Starting a business in Swadlincote? Excited but overwhelmed?
Don’t worry. You’re not alone.
At Buckler Spencer, we encourage all new business owners to delve headfirst into the wealth of tools and networks out there. These all play a critical role in managing your startup efficiently without breaking the bank. Here are a few you could look at to get you started…
Financial management tools
You can’t afford to lose track of invoices, expenses or profits. Plus, practising at this early stage sets a precedent for when you expand. Financial management tools help you stay organised, even if you use an accountant for taxes and other jobs. Some of the most popular tools include:
- Accounting software – Xero or QuickBooks provide clear, simple ways to manage your accounts. You’ll find free trials and low-cost options for small businesses. There’s no need to pay for features you don’t yet need.
- Invoicing and payment tools – PayPal and Stripe are great options for getting paid on time. It’s also easy to send professional invoices and accept payments through them, even in international currencies. Be aware of the extra fees involved compared to BACS.
- Budgeting and forecasting tools – Float or Kashflow help you manage your budget and predict cash flow gaps. Investing in software like this helps avoid nasty surprises.
It’s fine to start with free versions of these tools and upgrade as you grow. They’ll save you time and headaches, which is well worth the investment. And if you find the software isn’t a good match, it’s easy to cancel. Also, build connections with trusted local financial organisations like Buckler Spencer. We can take the hassle our of managing your finances, so you can focus on growing your business.
Productivity software: keeping everything on track
As a new business owner, you’ll wear a lot of hats. All of them, in fact.
These tools help you stay productive and organised, no matter how busy you are. Being organised from the get-go fosters a go-get-‘em company culture:
- Project management tools – Trello and Asana help you stay on top of deadlines and structure your working day. They’re relatively straightforward. It takes some time to create and populate your systems, but they’re well worth the time.
- Time tracking software – record how much time you spend on a project with Toggl or Harvest. These are critical if you charge hourly or want to streamline your processes.
- Cloud storage and collaboration tools – Google Drive and Dropbox let you store, share, and edit documents on the go. Cloud backups mean they’re safe. Plus, at first, they’re free. There’s plenty of room to expand as you grow.
Marketing platforms
For most people, word of mouth isn’t enough. You need to get the word out about your business and its USPs. With limited resources, you’ll need cost-effective marketing platforms that give you the best bang for your pound:
- Social media – start with Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. Business marketing is, after all, the underlying point of social media. Post regularly, engage with followers, and consider investing in platform-specific ads.
- Email marketing – platforms like Mailchimp or MailerLite allow you to build and send professional emails to customers and subscribers. You’ll find free plans for small businesses.
- Website builders – invest in a professional-looking website. Although you’ll have to pay, check out tools like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace. You shouldn’t need a tech team for a simple site. Here, you can tie in newsletters, promotions and email campaigns.
- Google My Business – claim your free Google My Business It’s free and vital for getting your site to appear in local searches around Swadlincote.
You can always expand your marketing efforts as your business grows.
Networking opportunities
Running a business is tough, and it’s even tougher when you’re doing it alone.
But there’s a solution. Build a strong support network to find new opportunities and navigate challenges.
- Mentors or advisers – find people you know who can guide you through the ups and downs of business. This should include business advisers, lawyers, accountants, and local business owners. Buckler Spencer would be happy to assist.
- Business communities – join local networks like the Swadlincote Chamber of Commerce. Here, you’ll meet people, share ideas, learn from each other, and participate in workshops and events.
- Freelancers and service providers – you’ll need expert professional services. Look for freelancers in areas like graphic design or legal services. Upwork and Fiverr are two tried and tested examples.
How Buckler Spencer helps you maximise resources
Starting a business is no easy feat. But using the right resources can make it much more manageable.
That said, don’t overcomplicate things. There’s no need to have a separate program for each and every aspect of your business.
Be strategic. Keep things simple. For example, start with your accounting or project management software and work from there, employing software that integrates well.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry. We’ve got your back.
Get in touch with us here at Buckler Spencer.
We’re based in Swadlincote and work with startups like yours to help you get your finances, operations, and compliance affairs in order. Let’s chat today.