Cloud Accounting: Saves Time and Energy for Busy Mompreneurs

Who likes accounting and or bookkeeping?  Very few of us. We would rather spend our days creating, talking to customers, even negotiating with vendors, instead of keeping our books straight. But as entrepreneurs the love and passion of business creativity comes with the day to day grind of keeping books.

 

There are many software programs available that can help make this job easier.  Of particular interest to me are the programs that are in the cloud.  Why the cloud?

Accounting in the cloud saves time and energy:

1. Your bookkeeper or CPA could have instant access to your transactions, without your having to provide this information,


2. Your assistant can enter your information from anywhere, no need to set up extra office space,


3. You can enter your information from anywhere,


4. Tax time is less hectic because most of the work is already done, 


5. Invoicing is seamless and can be done while you are still out in the field,


6. Payments to vendors can be seamless as well.

All in all, bookkeeping in the cloud can help you and your business by saving you time and boundless energy. The following are some companies that offer cloud computing. This list is not exhaustive.

• Fresh Books


• Kashoo


• Less Accounting


• QuickBooks 


• Xero


• Zoho Books

I have had experience with QuickBooks and Xero.  I am in the process of transferring to Xero because seamelessly integrates with my bank; it uploads transactions from Checkfront; it updates retail sales and transactions.  Also, it is currently hosted in the cloud for $19.95 per month compared with Quickbooks Enterprise full desktop version cloud hosting which begins at 54.99 per user per month.

 

Are you in the cloud for accounting?  If not why not?  If you are in the cloud, what are you using?  As busy Mompreneurs, we can all save time and energy by spending less time on our books.  Cloud accounting can help us. What do you think?  Leave your comments below.

Cloud Accounting: Saves Time and Energy for Busy Mompreneurs

Who likes accounting and or bookkeeping?  Very few of us. We would rather spend our days creating, talking to customers, even negotiating with vendors, instead of keeping our books straight. But as entrepreneurs the love and passion of business creativity comes with the day to day grind of keeping books.

There are many software programs available that can help make this job easier.  Of particular interest to me are the programs that are in the cloud.  Why the cloud?

Women and Franchising

Women and Franchising

Women and Franchising

Women and Franchising

5 Ways to Increase Productivity in Business or Home

We are all distracted.  Just recently my husband and I had a serious conversation about the fact that he was jumping from project to project and nothing was getting done. I too find myself distracted. Yesterday, I picked the kids up from school and rather than engage them in conversation, instead, I am still thinking of something I need to do for the business. My third daughter got frustrated and said "mommy please look me in the eyes, I haven't seen you all day."  And while cooking dinner, I am on a business conference call and at the same time trying to quiet the kids.  Such distractions may lead to a decrease in productivity, an increase in stress hormones, and a general feeling of malaise and unfulfillment.  Who wants that?  Not you, nor I.  So what do we do? 

1. Stay in the present moment; when I pick the kids up, engage them in conversation and really listen to what they have to say.  They are happier and so am I.
2. Stay focused by eliminating distractions; focus and concentration are what great things are made of.  When my husband focuses on one project at a time he accomplishes more.
3. When you are not in the present moment, acknowledge the concern by writing it down, get it off your mind so you can pay attention to what you are doing now.
4. Get enough rest and relaxation, not to mention the need for excellent nutrition.  
5. Plan your day, week, month; generally know what your goals are and work toward them on a consistent basis.

I know; the above suggestions are not productivity tools.  There are many of those out there that will help.  But there is no better productivity tool than your own brain.  So first get control of who you are and what you desire and what it takes to get you there.  You are awesome and anything in this life that you want you can have.  Just go get it!

PS.  Two of my favorite productivity gurus are David Allen and Stephen Covey.  They both focus not necessarily on tools but on how you do what you do and why.  Let me know who you read to improve your productivity by placing a comment in the box below.

5 Ways to Increase Productivity in Business or Home

We are all distracted.  Just recently my husband and I had a serious conversation about the fact that he was jumping from project to project and nothing was getting done. I too find myself distracted. Yesterday, I picked the kids up from school and rather than engage them in conversation, instead, I am still thinking of something I need to do for the business. My third daughter got frustrated and said "mommy please look me in the eyes, I haven't seen you all day."  And while cooking dinner, I am on a business conference call and at the same time trying to quiet the kids.  Such distractions may lead to a decrease in productivity, an increase in stress hormones, and a general feeling of malaise and unfulfillment.  Who wants that?  Not you, nor I.  So what do we do? 

Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

Social Networking: A Time Saving Trick

(c) Can Stock Photo

As an entrepreneur we all know the importance of building our brand.  To do so, we use social networking platforms like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn  Instagram, etc. etc. Who has the time to keep up with all of this stuff? But we have to. We love our customers/clients and we have to stay engaged.  So we share with our customers daily using these platforms.  But what do you share? Where do you get the information from?

This week, I discovered a cool trick.  I know it is not a tangible trick. However, in my life sitting in front of a computer for 7 or so hours daily, my tricks are usually something that saves me time online.

In this case, I discovered a website called Newsblur.  With Newsblur, I found that I could automatically link my RSS feeds in one place.  Yes, I know Google Reader does the same; but it is my understanding that Google Reader will soon be phased out.  With Newsblur I can get all of the news on any topic that I find may be of interest to myself and my clients, customers, followers.

Needless to say, I am so happy to use this site.  I no longer have to go all over the place to find something to share.  I am on there for 5-10 minutes in the AM hours and I know without a doubt that I will add value to someone today just because of the time I spent.

