Business Catalyst CMS Templates

Business Catalyst CMS templates are the perfect way to customise your Adobe Business Catalyst based website. Adobe Business Catalyst is a powerful CMS that offers much more than the typical fare. As well as the ability to add and manage your own online content, it also enables you to view data on your visitors, manage customer relations, and conduct extensive email marketing campaigns all from a single, convenient online login. 

The platform is installed on your web server and this means that you can then login from any computer as long as it has Internet access. You can manage all of your content, read your email, and conduct any other processes that are required for the day from anywhere in the world, or just anywhere in the office. This convenience has helped make Business Catalyst so popular. 

However, if you have only limited experience working with the software or you have little or no website design expertise then it can still prove difficult to create a unique and good looking website design. This is where Business Catalyst CMS templates really show their worth. A professional designer can create a stunning looking design that not only looks good but offers functionality to you, others that manage the website and its contents, and your website visitors. 

Whatever industry you serve and whatever your business does, having an appropriate website design is important. You need your website to stand out from the competition and to provide elements that no other website offers. This will help you to provide a unique and beneficial service to all of your clients and it will offer you a great opportunity to develop relationships with new leads and to generate new customers. 

Business Catalyst CMS templates can be completely customised to meet your requirements, no matter how unique they might be. It�s more than simply picking a colour and running with it, and you can have various elements added to the website including news feeds, blogs, forums, and even membership options and data collection forms. Using all of these elements you can create a hugely profitable online venture to propel your online business to success.


by: Gareth Hoyle----http://www.redesignwebdesign.co.uk

Is it time to step up to a full service VPS hosting option?

For anybody who is fed up with the inadequate overall performance of their shared web server but not yet in a position to step up to a costly dedicated server than the most suitable option available for you would be a Virtual Private Server (VPS). 

The two main forms of VPS solutions are managed and unmanaged VPS services. Managed VPS hosting services are similar in a lot of ways to hosting that is shared. You'll receive skilled pros who will take care of any issues with your hosting server which could develop. 

Managed VPS hosting servers are the most useful way to go if you're not very tech savvy or do not have the employees available to take care of any technical concerns that will arise with the hosting. You may also decide on Managed hosting if you're a business owner who just desires to focus on operating their business rather than concern yourself with if your server is functioning so that your clients can reach and use it. You can sleep well at night knowing your website is in safe hands. 

Most good Managed VPS hosting providers will ensure you get 24/7 support that should quickly try to deal with any complications with your hosting server or if you would like to add new email accounts or domains to the server. It is possible to usually put in a simple request and this will be taken good care of. 

A great company is Tecsys who make available both virtual offices in India among their services. 

Unmanaged VPS hosting services will mean that you happen to be accountable for caring for your Windows or Linux server. Unmanaged servers tend to be made use of by businesses that either have proprietors that are technically very knowledge and can fix any problems that may crop up or they hire staff who are able to handle the problems on behalf of the company. 

Although unmanaged VPS hosting is frequently less than managed hosting simply because you are not paying for the technical support nevertheless, you have to make sure you'll be able to take care of any technical issues that happen or you might find yourself with no functioning internet site for hours on end or even days which ultimately means that you end up paying much more in lost business than it would should you have had used a managed VPS hosting account. 

If you're willing to take your online business to a higher level then you certainly should consider upgrading from a shared server to a VPS hosting account that you either are comfortable taking care of yourself or opt to have a great hosting company manage it for you.


by: MKenneth Feick---->http://www.magicmeshreviewsx.com

Don't Stop! Pass Go! Keep Going!

I cannot count how many times I've met clients who have told me that they have applied for a job at just about everywhere but no one has called them to set up an interview and it is so funny to see that when the final assessment is completed, I find that they have only applied to 3-4 places within that month and are just waiting for those places to call them back. I had one guy that gave me an application at his first consulting appointment that was 3 months old and insisted that I return the application for him because he did not have the time to do it. Needless to say, to encourage him, I agreed to return the application but under one condition, that he went with me to return it. So we changed the date on the application and moved forward.

A successful job search requires consistency so that even after 5 "no's" you finally get the "YES" that you have worked so hard for. We all are at risk to be seduced by procrastination but we can't allow useless excuses like "I'm tired" or "I'll start tomorrow" to become the job search demons that keep us from reaching goals that positively change our lives. We need to consistently remind ourselves to keep at it.

Don't Stop!

Once you have started your job search, you have made a decision to move from point A to point B. Point B can't be reached if you make and effortless decision to move off course. Make the decision today to continue until you reach your goal, which in this case is to get the job. Yes, it requires commitment and sacrifice but once the goal is met, commitment and sacrifice will become the friendly testimonies that you share to motivate others.

Pass Go!

Decide how many applications you want to submit in a week and once you reach that number, go beyond that. Exert extra time if you can spare it. Don't exhaust yourself but give more than enough because you are traveling the road to success.

Keep Going!

I have two questions for you... Where are you going? And... Where do you want to go? You can't allow your lack of motivation to steer you somewhere you do not want to go. You need to have a clear sense of direction to move forward. If you have ever been on an airplane then you probably have experienced some turbulence that could've caused the plane to get off course and this may have caused you some anxiety mainly because you felt like you had no control over the flight but if thought in the perspective of the pilot in the driver's seat, you may seek a higher altitude that can safely reach the destination. This decision is made because the destination is clear. That is what you need to keep in mind during your job search because having a clear goal of what you want to do will help you to be ready for any motivational barriers that may affect your job search and threaten to steer you to the road to nowhere.

By Joyce Sanchez---->Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7971261

5 Reasons Why New Entrepreneurs Should Be Able to Lead

There are always a lot of responsibilities associated with starting and running a small business. Primary among these responsibilities is leadership. No business runs on its own steam. Every business requires someone with a vision and mission to drive it in the required direction. For anyone to play that role successfully, she must have real leadership qualities which she can use to move the business forward. Without real and dedicated leadership, no business stands a very good chance to succeed. Here are some 5 reasons why new entrepreneurs should be able to lead.

