Save content
Have you found this content useful? Use the button above to save it to your profile.

What software do I really need?

5th Feb 2010
Save content
Have you found this content useful? Use the button above to save it to your profile.

As a part of my efficiency drive I invested in a new laptop over Christmas.  It's lovely and shiny, and a delight to use.  Once I had prised it away from my 7-year old, I worked out the usual:

  • Excel and Word both work, good
  • Outlook is registered to my e-mail so I can pick up messages, congratulate self
  • BBC iPlayer works, and I can see and hear the programmes no problem, even better
  • many variations of solitaire available including spider solitaire, excellent

A month into the year, and I still haven't actually started using it for work.  I've taken it along to client meetings and it has stayed firmly in my bag.  I've just managed to load my accounting software, following 35 minutes talking to a lovely lady in India.  So why exactly did I feel the need to have a laptop, and what will I need it for?  Answers on a postcard....

I had lunch on Wednesday with 2 fantastic women that I've met locally who have also set up their own practices.  We have loads in common and meet regularly to discuss the trials and tribulations of being in business.  Sarah (they're both called Sarah which helps with remembering names!) mentioned data encryption software, online back-up, and far more that I can't remember.  But what do I actually need?  Is there a checklist out there that I can tick off as I buy all the different products to go with my pride and joy?

In my days of employment a kindly soul would turn up at my desk with a sparkly laptop all ready to go, the only frustration being to ensure I had the correct printer drivers.  If anything went wrong I picked up the phone and they remotely sorted out any issues.  Now I have to sort it all out for myself.  I haven't a clue where to start!!

I've decided that back-up solutions are going to be on the agenda this weekend, and next week I'll move on to the next big thing.  Or perhaps I should just ask my son to sort it all out for me?

Tags:

You might also be interested in

Replies (1)

Please login or register to join the discussion.

avatar
By onesys
15th Feb 2010 17:18

Your Mobile Memory Bank - CRM Software

Hi Liz

If your memory is getting a little rusty like mine, CRM software is a must. If you haven't got it already, ask your accounts software supplier if they have a CRM application suitable for your business.

You may only have a few clients at the moment but remembering all their contact details and how much time you spent on calculations, communications, queries and meetings may be quite useful when it comes to quoting your next client.

Contact management software, or Customer Relationship Management - CRM software is ideal to help your business grow, by running your own 'charm offensive' / sales and marketing campaign. (even on a small scale)

You can use CRM software to store your quotes, contract / fee renewal dates, copies of all your communications and other documents. Once you start, you will wonder how you ever did without it.

Don't forget to store little nuggets like your customers' birthdays, kids' names and anything else that will help you build a better relationship and provide a better service.

Sage supply Act! and various other CRM systems for businesses of all sizes and your accounts software supplier may have their own CRM software solution. Its just like having a personal digital PA.

Regards

Gil van der Sluis

Marketing Manager

www.onesys.co.uk

Thanks (0)