Try something new and different today like Newsblur.  Don't be afraid to change how you do things, to shake up your routine, to disrupt the status quo. 

What have you found that saves you time and helps others.   Share in the comment area below.

Social Networking: A Time Saving Trick

(c) Can Stock Photo

As an entrepreneur we all know the importance of building our brand.  To do so, we use social networking platforms like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn  Instagram, etc. etc. Who has the time to keep up with all of this stuff? But we have to. We love our customers/clients and we have to stay engaged.  So we share with our customers daily using these platforms.  But what do you share? Where do you get the information from?

This week, I discovered a cool trick.  I know it is not a tangible trick. However, in my life sitting in front of a computer for 7 or so hours daily, my tricks are usually something that saves me time online.

Amazing Kids!

(c) Can Stock Photo

We all have amazing kids!  You ought to be excited when you read that sentence.  They are little people who have their own thoughts and opinions and they teach us something new about ourselves on a daily basis.  I am constantly telling my 10 year old that she is smarter than her mother.  She just says things that startle me all the time.  

But guess what?  Our kids think that we are amazing as well.

We spend our time giving so much to others that at times we forget to take care of ourselves.  But the kids are happiest when they see that we are grounded, centered, and happy as well.  So do something today for your amazing kid.  Do something for yourself. Be the best you that you can be and you will be amazed just how much you inspire your kids.

Amazing Kids!

(c) Can Stock Photo

We all have amazing kids!  You ought to be excited when you read that sentence.  They are little people who have their own thoughts and opinions and they teach us something new about ourselves on a daily basis.  I am constantly telling my 10 year old that she is smarter than her mother.  She just says things that startle me all the time.  

A to Z Guide to a Successful Life

"Life is not about finding yourself.  It is about creating yourself."  Unknown

We all want to live the kind of life where our time is our own and we have the resources to relax and play on beaches in any part of the world.  To do so we have to constantly remind ourselves that we create our lives each and every day with each and every decision we make.   

I remember when I decided to get married as a sophomore in college.  As I look back, I can tell you how that decision created many of the present circumstances I experience today.  I am happy with my life, but at the same time I wonder how different things could have been if I had waited.  

Success belongs to those of us we realize and understand that we are creative beings.  Life just doesn't happen to us.  We create our circumstances.  So in life we must stand firm to certain principles that guide us so that in the pinch of the moment when the decision is eminent we can rest assured that it aligns with our goals and dreams.  The A to Z Guide to A Successful Life provides some guidance but you can create your own guide at any time.  This is just a starting point.

A. Aim high, the gift of life demands that you do your very best.

B. Believe in your dreams.

C. Create a vision board.

D. Decide what is important in each moment and do it.

E.  Eat healthy, fresh, raw foods daily.

F.  Forgive past hurts.

G. Give generously to causes you believe in.

H.  Hunger for knowledge.
I.  Invest your time in the people who matter most.
J.  Join organizations and associations in your community.
K.  Kindness matters, a smile, a helping hand, a thank you.
L.  Leave well enough alone when you have done your best.
M.  Motivate and mentor others.
N.  Never give up.
O.  Organize your life.
P.  Pray often, never underestimate the power of prayer and meditation.
Q.  Quiet times and reflection are necessary for growth and balance.
R.  Remember those who have helped you along the way.
S.  Set aside time to plan.
T.  Tomorrow isn't promised so live in the now.
U.  Understand that life rewards those who persevere, the turtle always wins.
V.  Victory is yours with each positive habit you create in your life.
X.  X-ray your life regularly by deciding on specific, time bound goals.
Y.  You are unique and special, remember this always.
Z.  Zenith of health is achieved via adequate sleep and exercise.

What principles guide your life?  Share them with us in the comment area below.

A to Z Guide to a Successful Life

"Life is not about finding yourself.  It is about creating yourself."  Unknown

We all want to live the kind of life where our time is our own and we have the resources to relax and play on beaches in any part of the world.  To do so we have to constantly remind ourselves that we create our lives each and every day with each and every decision we make.   

I remember when I decided to get married as a sophomore in college.  As I look back, I can tell you how that decision created many of the present circumstances I experience today.  I am happy with my life, but at the same time I wonder how different things could have been if I had waited.  

Entrepreneurship: Born or Bred?

Some of us know from very young that we don't want to work for anyone. For others of us, it takes time. Nonetheless, whether you are born knowing or life circumstances propels you in this direction, the road of entrepreneurship takes a special type of individual.

• Creative: Even if someone steals your idea; it doesn't matter; you have a million more where that one came from,
• Spontaneous: You can change directions at the drop of a hat,
• Risk-taker: Willingness to take risks without immediate rewards in sight,

Organization is important but it is not necessary.  You can always hire or outsource for that.  

Most important is the willingness to persevere.  This is what makes or breaks the entrepreneur.  Are you willing to try, and try and try again and again? Do you know that failure is just a simple stepping stone to success? Do you know that those who made it did so by sticking to to their guns no matter what?

If you answered yes to all or most of these questions, then you can be or you already are an entrepreneur. You have what it takes.  You are what this great country is built on

So stand up and be counted.  We are a special breed.  Let us know if you are a born or a bred entrepreneur by commenting below.

Entrepreneurship: Born or Bred?

Some of us know from very young that we don't want to work for anyone. For others of us, it takes time. Nonetheless, whether you are born knowing or life circumstances propels you in this direction, the road of entrepreneurship takes a special type of individual.