01. The entrepreneur owns the business idea. More than anyone else, it is the entrepreneur who knows the source of the business and what she wants to do with the business. It is she who must therefore lead everyone else in the direction she wants her business to go. She practically holds the key to the success or failure of the business. That comes with some responsibility which only a very good leader can offer.

02. The entrepreneur is the business leader. The main function of a business leader is to give leadership to the business. That leadership comes with discipline, responsibility, resourcefulness and a clear sense of direction. If the entrepreneur is unable to give this leadership, the business usually falters. It may even fail because of that.

03. The entrepreneur is the chief negotiator. To run a small business successfully, it is inevitable that the entrepreneur will have to negotiate regularly with workers, suppliers, customers, partners and financiers. You are not a good entrepreneur if you are unable to offer the desired leadership for these negotiations.

04. The entrepreneur is the chief promoter of her products. It is the entrepreneur who is the human face of her business. She personifies the business. It is she who must give the leadership to promote her products in the market. At times, many entrepreneurs are known and even identified with the names of their products. To promote these products, the things such entrepreneurs usually do or fail to do always have a direct bearing on the fortunes of their products in the market place.

05. The entrepreneur is the chief sales person in the business. It is usually not easy for an entrepreneur if she is unable to sell. All sales persons in a business always follow the lead of the entrepreneur to sell the products of the business. If she is unable to sell, it is usually very difficult for others to sell. This is because there is hardly any other person in the business who knows the products and the markets as well as the entrepreneur.

Every entrepreneur always has an onerous responsibility to run her business in whatever direction she wants. That responsibility comes with discipline and real leadership abilities. The difference between success and failure of a business can at times be solely determined by the leadership quality in the business. Every new entrepreneur who wants to succeed in her chosen enterprise must aim to lead the business responsibly. Remaining relevant and being known by the business you do is always an ideal dream for new entrepreneurs. Your ability to lead is one sure step to that ideal.

By Sule Yesufu---->Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7970931

5 Reasons Why New Entrepreneurs Should Be Responsible

To start and run a small business, everyone needs to get involved in very many activities. Without these activities, the business does not stand any chance to succeed. No business runs itself. Every business needs human beings to run it who by nature must do things for a reason. The reason human beings do what they do in their businesses is because they always have a course of action decided upon at the outset. That course of action usually compels responsibility from them if they sincerely wish to meet set targets in their businesses. Here are some 5 reasons why new entrepreneurs should be responsible.

01. The entrepreneur is the leader of the work-force. Everyone in the business usually looks up to the entrepreneur to give leadership. Her primary responsibility is to show the way for all others to follow. If she is not responsible, she quickly loses leadership credibility and the business suffers as a result.

02. The entrepreneur is the chief accounting officer of the business. The live-wire of any business is always in its finances. It takes prudent and responsible management of the finances of any business for the business to thrive. If the entrepreneur is irresponsible in handling the finances of her business, the business very quickly runs into financial problems. That could lead to reduced operations or even outright stoppage. Both of these scenarios are not healthy for any business.

03. The entrepreneur is the human face of her business. Because of this, many things the entrepreneur usually does or fails to do always have consequences. They always have a direct bearing on the fortunes of her business. If the entrepreneur is not responsible in terms of maintaining real integrity and being very forthright in all her business dealings, it quickly tells on her business.

04. The entrepreneur is the leader of the sales-force. Every duty carries with it the weight of some responsibility. For any business to thrive, selling its products is always inevitable. It takes a responsible entrepreneur to know this and to give the required leadership for her work-force to make these sales. If she is not responsible enough to aggressively drive her sales-force to make good sales, very soon, she could find herself out of business.

05. The entrepreneur leads the market development drive for her products. Because of constant competition, a responsible entrepreneur continually works to further develop her products and their markets. If she is unable to do that, before too long, it becomes easier for her rivals to corner the entire markets for themselves.

It is natural for human beings to look up to someone else for guidance and leadership particularly at very critical times. In a business environment, everyone looks up to the entrepreneur for this leadership. It takes some responsibility for any entrepreneur to offer the leadership her business needs to thrive. Her ability to discharge that duty responsibly largely determines how well her business can compete in the market place. Remaining relevant and being known by the business you do is always an ideal dream for new entrepreneurs. How responsible you are, is one sure step to that ideal.

Sule Yesufu, a Certified Speaking Professional, has been a Strategic Partner in S D Y Management Consult, a firm of Investment, Small Business and Entrepreneurial Consultants since 1999. He is a Published Author and a Newspaper Columnist. An expert in Small Business and Personal Development, he focuses on communicating his ideas and thoughts mostly through his Training Seminars and popular free blog. He offers useful tips on Self-Improvement, Personal Finance, Entrepreneurship, Current News, Politics and Business in Nigeria, the most populous and vibrant country in Africa. To learn more about Sule and to contact him for consultations and private inquiries, visit his website at

By Sule Yesufu---->Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7978295

The Only Thing You Need to Know to Make a Professional Website

There is no doubt that you should always go professional with your website building projects, whether you are in the process of erecting a single site for your business or company, or indeed if you are active in the field of providing website building and other services to your clients. Making use of templates or online free website builders is okay but very limited. Professional website builders are readily available as freelance website designers and developers.

A freelance website developer is better than making use of templates and online free website builder applications, simply because there is just no substitute for that human element and on-the-fly creativity to which even your own personal touch can be added. Many people who understand the importance of a website to their operations choose to go the templates or online free site builder route because of the misconception that professional website builders are too expensive. Professional website builders don't have to be expensive at all, completing just as great a job as some of those which might be expensive, but you need to know where to look for them.

Freelance Website Designers

A freelance website developer can double up as a professional as well, with most professional website builders only working as freelancers, because of all the advantages this type of working arrangement offers. Freelance website developers enjoy working online because this type of environment cuts out unnecessary expenses such as traveling costs, while operating from the comfort of their own homes affords them the opportunity to work on contracts for clients from all over the world. They get to deliver their completed work in real time or publish it immediately when done, with payments flowing the other way just as quickly and easily.

This is clearly advantageous for the freelancer but it can be equally as beneficial for clients and this is indeed one of the better options for getting one's website professionally developed at a very competitive price.

