Starting a small business

[NorthmeetsSouth]

One thing I learned when I started my business was that you need to start keeping accurate records right from the start or you will always be trying to catch up. Invest in a good business software, such as Quickbooks, and learn how to use it while business is slow so that by the time the business is thriving and you have other demands on your time, the bookkeeping end of it is second-nature.

[Niners fan]

Originally Posted by NorthmeetsSouth

One thing I learned when I started my business was that you need to start keeping accurate records right from the start or you will always be trying to catch up. Invest in a good business software, such as Quickbooks, and learn how to use it while business is slow so that by the time the business is thriving and you have other demands on your time, the bookkeeping end of it is second-nature.

This is an excellent idea. It took me longer to drive to the CPA to have our 2007 corporate taxes done then it did for me to gather the stuff that I needed. I use Quickbooks and since I categorize each bill as I enter it throughout the year (and use a payroll service) all I had to do was burn a QB file on a cd and give it to the CPA. It also makes it easy to see what bills are due when.

[nanannie]

again-thank you all. Payroll service seems like a good idea too.

[Kenlew]

cpg & driller hit the nail on the head. Nothing happens until something is sold... Do it as cheaply as possible, but be effective. The internet is your best source - see if you can find a national trade organization for day care or call a successful day care in another state and pick their brain. Find out how they got business in the beginning. As long as you aren't competing, most people will give you a boatload of info.