Choosing the right small business software for your home-based
internet business can be a confusing undertaking to say the
least. It’s a good thing most women love to shop because
otherwise it could be really frustrating. The challenge in
choosing small business software is striking a balance between
what you have to have and what you can afford. There are many
small business software packages that have a number of features
included, even though you may not use all of them. Then, there
are some that are sold in individual modules where you buy only
what you need.The first step in shopping for small business software is to
distinguish between what you need now, what you want, and what
you might need in the future. The second step is to define your
budget. Never start buying small business software until these
two steps are done. Otherwise, you are likely to buy some of
those things you want, rather than the things you definitely
need, and then you’ll end up with a busted budget and you won’t
have the small business software that is crucial to running your
business.At a minimum, most businesses need a recordkeeping system, a word
processor and an email program. Other small business software
packages you may or may not need include spreadsheet programs,
database programs, web design and graphic design programs, time
management programs, and desktop publishing programs.Some small business software packages, like Microsoft® Office
products for instance, have several basic programs that are most
commonly used by small businesses packaged in one small business
software package. Some of the basic recordkeeping or bookkeeping
packages also have several commonly used components included in a
low-priced package. If these small business software suites have
what you need, in addition to things you will need in the future,
sometimes it is most practical to purchase them rather than
buying individual small business software products that may be
more expensive.Before you spend a dime on small business software, familiarize
yourself with the types of software that are available and their
features as well as their benefits. You may find that there are
software packages that can save you loads of time in operating
your home-based business even if you didn’t previously know what
they were or what they were capable of doing. Research is vital
when choosing small business software for your company.Here is a quick overview of the very basic, commonly used small
business software:Word ProcessorsWord processing capabilities are something that just about every
business needs from its small business software. Word processors
are primarily used for preparing written communication such as
letters and reports. Word processing software can also be used to
prepare information products and web copy for your internet based
business.Most word processing programs have spelling and grammar checkers
which are important to ensuring that your communications are
grammatically correct. Some word processing programs don’t have
these features, so that is something to watch for when reviewing
small business software that will be used for preparing business
communications.Email ProgramsMany of the small business software packages that include email
programs. A basic email program is usually included with computer
operating systems. Some of the more advanced email packages
include time-saving organizational features that are great for
small businesses. For instance, some have contact organizers with
the capability of grouping your contacts so you can send email
messages to a particular group.Some have built in SPAM filters that will send junk mail directly
to a junk mail folder, and some have features that automatically
organize your messages into folders for you. While a basic email
program may be sufficient, some of the more advanced email
programs can sure save a lot of time and aggravation.Recordkeeping ProgramsFor most businesses, recordkeeping is accomplished through the
use of small business software programs designed for accounting
or bookkeeping, although recordkeeping can be accomplished using
database or spreadsheet programs. A comprehensive recordkeeping
package will have modules for tracking sales and expenses as well
as paying bills and managing accounts receivable.If you have employees, you need payroll processing capabilities
and if you carry inventory, you need inventory control features.
Some bookkeeping programs integrate with reports from online
sources like eBay® or Elance®, so if you are working with such
marketplaces it may be wise to see what types of recordkeeping
programs are capable of uploading their reports. This capability
will save you lots of data input time.There are many other types of small business software that you
may find useful. For instance, if you are going to be designing
your own websites, you will need an HTML editor and website
design software. The trick to getting the small business software
that you need is to determine exactly what you are going to do,
then evaluate small business software packages and explore the
numerous capabilities of each. Compare the features, benefits and
prices, and select the small business software that best meets
your needs within your budget.
Small Business Software Shopping Tips
Real Estate Auctions – The New Land Rush
On a sunny afternoon in Florida, an energetic crowd gathers on the lawn of a high end luxury estate. A loud and eager banter between an auctioneer, a group of bidders and bidder assistants fills the air. For several minutes the auctioneer asks for the next highest bid and the bidders respond. Suddenly the bidders grow silent. The high bidder holds his breath in anticipation of winning the auction. The auctioneer calls for one more bid. In a loud clear voice which rolls over the audience he says, “Fair warning, last chance” the auctioneer pauses, “SOLD!” And in less than 10 minutes another multimillion dollar estate has changed owners.
Successful real estate auctions like the one above are happening all over North America and the Caribbean. Recently real estate auctions have been on the rise, the increase in popularity is partly driven by growing inventories and fading buyer confidence. Properties that were selling in weeks using traditional methods are now languishing on the market unable to attract buyers even as seller’s lower prices. Many say the real estate boom is over but savvy buyers and sellers are profiting from real estate auctions.
Real Estate Auctions Work in Up or Down Markets.
Regardless of trends or market cycles, real estate auctions provide an open and transparent process for buyers and sellers. Properly conducted real estate auctions attract ready and willing buyers and motivate them to act now.
The auction method removes the “wait and see” attitude which serves to further depress real estate values. Buyers are always concerned about overpaying. Buyers gain confidence with their purchases at real estate auctions because they can see what others are willing to pay.