Many sites through which all kinds of freelance workers are solicited, have very attractive fee structures that are centered on a commission-only model. Also many are very convenient in that both clients and contractors work under a visible feedback system, so you can screen freelance website developers and even test their skills a bit before going on to hire them to complete your projects.

Some professional website builders work exclusively through the online freelance platform, so you can pick up some top quality freelance developers who will always do their best to deliver a great job, in a bid to maintain their reputation on the site.

There are many platforms through which freelancers can be made use of for projects such as website development, including the likes of Elance, Freelancer, Guru, People Per Hour, Freelancers, Go Freelance, Freelance Job Search and 99 Designs, amongst many others.

The Growth of Outsourcing

With internet connectivity getting more and more accessible worldwide, it was rather inevitable that outsourcing would grow into the fully-fledged industry it is today, bringing with it opportunities such as direct contact with professional website builders from all over the world.

The outsourced categories spread far beyond website development however and you can get way more than just a freelance website developer, including areas such as software development, design and multimedia, writing and translation, networking and information systems, business services, administrative support services as well as sales and marketing. Individual freelancers and full-timers can be hired or you can enjoy the power of an entire team of workers or an agency, adding volumes to the potential of your operation.

Outsourcing also exposes you to an entire pool of talent which would otherwise not have been accessible if you were confined to hunting services such as web development locally, putting your operation in line to further benefit in ways previously not possible.

Clients don't have to be big organizations or registered companies to liaise with contractors on freelance platforms. This is great because you could be in need of some work done as an individual not particularly tied to any large company or organization. Your very own personal, professionally designed and developed website could be only a few clicks away, with access to professionals that offer their services at much more affordable prices, simply because they don't have to factor in overheads such as fuel and travel costs.

By J. Potter----->Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7972755

5 Ways to Grow Your Side Business While Commuting to Work

Before I quit my 9-to-5 job six years ago, I would dread my daily 45-minute commute to and from work. I would get frustrated thinking about all the stuff that I could be doing for my business instead of sitting in stopped dead traffic.

What I didn't realize at the time was that your morning and evening commutes can be an EXTREMELY valuable time to help you grow your own business and escape the job world forever. In fact, that time in the car might be the only time you have by yourself for most of the day when there are very few distractions (emails, Facebook, Twitter, co-workers, family, friends, etc).

As an entrepreneur doing the side hustle with your business, you have to get good at time management really fast. That's why utilizing your daily commute to and from your 9-to-5 job is so important. Instead of using that time to listen to your favorite music or replaying that last disagreement you had with your significant other or boss, you want to use it to learn new things and expand your knowledge.

The truth is that businesses are built on IDEAS, not just hard work. It doesn't always require a computer or a networking event or a sales pitch to grow your business. When you expand your thinking, cultivate new ideas, get fresh perspectives, or learn new skills, you ARE growing your business because you are growing as a person and as a leader. In other words, you are increasing your "human capital" which will serve you for the rest of your life, no matter what business or endeavor your find yourself in.

Here are 5 ways you can expand your thinking and discover new ideas during those precious hours spent in the car (or train or bus) commuting to work...

1st Way to Utilize Your Commute to Work: Listen to a good audio business book

There are hundreds of amazing (and some life-changing) business books on the market. Sometimes I wish that I could just instantly absorb all the knowledge from them through osmosis and use it to take my business to new heights. But actually, listening to the audio book version is fairly close. Check out Audible for the latest and greatest business books that you can listen to instantly on your iPod or other audio device.

2nd Way to Utilize Your Commute to Work: Listen to business podcasts

Another way to utilize your commute is to listen to business podcasts. Podcasts can be a great tool to expand your knowledge and keep you on the cutting edge of business. Because podcasts are created and posted on a regular basis, they can keep you up-to-date with the most relevant ideas, newest applications, marketing methods, social media insights and other business tools (unlike books which might have dated information).

3rd Way to Utilize Your Commute to Work: Find a great audio business training course

Some of your best ideas will come from listening to business training courses. I've listened to courses by Ali Brown, Eden Pagan, David Siteman Garland, Naomi at IttyBiz and many others and always gained some invaluable nugget of info that takes my business to the next level. Some experts offer training courses for free, but many will sell a training course online if they have one. Choose a business expert that you know and love and invest in diving deeper and learning more from them.

4th Way to Utilize Your Commute to Work: Download the TEDtalks app

With the TEDtalks app, you can listen to the "world's most fascinating people: education radicals, tech geniuses, medical mavericks, business gurus and music legends" anywhere and anytime right on your Smartphone. Sounds pretty good, right? This is an incredible way to cultivate new ideas and gain fresh perspectives for your business and for your life.

5th Way to Utilize Your Commute to Work: Sit quietly

Last, but definitely not least, another way to utilize your daily commute to the office is to sit quietly. How will that help you grow your business? Well, it's difficult for new ideas to come to you when your mind is racing at a 1000 miles an hour. (And we already established that good businesses are built on IDEAS, so you need those ideas to be flowing.)

If you are constantly trying to absorb new information, working every minute, and diligently implementing new strategies, you're not giving your brain the time it needs to catch up and you'll end up spinning your wheels and getting burnt out (which will of course negatively affect your business). Take at least one day a week during your commute to sit quietly.

By Laurel Staples----->Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7979552

Here's Why Focus Is the Secret to Business Success

You cannot be all things to all people. You cannot offer all products to all people. You have to focus on your strength and passion and put systems in place to deal with the areas of weakness in your business.

No matter how hard you try to pay attention to every single detail, things will, and do go wrong from time to time.

Don't try to be a perfectionist, but a focusionist - I know there is no such word, but what else do you call a person who has discovered the secret of focus.

Focus allows you to develop a reputation in the marketplace for your area of speciality. Once you are finally recognised as an expert in your chosen niche, you will experience financial rewards. But this comes with a warning: do not tamper with your recipe for success by diversifying in new business areas of which you have no experience simply because you now have money and you have been "advised" that it is a lucrative industry.

Although you might disagree and can quote examples of successful business owners that have diversified, I can give you even more countless examples of business owners that have "burned their fingers" by going into different industries which they thought they understood.

