There are several business planning software packages out there and available for immediate download on the internet.  What you need to establish in researching them is what do you want from these packages?

Doing a internet search on this term will reveal an array of options, both paid and free versions.

What are you expecting from your business planning software? A full plan including cash flow projections, marketing plans, KPI tracking, ability to view as charts/graphs?

Also be careful with cash flow projections as to what currency the software is based in and if you are able to change it to your local currency format.

Does the software handle start up costs such as assets acquisition, expenses and financing? Is there fields to enter contingency funding (for acquisitions etc)?  Does the software integrate into your existing financial software (or does your existing software have this function and you haven’t used it yet).

Start to do some research and work out what you expect the software to do.

Some links that I found via an internet search are:

http://www.businessplanpro.com/ppc/business_plan_software.cfm?gclid=CLfxj-mvi5wCFZcwpAodWgxWWw

http://www.bplans.com/

http://www.ebc.com.au/

http://www.businessplans.org/

Pick a product and go for it.  It does save time, asks questions you had not yet thought of and makes it easy to change and implement.  You are not after a 100 page plain, but rather a short concise, clear and workable business plan.

John Burkhardt – Amplio Business Solutions.

Technology is the answer! Forget the drawer full of business cards, rolodex and other items.

The power of technology now is great for use with storing information.  Look for  a mobile phone which can synchronize with your computer or laptop.  This is a great way to put your information on your computer outlook (or similar contact management) and then upload the information to your telephone.  I becomes quite time effective during the day and just put in a system that can automatically back up the files when the phone gets close with Bluetooth or an USB cord.

If you have to manually hook up the USB cord, make it the last thing you do in the evening whilst you recharge the phone for the next day.  You will find that your information is always up to date and the phone is always charged.

Most of the newer phones have these capabilities, you just have to ask.  You don’t need a blackberry or iPhone either.  Even the new phones can be synched to upload photos (client pictures or pictures of their premises etc)

Obviously there is more to consider if you share contacts to a server etc, but you can see the power of technology when used correctly.

Simple systems like this are cost effective to implement and can increase your time efficiency greatly.

Its worth the effort.

John B – Amplio Business Solutions

As such we have created a short presentation which explains the most common basics of the internet and how things fit together.  Please email us  to obtain a copy of the presentation.  This is part of the same presentation to be used at workshops.

The main reason to dedicate a blog to IT services is to convey that knowledge is power.  You don’t have to be an IT person or super IT tech, however it certainly saves a lot of time and money if you understand the industry, the terms and how the basic structures work.

Whether employing an in house IT person or subcontracting this role out, make time to become aware of what is available, make sure you understand the basics of how things work, their capacity, features and how the network (connect) together.

The most productive part of utilizing information technology is to plan ahead. It performs much better when you have made the decisions surrounding IT to compliment your business planning and direction.  Sometimes an upgrade on a machine to expand its functions or capacity can have 100% increase in capacity for less than 10% additional cost.  This is irrelevant if your IT consultant doesn’t show you these options when quoting to your business.

The most significant advance outside of email and the internet is the ability of devices such as Blackberry’s and IPhones which can become mobile business computers.  With the ability to use email and web searching from these devices along with calenders and other office documents, they have become a powerful and efficient tool in business development.

When sourcing an IT professional, ask for referrals from peers you respect, work out what you want (the big picture) before hand, check the quality of their work with their customers, set realistic time frames and enter into maintenance agreements to ensure you remain top of their preferred customers.

Educate yourself on IT developments and the use of IT solutions to stay in contact with customers, prospects, provide information 24/7 and to structure your business model and organizational plan to leverage the most out of the technology base you have.

We are shortly adding a book/presentation about the terms and how to navigate the IT world.

Regards, John

John Burkhardt - Amplio Business Solutions