When market demand is high and inventories low, real estate auctions can deliver selling prices well above what a willing seller would have accepted in a negotiated private treaty sale. In good selling climates many property owners using traditional real estate methods; negotiating with one buyer at a time, leave thousands of dollars of equity on the table. During up markets real estate auctions are the best way to establish top market price.
Evaluating Your Real Estate for Auction
Not every property or seller for that matter makes a good candidate for auction. First of all sellers must be ready to sell now and for the current market value. Also a real estate auction will not fix problems caused by a downturn in market value of your property, if you owe more than a willing buyer will pay, be prepared to come to closing with your check book.
Properties that do well in real estate auctions have a high uniqueness factor. Ask your self, “What makes my property different from most others?” Maybe you own a resort property or high end luxury home, commercial properties and land do very well at auction. Real estate auctions thrive on uniqueness. If your property is like everyone else’s, the best thing you can do is offer the most competitive price.
Most importantly sellers must be reasonable about setting a minimum bid. A seller must look at the lowest, most current comps and price below that to generate the interest and urgency necessary for a successful real estate auction. Once the auction begins and qualified bidders start competing against one another you can watch the selling price increase.
Locate a Qualified Real Estate Auctioneer
Start by checking with the National Auctioneers Association, the best real estate auctioneers belong to this organization. These real estate auctioneers are well trained and adhere to a standard of practice and a code of ethics. Many attend the annual International Auctioneers Conference where the latest techniques and innovations in the real estate auction industry are presented.
Find out if the company you are interviewing is a full time real estate auction firm. Many real estate agents are getting auction licenses yet have no experience with the auction method of marketing. Conducting a successful real estate auction is nothing like (private treaty) traditional real estate sales. Go with a real estate auction pro.
You’re probably better of with an auction house that specializes in real estate auctions. There are many qualified auctioneers who have generations of experience selling personal property; furniture, dishes, lawn equipment and the occasional rare painting. Selling real estate at auction is a complex matter that should only be attempted by full time experienced real estate auction professionals.
Commissions and fees may vary, sellers must pay all marketing expenses up front and buyers typically pay 10% of the sales price to the auctioneer of which a share goes to participating real estate agents.
Types of Real Estate Auctions
Auctions are effective because they create a seller’s market. Professionally conducted real estate auctions create urgency, a reason to buy today and competition for the property. Terms and conditions of sale are established ahead of the auction. Real estate auctions will follow one of these three approaches:
Absolute Auction
The property is sold to the highest bidder regardless of price- using this process often returns the highest sale price.
Minimum Bid Auction
Seller agrees to sell at or above a published minimum bid price – this method is useful for internet auctions.
Seller Confirmation or Reserve Auction
With a reserve auction, the seller “reserves” the right to accept or decline any bids usually within 48 hours of the auction. Reserve auctions are used when there is a lien on the property from a lender or a court ordered sale with a minimum selling price.
The Three Best Ways to Find the Online Home Based Business Opportunity That’s Right For You
Tip 1
When looking for an online home business opportunity you should make sure it is legit. There are many online businesses that claim that they are great but some could be scams. So if you come across an online business program you that might be interested in it is best to do some research on that program first for it could just be another website after your money. When doing research on an online business program or online home based business opportunity you need to go to the Federal Trade Commission website and do a search on that site, for this can clear up any suspensions you mat have.Also, when checking if an online opportunity is right for you, you need to check the creditability of the site, you can look up a review on the site or you can just check the Alexa ranking and see if it has a high ranking. If the site has a high ranking in Alexa then most likely that program is highly creditable and it gets many visitors. If you are unsure on how to check Alexa ranking you could go to Alexa.com, type in the site’s URL, and Alexa will tell you the ranking of the site out of all the other websites online, plus the traffic stats. If the site has positive results from Alexa that will let you know that the site is very reputable.Tip 2
Finding an online home based business opportunity is not always the easiest thing to do. Another way to ensure that an online business or affiliate program is right for you is to be sure that the compensation plan is great. Some online business programs/ affiliate programs do not have a reasonable compensation plan for you don’t get paid as much as you would for another home business program.One thing you can check when looking for a program with a good compensation plan is to be sure that you get at least 20% commission for the products you sell or the new people you sponsor. Also a good online home based business opportunity that has multiple levels of residual income you can earn from the people you sponsor.Also, make sure the online home based opportunity you may be interested has resources to multiple streams of income within the program. This basically means you can get paid from external programs within the online home based opportunity program you are already in.Tip 3
Make sure the program or company has great and supportive training, for even a legit online home based business opportunity can be very non-supportive. This is much more important then checking if a certain program is a scam or if it has a great compensation plan because with a program that is very supportive and it grants you access to great training and improves your chances in succeeding. Another thing to know when looking for an online home based business opportunity is to be sure it that has a free or money back guaranteed trial, for this proves that this company or program has confidence in what they do and this allows you to test drive it’s resources. I recommend taking advantage of free or money back guaranteed trails because you are able to see if the online home based business opportunity you potentially see yourself in, is actually worth your time.