Gentle reader, focus on the one thing only you will ever be good at and nobody else.
Example:

Best musician

Best gardener

Best teacher

... and then see if you can monetize it (ie. earn a living from it).
Work on finding the business recipe that works for you and stay focused on it.

Example: I have dedicated 90% of my time on one-to-one computer graphics training which is my own business focus. Web design and digital marketing for clients is a much smaller part and I do not allow it to become bigger, simply because I know where my passion lies and the money follows. Why should a rich person not phone me up one day and say... hey, Calvin teach me and I'll fly and pay you R20 000 for personal classes? If you are the best in your niche and you stay focused, success will happen sooner than you can imagine.

You have to stay true to your core business offer and allow the marketplace confirm that you are the best in your niche. Once you lose focus, you will start to disappoint your clients and yourself.

Instead, believe that you can make the same amount of money as a heart surgeon or a rock star from the product or service you offer, no matter how mundane it is perceived. I have heard of millionaires that have focused on mundane products like chocolate chip cookies and car washes.

Gentle reader, once you have discovered your business passion and become determined to become the very best at it and nothing less, and even believe that you can earn millions from it by staying focused... then you will surely win!

Calvin Dorman is a Computer Graphics Lecturer and Online Business Consultant.

He is a Corel & Adobe suite design expert from Cape Town, South Africa.

He offers companies and business owners digital marketing, one-to-one computer training and graphic design solutions.

By Calvin Dorman----->Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7984587

Taking Advantage of PMP Study Groups

Now that you have made the decision to take the PMP certification exam, the next step is to prepare. Some people really enjoy additional companionship, support, and competitiveness that PMP study groups can provide. Others though, prefer the solitude and individual focus that an independent study provides. If you are one of those who enjoy groups and are looking to find help in your PMP Exam studies, keep reading to learn how beneficial PMP Study Groups can be.

1. Giving Broader Perspective

Like they say "two heads are better than one". This can definitely be the case many times over with PMP study groups. Since you are interacting with a group, there are always going to be a few different views and ideas presented on every topic you cover. Not everyone is going to look at the material in the same way you do. This will help you understand the material better and further develop your critical skills in explaining your point of view and debating with each other over the various concepts and best solutions.

2. Limiting Procrastination

It is hard to procrastinate when you have others depending on you. With set meeting times and material to cover, PMP study groups help to keep you motivated and focused on the end goal of passing the PMP Exam. If you are studying on your own, it is easy to skip a night or close the books early. With a study group, it is a little harder to cancel, as you will get questioned and you will have to explain yourself!

3. Covering PMBOK Material Faster

As stated earlier, "two heads are better than one". Having multiple individuals working with you that all have differing expertise, it is easy to find someone who can help you out in any problem areas that you encounter. For instance, if one of your group members has experience with a specific topic in their organization (such as Earned Value Analysis) the rest of the group can take advantage. If you have any questions or are confused about any part of the PMBOK Guide, it is easy to ask your study partners for assistance. This saves you a lot of extra time and aggravation trying to figure it out on your own.

4. Reducing Boredom

Having others around you with the same interests and desires in regards to their PMP Exam studies helps keep you focused and reduces the chance of you getting bored and unmotivated. Studying on your own requires self-regulation and determination. Having a few others to bounce ideas off to or to talk about the PMP Exam experience can really keep the juices flowing.

5. Give Positive Influence

If you have a good group of individuals in your group, they can provide you with many benefits in addition to assisting you with the knowledge and content retention that you gain while studying. They can be a positive influence in further developing your study habits, organizational and time management skills. You can observe how they do things and then incorporate their successful techniques with yours.

6. Get Group Discounts

Another additional benefit of forming a study group is that you can save money. Many online training providers offer Group Discounts on their packages and programs.

Study groups can be a valuable asset in your PMP Exam preparation. They offer many benefits, but the key though is to find the right mix of individuals to form your study group. Choose wisely. The last thing you need when studying is to have negative influences hindering your efforts.

PM Champion offers high quality training in Project Management, especially for the PMP Certification Exam. Our PMP Training Courses will help you become a better Project Manager in your career and for your organization.

By Mike Mirshams----->Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7985601

Getting the Best Bookkeeping Rates - Essential Tips

Bookkeeping rates are based on a variety of factors, and can sometimes vary to extremes. When it comes to a small business getting the most for its money, it is important to understand what bookkeeping rates are based upon, and how to find the lowest rates for the best work.

What Are Bookkeeping Rates Based Upon?

Whether your bookkeeper charges a flat monthly fee or an hourly rate, the bookkeeping costs for your small business will depend on a number of issues. The first of these things is the nature of transactions completed by the business; this includes the amount of bills received and paid monthly and the number of invoices submitted to customers each month. Bookkeepers tend to charge higher rates if a business needs its bank account reconciled, although this usually only takes about an hour for a small business. If a bookkeeper is expected to compose a Profit and Loss Statement, Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash flow, which one usually is, that can raise bookkeeping expenses for your business, but not usually by much.

The rate that a bookkeeper will command also has to do with experience, and location. A bookkeeper will usually try not to charge more than the competition in the area does; however, bookkeepers with years of expertise tend to use that to their advantage and charge a larger rate than a novice would. However, you get what you pay for, and sometimes it is worth paying higher bookkeeping costs to make sure that the work being done is accurate, and that the service is of high quality.

Bookkeeping Rates Also Depend Upon the Type of Bookkeeper Employed

An in-house bookkeeper for a small business can often cost more money, because a salary is not the only thing that must be paid to this employee. A small business owner must also consider the costs of insurance, paid vacation and sick days, and a retirement fund that would go along with hiring an in-house bookkeeper. A freelance bookkeeper's bookkeeping rates can range from as low as $15 an hour to as high as $100, depending on the factors previously listed in this article. Meanwhile, if a business owner decides to hire an outsourcing bookkeeper, costs may be reduced, but rates will still strongly be determined by the size of the business and workload being assigned to the outsourcing bookkeeper.

