Nibletz StaffThere are two types of startup entrepreneur stereotypes. The first is the “I can do it myself, I don’t need help” people. These are people who are determined to manage every detail themselves, using only their own time and brain power. They’re convinced they’ll never forget or lose anything. A few months in they find themselves drowning in the little things, with no time to work on the bigger projects that should command their attention.
The second stereotype centers on the people who are convinced that they need a software solution for every single thing they do every day. If a program exists, they will find a way to force it into their startup configuration. A few months in, they’re overwhelmed trying to keep everything updated and often have three different programs trying to do the same task.
The secret to success is finding a balance between these two stereotypes. Using software to help you manage some details is smart and will free you up to build the bulk of your business. But don’t go overboard. Most startups are well served by limiting themselves–at least initially–to the following types of software.
1. Accounting Software
If you can’t afford to hire an accountant just yet, you’re going to want to find some accounting software to help you manage your invoices and track your income. If you’re good at Excel, you can probably set up a spreadsheet yourself to do this for you. If you’d rather not monkey with code, you can buy one of the many solutions that are out there. Look for web based accounting and invoicing system that will help you track your finances.
2. Contract Management Software
The last thing you want is to have to dig through a filing cabinet and a bunch of paper to find the one detail in a contract that you need. That will take hours! Contract management software gives you the ability to call up client and contract details with just a few mouse clicks. The best software will track contracts with vendors and suppliers as well as with clients and contractors. Click here to learn more about contract management implementation.
3. Task Management Software
There are a lot of options out there for task management and project tracking software. EverNote is currently the most popular option for managing all of the things you have to do and keeping track of where you’re at with a variety of different projects. People love Evernote because it’s cloud based. This means that, whether you’re in your office or waiting in line at the grocery store, you can check on and manage the details of your projects.
4. Collaboration Software
The last thing you need is to have a ton of emails flying back and forth about everything you’re working on with your partners and contractors. Sorting through everything will take all day and you’ll never get any work done. Collaboration software, like web application Basecamp, can help you track and manage the details of group projects really easily. You can log in and see, at a glance, how the project is progressing and who is working on what.
There are, of course, plenty of other programs out there that you can download or sign up to use online. For now, though, stick to the basics: tracking your own details, tracking the details of relationships, tracking the details of projects and tracking your money.
