7 Pieces of Software Every Business Needs (Including Health Industries)
If you run a business, you need to make sure you run it as efficiently as possible. As you start your company, you may not have a ton of resources for this. But as you grow your business, you should invest in the right tools and software to help. You should consider software for managing finances, keeping track of projects and more. Consider a few types of software you should have so that you can grow your business.
1. Accounting Software
If you don’t know what your business finances look like, it will be much harder to budget and scale your business. You won’t have a good understanding of your profits, and you won’t be able to get an outside investment. Luckily, there are a ton of accounting programs out there that you can use. Programs like QuickBooks offer different tiers with various features that you may need or want, and you can start with a free trial or a basic account and upgrade later.
2. Project Management Software
Another essential piece of software you need is a project management tool. Whether you have client projects or tasks that you want your team to complete, a project management program can help organize everything. Many of the common options allow you to tag users so that they receive notifications about certain projects. You can then assign due dates and add checklists to help your employees with their work.
3. Time Tracker Software
If you have hourly employees or you want to track your work time, you need time tracking software. You can use a mobile app for your phone or a website. Some accounting and project management tools even have them as an integration. Either way, tracking your time can help you see how much you earn and spend per hour on yourself and your team members. Even if you don’t charge hourly, you can understand if your productivity matches up with your desired earnings.
4. Document Software
Almost every business will need to type or write stuff at some point. Whether you need to write up a client proposal or send a memo to your team, you should use a word document. You don’t have to use Microsoft Word. If your entire team uses Apple products, you could use Apple Pages. Google Docs is another excellent alternative, and it works on any device with an internet connection.
5. Spreadsheet Software
You may also need to create or view a spreadsheet at some point. Spreadsheets are great for creating invoices, tracking business expenses and managing goals. Again, you can use Microsoft for your spreadsheet needs, which includes Excel. However, you could use Google Sheets or Apple Numbers. Make sure that everyone in your company can access the software in case they need to view or edit a spreadsheet.
6. Payment Software
If you run your business online, you need a payment gateway. You can use many services for this, including PayPal, Stripe and Square. A payment gateway is what allows you to accept digital payments from your customers. Payment gateways also usually offer some sort of seller protection so that you can collect your money. Programs like PayPal also let you send invoices, which can be useful for service-based businesses or in-person transactions.
7. Email Software
In business, you need two types of email software. First, you need an email address that you can use to communicate with your staff, and they’ll need individual emails so that they can send and receive mail, too. You’ll also need email marketing software to send mass emails to current and potential sales leads. You can use the marketing software to automate the process. Then, you can target your most loyal fans and turn them into customers automatically.
Running a business involves a lot of moving parts, and the right software can help. No matter what type of business you have, administrative software can take away the stress of the small details in your business.