Different pros and cons go along with each type of bookkeeper. An in-house bookkeeper may cost more, and take up space within the business, but be more skilled than a freelance bookkeeper may be. Meanwhile, the freelance bookkeeper may cost the least, but use an outdated bookkeeping system, or be non-confidential. An outsourcing bookkeeper may end up costing a little more than the freelance bookkeeper would, but offer unparalleled benefits such as 24/7 online instant access to records.

The Bottom Line

Getting the best Bookkeeping Rate is not always a quick task. It takes in depth consideration of the size of your business, amount of bookkeeping work that needs to be completed each month, and the quality of bookkeeping work necessary to run the business effectively. Different types of bookkeepers will offer different bookkeeping rates, and the only way to decide which type of bookkeeper will be most cost effective for your business is to do some thorough research and consideration. It is important for a small business owner to take his/her time with this, because it can mean the difference between spending more than necessary, and enjoying quality work with huge savings.

By Amitaabh Saboo----->Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7914011

Can a Business Get Going Without an Accountant Service?

Businesses can rarely make it without using an accountant service. Most of the time, entrepreneurs centre their efforts on running the many activities that give life to the companies they own. This is the logic behind why there is a need for someone who has the capability to analyse the flow of financial transactions.

The platform for marketing products and services can be full of uncertainties. There is no one formula that businesspeople can apply to assure them that what they are selling will get a warm welcome both from local and international customers.

Having an efficient accountant service through the experience and skills of an established professional should be one of the factors that entrepreneurs should put on their list of priorities. While mistakes sometimes happen, it is only wise to make some critical preparations to avert the possibility of a financial disaster from happening.

A competent professional or company that provides an accountant service takes the needs of the business seriously by keeping track of the whole scheme of things. There is only one reason why the finances of a business has to be taken care of, and that is for owners to know if it is still feasible to continue operations, integrate changes to enhance profitability, or time to close shop.

The most prudent move that owners should do before hiring a company or a professional expert is to ask for a rundown of the services they offer. Knowing the responsibilities of an accountant ensures that it is going to be a partnership of professionalism and trust.

Accountant service and coverage include:

• Bookkeeping, report preparation and analysis, regular communication with owners regarding the status of the business and related matters

• Establishing and managing the credit standing of the company

• Preparation of tax reports monthly or annually, payment of tax dues and address discrepancies when they occur

• Maintaining books of accounts, updating financial information regularly through special programs installed in the company's system

The entry of the worldwide web in the big picture has literally changed the business scenario into a fast-moving play of skill and acumen. Therefore there is no way that company owners should leave everything to chance. They should always use an accountant service that provides full support in all aspects to ensure that success can be achieved.

Outsourcing the need for an accountant service to independent companies or professional freelancers who have proven their worth in the field is a cost-effective approach that owners should and must consider. A business can be assured of making its mark in the community of entrepreneurs through the cooperative efforts of the owner, the accountant and the whole workforce.

When a competent professional freelancer provides an accountant service specifically designed for a particular company, losses can be minimized for as long as the owner has the commitment to see through the ups and downs. Suffice to say; even the rules of business engagement can be changed to conform to an environment that encounters the greatest of challenges when they come along.

By Amitaabh Saboo----->Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7914020

Accounting Financial Statements - The Statement of Cash Flows

A statement of cash flows, or cash flow statement in financial accounting is a financial statement that illustrates how variations in income and balance sheet accounts affect cash equivalents and cash. The analysis is broken down to investing, operating, and financing activities. In essence, the cash flow statement is primarily concerned with the flow of money both in and out of the business. The statement portrays the accompanying changes in the balance sheet as well as the current operating results. As a tool for analysis, the cash flow statement has been proven useful in its ability to determine the short-term viability of a particular company, especially its capability to pay bills.

International Accounting Standard 7 is the international accounting standard that deals specifically with cash flow statements. The list of groups and people who take interest in cash flow statements consists of accounting staff, whose job it is to be aware of whether the business will be able to cover its expenses, both potential lenders and creditors, who want solid evidence of a business's capability to repay loans, potential investors, who need evidence of a company's financial stability, potential employees, who need verification that their salaries will be paid, finally, shareholders of the business.

The cash flow statement was initially referred to as the flow of cash statement. The statement is a depiction of a business's liquidity. The balance sheet is a small illustration of a business's financial stability and liabilities at any given point in time, and the income statement provides a summary of a business's monetary transactions over a duration of time. The two financial statements just mentioned are a reflection of the accrual basis of accounting used by businesses to coordinate revenues with their associated expenses. The cash flow statement provides only inflows and outflows of cash equivalents and cash. This means that transactions that have no direct effect on payments and cash receipts are excluded. Among the excluded transactions are depreciation or write-offs on crippling debts or credit loss.

This statement is a cash basis report on three distinct kinds of financial activities, which are investing activities, operating activities, and financing activities. Activities that do not require cash are generally shown in footnotes, and this occurs both under IAS 7 and US General Accepted Accounting Principles. However, GAAP gives the option of including the non-cash activity within the actual cash flow statement, whereas IAS 7 does not. Included under non-cash financing activities are changing debt to equity, leasing in order to buy an asset, making an exchange of non-cash assets/liabilities for other liabilities or non-cash assets, and bestowing shares as a trade for assets. This statement has four main purposes: to provide insight on a business's solvency and liquidity and its capability to alter cash flows in the future, aid in the evaluation of changes in liabilities, equity, and assets, eliminate effects of differing accounting methods by standardizing, and provide insight into future cash flows regarding their timing, probability, and amount. The cash flow statement does away with allocations, which could be byproducts of differing accounting methods, and therefore has been adopted as a standard financial statement.

Now, the two methods (direct and indirect) of creating these statements will be addressed.

The direct method of readying a this statement depicts a report which is more clearly understood than the indirect method, which is pretty much universally utilized, due to the fact that FAS 95 states that companies must provide an additional report similar to the indirect method should they choose to utilize the direct method.

The direct method reports major classes of payments and gross cash receipts. Under the rules set forth by IAS 7, received dividends can be shown under either investing or operating activities. If paid taxes are directly connected to operating activities, then that is where they are reported. If paid taxes are directly connected to financial or investing activities, then that is where they are reported. GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) are different from IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) because under GAAP rules, dividends received through a business's investing activities is actually reported under the operations activities instead of investing activities.

