The new and improved? Most definitely.

In fact, there’s so much to talk about, that it would just be easier for you to run over to Merchant’s Mirror and take a looksie. If you have questions, feel free! That’s what we’re here for. We’re extremely happy with the progress that we’ve made and we believe whole-heartedly that you will too.

I honestly can’t imagine running my small business without an accounting software package. Without it, I would be lost.

In fact, it wasn’t until I understood the cash-flow report that I was able to grasp the financial fundamentals of my business. Before then, I didn’t know what I was doing or where the business was headed.

My accounting software not only helps me manage and track the different financial transactions, but it also helps me measure the business performance.
Accounting system software provides many benefits to small businesses. Here are some of the key benefits, in my opinion:

• Speed: they are designed to speed up financial procedures.
• Automation: simple accounting software will automate your transactions, which helps eliminate mistakes. And since there’s no paper-intensive workload, it also frees up time to focus on more important activities to grow the business.
• Appraisal: allows you to measure your cash flow / financial performance.
• Forecasting: It provides management with a detailed picture of the company’s financial position for planning and budgeting.
• Convenience: a web-based accounting software allows you to take care of your accounting at the office, at home, or even during vacation, 24-7.
• Email capability: save money on postage! With software for accounting that has e-mail capability you can send invoices by email. No more trips to the post office.

In general, accounting software is essential to track sales, provide estimates, invoice customers, manage projects, and run your business more efficiently.

Like so many, I was laid-off last year and started freelancing while looking for a job, but unexpectedly, I was getting so much work that I decided to start my own business and became an LLC (Limited Liability Corporation).

Now nearly every week, someone asks me one of these questions: “How did you start your business?” “What steps do I need to take?” “How do I get an EIN number?”

Launching your own business can be one of the most exciting and rewarding things you’ll ever do. It certainly has been for me. Of course, it does take some serious thought and planning.

So, here are some key steps (the way I see it) to take your business idea from fantasy to reality:

• Brainstorm your idea. First, make sure that you’re truly excited about your business idea. I believe deeply in this. The more passionate you are about your company, the more likely you are to succeed. Next, do your homework. Is there a growing need for the product or service you want to sell? How can you set yourself apart from the competition?

• Protect your idea. Have you come up with a great new name for your company? A revolutionary idea for a unique product that will change people’s lives? First, pat yourself on the back. Then, visit the U.S. Patent Office to register—and protect—your idea.

• Choose your business structure. Will you be a sole proprietor? Form a partnership with a friend or colleague? Create a corporation or limited liability company? Investigate your options.

• Get an employer identification number (EIN). This unique number—also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number—will be used by the IRS to identify your business. If you’re a sole proprietor, your social security number may suffice. Take this short quiz to determine whether you need to apply for an EIN.

• Open a business checking account. You’ll need to show proof that you own a business, so check with your bank to see what paperwork they require.

• Create a business plan. You need a roadmap to get to your destination, so don’t skip this important step. A business plan details your business idea, your target market, your team, key milestones, how much money you’ll need, and more. Not sure how to start? Watch the Small Business Administration’s 30-minute business plan webinar.

• Secure funding. Funding options range from personal savings or money borrowed from friends and relatives, to bank loans and venture capitalist funding. Fully investigate your options.

• Market your product or service. If you have a big budget, there are endless marketing options available, from billboards to television advertising. But even small startups can gain visibility, thanks to the Internet, which is leveling the playing field. Building your website is key, but bolstering that with a presence on social networking sites—such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn—can generate even more buzz.

• Accounting Software. And, of course, [ =) ] you’ll need an accounting system software to help you keep track of your expenses.

Lastly, I would like to recommend everyone thinking about starting a business to go see the great people at SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives). They have been a tremendous support. They offer free business coaching, and they have local offices all over the United States!

In these difficult times, you and other business owners are probably searching for new ways to save money and manage your dwindling profit margins.  One of the areas in which you can take back control of your business is by handling the accounting yourself.  And one of the most popular ways to manage your accounting is by getting software for accounting that will make it easy for you to send invoices, receive payment, and run reports such as cash-flow and profit/loss.

There are five things you should be looking for in your new accounting system software program if you want to relax and have a long and happy life together.

Your web-based accounting software should be:

•    Simple to use
•    Accessible from anywhere
•    Compatible
•    Secure
•    Affordable

Simple to use. Let’s face it.  You’re a business owner, not an accountant.  So what good is having a program that doesn’t speak your language? You want to find simple accounting software that includes all of the basic features you need to run your business: such as customer invoicing, bill payments, reports, payroll, and banking.  It should also be customizable to fit your particular business needs and not the other way around.  It should allow applications such as customizable invoices or automated email messages.  This way, you can communicate using your logo and your marketing strategy.

Accessible from anywhere. You want a program that is both online and offline compatible.  Web based online—so that it can be accessed from anywhere, as long as you have an Internet connection—and, it needs to be available offline too, so you can still work when you cannot get a connection; you can always save your work and update it when you get back online.  You should also be able to share data in real time—and at the same time—with other users anywhere in the world.

Compatible. It should be compatible with all major operating systems (Microsoft Windows®, Apple Mac OSX®, and Linux) and all major web browsers (Internet Explorer®, Firefox®, and Safari®).   It should also include all upgrades, bug fixes, and feature enhancements as part of your subscription. Software development is constantly changing and improving, so you shouldn’t need to worry about upgrading or having to buy the next version every time an upgrade is available.

Secure. If your data is stored on a file server in your office, you are setting yourself up for several unsafe situations that could be avoided.  A good web-based accounting program protects you from fire or from theft, be it physical theft (intruders that could steal your computer or backup files) or cyber theft (hackers that access your files electronically.)

Affordable. Most online accounting programs are surprisingly affordable, charging just pennies a day for lots of user-friendly features.  That’s a very small price to pay for peace of mind.

Keep these five simple rules in mind when shopping for a simple accounting software, and you will be able to concentrate on more important business matters like making a profit.