Here are a some complimentary
tips you can print out and utilize to increase your bottom line. Enjoy and see
for yourself. Check off the things you are already doing to increase your business,
highlight the ones you need to improve on. Email us your own suggestions of
how you become more efficient using FileMaker Pro and we'll consider adding
it to our list:
Any operation that gets
repeated daily or weekly should be automated...become the efficiency expert
for your company. Introduce an easy to use database (like FileMaker Pro) to
keep track of all vital info.
A simple database lets
you store an entire file cabinet on your screen. No more stacks of paper everywhere.
Isn't it about time? (check out FileMaker Pro - it's been voted the "easiest
to use" database - that's why we chose it to develop our software products).
There's often no second
chance to make a First impression - optimize your telephone moments. (use
FileMaker's new built-in auto-dialing with your modem and get more calls completed)
Target the right type
of clients (new businesses etc.) (it's easy to add a "Business Type" pop-up
menu to your FileMaker contact database)
Embrace email but beware
of info-overload. Be discerning in what you send and what you download (check
out Outlook Express, Entourage, EudoraPro). Use their "Junk Mail"
filters to filter out junk mail which saves you time. Set up your own "Rules"
to store and organize your email (huge timesaver).
Insert testimonials &
quotes into brochures (if you design your brochures in FileMaker, you can
easily update new quotes and testimonials)
Using FileMaker's new
"global" field feature, create a "competitor info" field which holds information
on competitor product features, so that you can compare them for your customers.
Swap mail lists with
non-competitors (Avery mail labels included in FileMaker & BIZ Basics)
Your entire "workgroup"
can now share critical information easily by networking FileMaker at each
computer.
Maximize your computer
keystrokes...you should never enter a client's name and address more than
once...use an integrated business software package. (like BIZ
Basics for FileMaker Pro)
Collect quotes and testimonials
about your products and company. Utilize them everywhere.
Be sincere and honest
on the phone. Good ethics create lasting customers. People are tired of the
same old sales lines. Be direct and helpful. (Log info about each call in
your FileMaker database)
If you bill your time
by the hour, be sure to setup minimums.
Automate...automate...automate
your office using FileMaker Pro.
Find an angle for press
(create 5 titles or topics) (save multiple press releases in BIZ Contactz
for FileMaker, which is part ofour BIZ Basics system)
Offer top notch delivery
(see BIZ Basics Shipperz module
based in FileMaker)
Think of each software
package as an office employee. You get out of them what you invest into them
(time & money).
Don't ignore your software
documentation. Those who actually read it make less costly mistakes and learn
to automate their offices faster.
Always send Thank You
notes (use BIZ Basics' built-in correspondence center designed in FileMaker
to store your master documents)
Be sure to get published
when possible. Become the expert of your local area.
Devote time to follow-ups
and turn leads into Customers (they're free leads) (use BIZ Basics)
If you can't answer a
question, tell the client you'll find out; and keep your word.
Embrace database technology
before it leaves you behind (imagine if you still didn't use the web). Optimize
your office using FileMaker Pro.
Link a modem to your
phone line and take advantage of online faxing and FileMaker's auto-dialing
software.
Request credit terms
from your Vendors. It's like a built-in bank account.
Include a "Due Date"
field on your invoices to get paid faster (BIZ Basics does!)
Track and age your invoices
and send out regular statements (BIZ Basics)
Your knowledge is worth
payment... charge fees for answers
Be sure to include charges
for training (if offered)
Time is the one thing
money can't buy. Spend money to save time. Invest in internal systems that
save time.
Store your data digitally.
Save trees and office clutter...but be sure to BACK UP your files!.
Find out which products
and services make you the most profit. Center your promotions and marketing
around those.
Confirm your appointments
by calling the day before.
Charge for Shipping &
Handling charge. (BIZ Basics provides
convenient fields for each)
If you bill your time
by the hour, be sure to setup minimums.
Limit loitering on the
WEB. Get the info you need and get back to the issues at hand. Many will win
using the WEB and many will fall.
Invest in software that
manages your email quickly and easily (BIZ
Basics).
Utilize a postage meter
to save time & money on all your snailmail.
Barter with your friends
who offer services and products you can use. It builds a helpful network.
Use a mailing house to
save on labor costs for direct mail. Professionals often save you money.
Purchase "qualified"
email mail lists that target your type of business customers. Fast, economical.
But be sure their leads have given permission to receive your email. Do NOT
send SPAM mail. It angers potential customers. Follow email guidelines.
Use creative headings
for your email to create interest and get yours read first.
Out source jobs when
you can (see "BIZ Projects for
FileMaker" module)
Raise your prices or
rates every year in line with your marketplace.
Plan ways to take advantage
of special long distance calling times that save you money.
Compare "overnight" shipping
rates for added savings. You do have smart choices.(see our BIZ
Basics Shipperz module based in FileMaker)
Save all your receipts.
Business deductions are like money in your suitcase. (our built-in checkwriting
tracks each expense, in BIZ Basics for FileMaker Pro)
Take advantage of early
payment discounts (BIZ Basics does)
Buy supplies in bulk
for added savings. Laser paper by the case, mailing labels by the box, etc..
Plan trips well. Turn
your vacations into business excursions.
Put your business funds
into an interest bearing savings account or money market fund. Make money
on your money while waiting to use it. Or... invest in yourself.
Your children sometimes
make great employees. If they earn less than $1000 per year, it's tax free
(see your tax professional for details).
Use your vehicle more
than 50% of time for business purposes and gain valuable deductions.
Donate old products and
things and take a valuable deduction.
If you are a homeOWNER
and run a homebased business, be sure to deduct for your office space after
getting advice from your tax professional.
Get the advice of an
accountant to gain every possible tax advantage available to you.
When possible, hire TEMPS.
It carries less risks, handles short range projects and offers you a better
trial period to secure the right employees.
Email & Fax-market.
Repeat frequency (get BIZ Basics and save time)
Backup your hard drive(s)!!!!!!
It's just a matter of time before a hard drive dies.
....YOUR favorite tip
here (email us your SmallBizness
Tip and if we like it we'll add it to our list so others can enjoy it as well.
Thanks!
FileMaker Pro and our business
solutionz take advantage of a number of these tips and hundreds more. At Working
Solutionz we pride ourselves in optimizing FileMaker Pro for your office efficiency.
We'd like to help you become more efficient, too. Contact us today and learn
more about our exciting business software, based in FileMaker. Click to contact
Filemaker, Inc.