The indirect method makes its starting point net income, adjusts for all non-cash item transactions, then adjusts from every cash based transaction. Away from net income is taken an increase in an asset account, and given to it is an increase in a liability account. This method turns accrual-basis net income/loss into cash flow by utilizing a system of deductions and additions.

The direct method calculates cash flow from operations from scratch, while the indirect method takes net income and makes adjustments in order to calculate cash flow from operations.

By Jake Barclay----->Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7896302

How Bookkeeping Helps You and Your Business

All the transactions that are affecting how your business operates get recorded in account books and the process of doing so is known as bookkeeping and it is the very first function with regards to the process of accounting, wherein every financial activity get recorded in order for dependable financial statements to be gleaned. Through it, any matters concerning accounting where item exchanges, with their corresponding monetary values, get recorded as business transactions. Additionally, the one who leads this activity is somebody you know by the term "bookkeeper."

The tasks involving bookkeeping include recording transactions like collections, purchases and sales, among others, and they're all arranged in a chronological manner. The sources for such transactions include official receipts, purchase invoices and sales receipts. Your bookkeeper records each detail of such documents, especially the amount, as part of their job. It requires that they are diligent and patient in order to properly account all the transactions that your business has done.

All the figures that are going to be reflected in these financial statements will be based on your bookkeeping records. In case these amounts don't get properly recorded, you can expect your financial statements to not be properly presented and thus be quite unreliable.

Your accountant is going to maintain the checking and balancing of all the transactions that were posted by your bookkeeper, using them to analyze each result of your business transactions. Apart from these two, there's the internal auditor who will examine if your account books are properly presented. Your internal auditor is going to verify the compliance with the company's procedures as well as internal control policies regarding accounting matters as well as business operations in general.

It's an absolute must to make sure that your bookkeeper does their bookkeeping work properly when it comes to recording all business transactions. In doing so, a counter-checking system gets applied in order for every financial statement to be free from all material misstatements. Therefore, the results of your business could be properly analyzed as well as interpreted by everyone concerned, including you and certain government regulatory offices, just to name a few.

Through effective bookkeeping work, your financial statements are going to turn into effective tools in deciding on whether or not you should invest more or less money in your business operations. In a similar fashion, government regulatory offices are going to properly verify if the correct fees as well as taxes have been paid.

By David Yaffee----->Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7917790

What Accounting Outsourcing Companies Can Do for Your Small Business

In every industry, an important key factor in running a successful small business is making sure that financial matters are handled professionally and efficiently. Performing accounting and bookkeeping in house can tie up important resources, and take up a large amount of time. Accounting Outsourcing Companies can save a small business time and money, as well as offer business owners reassurance that the books are being kept properly.

One unexpected benefit of taking advantage of Accounting Outsourcing Companies can be cost savings. If a small business has accounting and bookkeeping tasks performed in house, a full-time accountant or bookkeeper must be paid a salary. In addition to the savings on salary, outsourcing the job can save money on the benefits, such as health insurance, sick leave, and retirement accounts that would also need to be provided to a full-time accountant. When it comes to a small business, office space can sometimes be scarce; outsourcing accounting to an outside company can save on the room, office equipment, and other supplies that would ordinarily have to be dedicated to a full-time accountant. Another way that allowing Accounting Outsourcing Companies to handle a small business's accounting needs can be helpful is by saving time. Simply put, time is money. A small business can turn a profit much more easily, and much less stress fully, if the owners do not have to work on time consuming bookkeeping and accounting. With the help of Accounting Outsourcing Companies, personnel that would ordinarily have to spend time focusing on accounting work could, instead, spend that precious time on other, more urgent, tasks.

The realm of accounting is not a simple one. One very common reason for using Accounting Outsourcing Companies is that some small business owners just do not have the knowledge and experience necessary to perform accounting tasks both correctly, and in a timely fashion. Using an outsourcing company that specializes in accounting can provide a small business with access to experts who are familiar with the ins and outs of professional accounting. Not only do the professionals that Accounting Outsourcing Companies use know the latest rules and regulations of the business, but they also are certified accountants, with the experience necessary to make sure that all accounting tasks are executed flawlessly. Along with this great benefit, Accounting Outsourcing Companies also often offer twenty-four hour support to their clients. Not only do these companies offer real representatives who can answer important questions over the phone, but online help is also usually available. This kind of access to accounting and bookkeeping information can keep a small business running efficiently by offering relevant and accurate information instantly.

Accounting Outsourcing Companies are becoming quite common, but not all are created equally. It is best to choose a company that offers all of the following services -source to pay, industry-specific accounting, order to cash, risk and compliance, record to report, and corporate functions services. Companies that offer the aforementioned round the clock access to financial records and helpful customer service are ideal for small business owners who lack accounting expertise. However, Accounting outsourcing companies can help any business run more efficiently, and productively.

Business Accounting Services helps many companies cut costs. Amitaabh heads a leading Accounting Outsourcing Service that caters to small and medium businesses worldwide with a structured process to ensure client success.

By Amitaabh Saboo----->Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7916036

Online Bookkeeping Services - How to Make the Choice

Businesses that use online bookkeeping services have made a rational decision in choosing an approach that is practical and favorable. With so many concerns that owners deal with in running uninterrupted operations, relying on the capabilities of someone who has the knowledge and competence to do it better is certainly commendable.

The scope of online bookkeeping services provided to businesses covers a diverse range of needs. This may include keeping a record of daily transactions, assisting owners in decision making relative to expenditures, and even overseeing its overall financial dealings.

Choosing what is best for a particular business involves knowing what services are offered and how much of the total company budget is allotted for these. The most common option is to make arrangements with an accountant who is based nearby and can easily be reached for financial discussions, if the need arises.

The proliferation of companies that have put up their own websites to gain more leverage in marketing what they have to offer, has given rise to issues related to organizing and keeping up-to-date financial information. Running a business, whether it is big or small, is no easy feat. Owners need to constantly monitor how transactions are being dealt with daily to make sure that when the going gets rough, the company will stay afloat and can survive major setbacks when they come.

