Latest Articles
- 10 Tips for Creating a Data Goldmine
I have been working with many clients who have their information in a database but are unable to get the information they want or know where to find it. Usually the culprit is a series of issues that come together to create the perfect storm of inefficiency. The tips below will help you to prevent this storm and maximize the information in your database to increase productivity and profits.
- How to Make More Money in 2012 with Data Driven Decisions
I have mentioned in many of my articles about metrics. Things we use to measure success and how far you are from reaching your goals. Data is much more than that – it is a valuable tool to make solid business decisions. It also helps you to save as well as make money. Below are some of the metrics you can use to help grow your bottom line in 2012.
- Why Effective Reporting Makes You Money
Many organizations today rely heavily on their technology to get things done. This is something that will become increasingly important as we move into the future. Those who have learned to leverage the information they have can effectively market, close sales, produce their products or services quicker and save money on maintaining those customers. One way to achieve this is through effective reporting.
- Top 10 Reasons Why You Need a Bookkeeping System
As technology progresses it is becoming increasingly important for companies and non-profits to track their information. In a previous article I discussed how to maximize your customer relationship management software. This month I am going to talk about your bookkeeping system. These two areas tend to be neglected by a new business or existing businesses using an effective system that is too difficult to maintain. Either scenario will cost you money, time and sales. Below are the top 10 reasons why you should use a bookkeeping system.
- 7 Ways to Keep Your Database from Becoming a Digital Clothes Hanger
As part of the new reality, organizations are doing more with less. This translates into reduced staff, resources and in some cases office space. This has created the necessity to examine how organizations can use technology to be more efficient. One way is to purchase Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software. Doing a thorough research process and testing prior to buying your system. Once purchased, I encourage you to take the necessary steps to avoid it becoming a digital clothes hanger – aka an unused treadmill. Here are some tips on how to avoid this dilemma for yourself.
Back Up Your Computer Files!
How many of you have spent hours and money trying to retrieve lost information on your computer? It is very frustrating and expensive to get that data back - if you can.
I recently retooled how and what I backup. Understanding that I needed the help of an IT professional I hired Edward Shanker of Meeting Tree Computer Corp. Ed was able to restore data files that were deleted by a remote device. Had I not backed up my files I would have lost irreproducible data. How can you make a potential disaster turn into a minor inconvenience?
1. Back up your data such as bookkeeping files, contracts, contact information, appointment notes, etc. It is not necessary to back up the program files. Those should be reinstalled if something happens to your programs or hard drive. If you back up the programs too, any problems you had with those programs would be installed on the fixed or new computer. If you downloaded some of your software keep a list of the program names and serial codes. That way you can reinstall the software if a problem or failure occurs.
2. Create a backup schedule. If you are using your computer daily then do daily back ups. It is a good idea to set up an automated nightly backup rather than trying to remember to do it. Also do multiple back ups. My system is set up to keep several days. That way if something happens I can pick which day I go back to. This was helpful with retrieving my lost data. I did not discover the problem immediately and had the older backup to retrieve the data from.
3. You have a few choices to pick where you want to store the data. When deciding on how to store your data reliability, accessibility and longevity should be considered. I started with CD’s, a flash drive then external hard drive. I ultimately went with the online offsite backup. If you keep the data onsite then you have to put it in a fire and waterproof box. Offsite storage would be in a safety deposit box. I like the online backup because no matter where I am or what happens to my equipment the data is safe. I also do not physically backup my system. The online service does it for me.
4. Talk to an IT professional to determine what system would work best for your business and data usage. Ed was a very valuable resource for determining what I needed to do to help protect my records.
The more digital you go the more vital backing up becomes. No matter what system or method you use make sure you backup your files before it costs you thousands of dollars in time, money, equipment and opportunities.