and prioritize tasks and projects for your team. And automation tools simplify workflows and reduce errors.
The right work management and collaboration platform provides a single hub for messaging, tools, and files. You can organize and prioritize tasks and projects for your team. And automation tools simplify workflows and
reduce errors.
“You can use Zoom to schedule phone or video meetings with your team or B2B customers. The app syncs to your online calendar and provides a link to all invited members. This makes it easy for anyone to join via desktop or mobile.”
—Kat, Locker Lifestyle
“You can use Zoom to schedule phone or video meetings with your team or B2B customers. The app syncs to your online calendar and provides a link to all invited members. This makes it easy for anyone to join via desktop or mobile.”
—Kat, Locker Lifestyle
“You’ll become obsessed with Asana’s CRM and project management app. It only takes a minute to learn how to set it up. Even the free version is a super powerful tool that helps you simplify and keep track of recurring tasks. You stay up-to-date and moving forward on projects.”
—Lea, Pig of the Month BBQ
Payroll and HR
Get an all-in-one platform that lets you centralize your human resources needs and automate recurring tasks. Manage invoices, expenses, and taxes. It will save you time and headaches. And most important — it will allow you to take care of your team.
“Upwork is a freelancer website. You can find remote talent for everything from web, email, and design work to bookkeeping, SEO, and IT support. Freelancers show their rates and previous work. And you can see their past clients’ reviews. You can work with individuals on an hourly or project basis.”
—Kat, Locker Lifestyle
“Upwork is a freelancer website. You can find remote talent for everything from web, email, and design work to bookkeeping, SEO, and IT support. Freelancers show their rates and previous work. And you can see their past clients’ reviews. You can work with individuals on an hourly or project basis.”
—Kat, Locker Lifestyle
“Gusto is an awesome automated payroll and HR service. It’s intuitive and affordable. You can integrate with your accounting platform, so your bookkeeper will love it. It’s great for start-ups and scaling businesses. You can start small and increase HR offerings as you scale.”
—Kelly, Yellow Scope
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