Maintaining records, handling invoices, and reconciling bank transactions should be done by a professional accountant who is adept at online bookkeeping services. Someone who is good with numerical applications runs a better chance of making accurate reports which will show whether the company is making money or not.

There are professional individuals or companies offering online bookkeeping services to take care of financial outlay, invoice preparation, monitoring bank transactions, managing inventories and more. Owners should review their monthly budget and assess how much they can afford in order to outsource the financial monitoring aspect of their business.

The rates offered for online bookkeeping services are quite competitive. If your business is relatively small and the day to day running is not too challenging, then you will probably need just the basic services. When you get down to discussing matters with an accountant, you can try to negotiate for a fixed rate that is affordable.

Online bookkeeping services are considered inexpensive compared to hiring someone who is based locally. When an accountant comes to your office and does hands-on work on normal daily transactions, you will be charged more because of travel and other incidental expenses.

As your company grows, online bookkeeping services that you have conveniently used to manage daily financial activities will truly be relevant, as the direction of your business is monitored closely. When transactions become more complex, an accountant can expertly guide you to avoid any risky decision that you might make.

When you have made up your mind to take advantage of online bookkeeping services provided by a company or a freelance accountant, you need to do careful research. And when it is time for you to pick out one that you want to work with, ask for references and credentials before you make your final choice.

By Amitaabh Saboo----->Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7916053

Outsourcing Accounting Services Work Best for the Busy Entrepreneurs

While some entrepreneurs think that they can take charge of financial records related to how their businesses are doing, it is only practical to consider outsourcing accounting services. When this is relegated to someone else, the burden becomes less and they have more time to run the affairs of their businesses.

Maintaining financial records is time-consuming and can sometimes distract entrepreneurs if they do the work themselves. No company can be truly successful without a professional expert assuming control of this aspect of the business.

Outsourcing accounting services is more cost-effective, especially for small businesses, than hiring someone to keep track of daily transactions. Owners can focus more on the actual operations, which is crucial in delivering significant results whether they are marketing a product or a service.

Business affairs stand a better chance of being run smoothly if owners turn to outsourcing accounting services and let this be handled by a seasoned professional. By doing so, a complete overview of how the businesses have fared can be reached and owners will be guided objectively in finding ways to improve overall operations.

There are four areas to be considered when outsourcing accounting services. The first is bookkeeping. This involves tracking and recording day to day transactions, executing reports, financial analysis, projecting how much taxes should be paid, and other activities. The availability of software programs allows owners to see up-to-date reports which are actually the basis for making decisions.

The second element to be taken into consideration when outsourcing accounting services is the maintenance of business-related credit. This has to be treated independently and separate from that of the owner's personal credit. Most often than not, businesses need to do transactions or maybe secure assets through the use of credit. By monitoring this aspect professionally, the company can establish good credit.

Outsourcing accounting services also involves doing tax reports. Businesses need to accomplish tax returns for submission to the government agency in charge of this. Taxation is a critical matter, because the total amount due for payment will be based on the actual results of operations. Owners need to know if a prospective accountant has the expertise to handle this facet of business well before hiring him or her. This has to be done to avoid making errors when it is time to pay what is due.

The last crucial element that business owners should consider when outsourcing their accounting is the accounts and their updating. Well, with the advent of technology, preparation of reports is no longer as tedious. What is critical though is that the figures presented have to be carefully analyzed before producing the final data. There is no room for mistakes in this area because this can make or break a company.

Outsourcing accounting services offers business owners the opportunity to decide on which direction their companies have to go; whether they need to cut down on expenditure, put in fresh capital, or reduce the workforce. By turning to someone who has the professional capability to maintain accounting records, businesses can be sure they have a partner armed with the vision to guide them on their path to success.

By Amitaabh Saboo----->Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7916059

Bookkeeping Software - A Must for Micro Business

A micro business does not have the ability or the financial resources to run a financial department. An online bookkeeping company is ideal for a diminutive business with 5-6 staff members. This service allows micro entrepreneurs to manage their finances and improve productivity - through smooth operations; while following business ethics of keeping all data private.

In a highly competitive market space, the micro businesses find bookkeeping account receivables, account payable, billing, payrolls- a major hurdle. An online bookkeeping system makes running a business a simple affair at reasonable cost. A backup server helps to keep all data safe.

Functions of bookkeeping software: An online bookkeeping company offers software to make bookkeeping less intimidating and time consuming. Here are some of the advantages of using online bookkeeping software-

• It takes on the role of a bookkeeper.
• It keeps an account of all expenditure, invoices, organizes financial statements, and inventory levels.
• All the financial transactions are kept up to date with these services.
• It produces reports which are ready to be submitted.
• It is easy to use, understand and accessed at any time.
• An online bookkeeping company provides services that are reliable, paperless, punctual, cost effective, and stable.
• It reduces the overall expenditure especially the accounting costs in running an organization.

Tips to run successful micro business: Business owners can build up their skills that will help them avoid expensive mistakes. They could use the help of an online bookkeeping company that will help them attain their financial goals and keep them in good favor with the revenue department.

• An entrepreneur should take stock of ups and downs of the business while planning out the future expenses. This way, entrepreneurs have enough finances for stocking up or upgrading equipment during the lean times.

• Keeping an account of all expenses helps business owners save tax. Statements should show all kinds of expenses - stationery, business meetings and lunches, business trips.

• Business owners do not have to pay tax on cash that is not income. They should keep an account of all financial transactions - loans, sales, cash infusions from their own accounts. Deliberate effort should be made to make sure that some deposits are not mistakenly recorded as income.

• Business owners are liable to pay a penalty if their taxes are not paid on time. Actions like putting money aside, keeping a track of tax deadlines, and paying employees on time would go a long way in avoiding penalty.

• Entrepreneurs should diligently track billing process after sending invoices; if unattended it can affect cash flow.

We are a leading online bookkeeping company. Opt for us to enjoy best online bookkeeping services.

By Javed Malik Khan----->Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7914220

Four Tips Small Businesses Should Consider Before They Outsource Accounting Services

There are several important guidelines that you should take notice of when you intend to outsource accounting services. It is no waste of time to plan carefully before engaging in anything you need to do. Proper planning in this particular case is very worthwhile since it can reduce errors by a great margin. Small businesses especially should definitely implement the following guidelines since failure to do so may lead your business into financial trouble; something that you do not want to happen to you.

1. Does the company really exist on paper or it is conning you?

First and foremost, when it comes to identifying the best outsourcing services, it is very important for you to find out whether the outsourcing company is legally registered. Now that the world is turning digital a lot of people are taking advantage of the change to dupe others and extract money from them.

It is the role of the authorities to look into this, but, at the same time, as a businessperson, it is wise to ensure that your business is safe. In order to accomplish this you should carry out comprehensive research on the legality of the outsource accounting services provider that you may want to work with. This way you will avoid losing your money to conmen. This is not just talk; these cases are on the rise, believe it or not.

In your efforts to establish the right outsource accounting services always check if there are any laws or rules that have been put in place to guide you. If laws and rules exist,then abide by them in order that you get the best result possible.

2. Will outsourcing your accounting services actually benefit you?

The next thing you need to consider is the value that the outsource accounting services actually brings to your business. Does it benefit your business, and if it does then to what extent? If your business stands to gain at the end of the day then the deal is worthwhile and it is right to go ahead. If what your business stands to gain is fairly minimal then it is just common sense to simply walk away.

3. Are they trustworthy?

You business should target building long term partnerships with those providers who administer your business with outsource accounting services. This is because long-term partnerships lead to the development of greater trust and confidence between you and the outsourcing services provider.

4. How easy is it to outsource? Is it productive or not?

The moment you realize that the outsource accounting services are productive then you are safe. At the same time,if you perceive that the service is not flexible enough and is less productive for you then you need to abandon any idea of using it.

In conclusion, if you want your business to be successful outsource accounting services can be of great use to you. However, to find the best one for you, always research prospective services thoroughly to ensure success.

Accurate Accounting Services improves the ability of a firm to focus on business growth while simultaneously curtailing risks and costs. One such leading Accounting Service works for small and medium businesses worldwide.

By Amitaabh Saboo----->Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7933631

How Does A Small Business Accountant Help Your Business?

The most basic query a lot of small business owners have when faced with the idea of hiring a small business accountant is why you need accurate accounting service in the first place? You will see along the course of this article as to why that is the case. Without accurate and up to date financials, your small business is as good as doomed. Let's explore why.

Attracting Prospective Investors:

Any small business owner will tell you that there comes a time when you need to scale your business. When you need to diversify and explore unchartered territories. What he will also tell you is that for doing all this, you need capital. So when you approach banks or prospective lenders, you will need financials and here's why. The prospective lender doesn't know you or your business. So how does he know if your business is worth investing in? Here's where the role of the small business accountant comes into the picture.

A Reflection of your Company's Financial Health:

The financials certified by a small business accountant is his window into your business. The financials will tell him all about the health of your company and how good it is doing. He can measure the success of your business by taking a look at the financial reports of your company. You will find numerous reports that say that the cost of capital reduces a great deal if you possess accurate financial reports. Most lenders will not even entertain you if you are not in possession of your reports.

To a lender, your business will always appear more dangerous than it actually might be. So, to compensate for the risk, he will charge you greater rates for the use of his capital. It is not all that difficult to figure out then, that the accurate financials will most likely quell his apprehensions and thus reduce the cost of capital for you.

Filing Tax Returns and Other Annual Reports:

In most of the financial systems, it is imperative to make public the financial reports of the company. Also, these documents are required while filing tax returns. A badly presented financial report can hugely damage the reputation of the company and can make it almost impossible to attract investors and lenders. So your accountant can virtually be your man Friday when you're dealing with bankers. And if your loan application goes through, you have your accountant to thank for.

So those were the main reasons for the need for accurate accounting service.

By Michael A Dudley----->Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7918835

What Are the Functions of an Accounting Firm?

This is a question that many people may ask at one time or another during their business careers. Especially when they are starting up their own small businesses, entrepreneurs of both brick and mortar business ventures and / or online business endeavors, may be uncertain about the functions of accounting firms.

There is likely to be a time when you wonder, if you need an accounting firm or maybe you can just use a software or something. (Hint: if you are asking any kind of questions like that, you might want to consider one.)

So to help clear up some of those questions that might be lingering around, we decided to allay your fears and help answer the questions you might be having.

Whether an accounting firm is one, two, or hundreds of expert individuals the basic functions are the same. There are certain functions and characteristics that are expected and inherent. These might include:

• Accounting and / or consulting services

• Trustworthiness

• Reliable staff

• Honesty

But what are the actual accounting functions and / or consulting functions that they are likely to perform you might wonder. That's what we'll go over next.

1. Financial record keeping is one of the primary functions of the accounting services. This may be on paper, but in this day and age it is just as likely to be in an electronic database. Depending on the ingenuity and modernization of the company, they could even be using cloud based applications, but the financial record keeping is basically the same throughout.

2. Internal and external audits are another function that accounting services may undertake. Depending on whether they are fee for hire, on a retainer, etc. their services type in this area may vary, but it is essentially the same auditing process.

3. Tax advisement and compliance is another area you can turn to an accounting firm. This is an area where you should be able to expect a particular level of expertise. Because taxes are a major component of the accountant's role, they should be expected to be up to date and well-schooled on all tax laws.

4. Risk management related to internal audits and internal financial risk processes is an area where an accounting firm may be able to save your company a ton of money. Sometimes having an accounting expert review non-financial processes can give you a new perspective and enormous savings.

5. Strategic goal advising is another possible function you may find benefit in when engaging an accounting services. Because they are fiscally oriented, they all know the benefits and savings associated with many processes within their industries of expertise. Having an accounting services on tap for advising in business expansions, merges, growth projections, etc. could save tons of money in the long run.

6. Business consulting is a final way that accounting firm services might be used. If you are a new business owner or considering a new business adventure, it might be wise to talk to these experts to help you see the realities and the possibilities.

Remember for whichever reason you choose to or need to engage these diverse professionals, they are professionals and their ability is likely to help you no matter what your angle of approach or business need.

By Hermione Cruz----->Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7938644