Gotta-Have-It Software for Starting a Virtual Business

There are so many fabulous, easy to use products on the market now that it’s hard to know what you really need and what is just hype. But there are a few programs that most business people really should have. The ones that come to mind include:

Microsoft Word or its equivalent – This one may seem obvious but a word processing program that allows you to create professional looking documents in a file format readily accepted by the majority of users is critical. Hand written thank you cards are in; hand written proposals are OUT. If you can’t afford to furnish Bill Gates with another year’s worth of Starbucks, consider downloading Open Office. It’s free and some tell me it’s very good. But, as with any open source product out there, opinions vary.

Internet security software – From a constant influx of email to being “online” most of the day, the security risks to your computer—and much of your business—are ever present. At minimum, outfit your system with anti-virus, firewall and anti-spyware programs. Go to Download.com to get the latest and greatest. Many programs are available for free or offer a free trial period so you can see what works for you.

Automatic backup – Where would you—and your clients—be if you were to suddenly lose all your digital assets? Bad stuff happens to nice people like you all the time. Natural disasters. Theft. Vandalism. And toddlers with a penchant for pressing little red buttons. Most offsite backup services provide software that will run automatic backups of the most important files on your system at the same time every day. No more excuses. Set it and forget it!

Bookkeeping software – Spreadsheets for bookkeeping have gone the way of the typewriter. If you don’t know where your money is, how much profit you’re making (or losing) and what expenses need to be reigned in at a glance, you’re probably not going to make it. And if you do, it will be by the skin of your teeth. Invest in a program like Quickbooks, learn the basics, and start entering those receipts!

Oh, there are so many more software programs I want to share with you. Keep watching though. I’ll be coming back with more fun favorites to keep you downloading until the wee hours of the night!

This article was featured in the Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA) Newsletter. Do you have a burning question about virtual business? Send an email to Karri Flatla at karri [@] vanetworking [dot] com with “Ask Me Virtually Anything” in the subject line. Your question may appear in VANA’s next newsletter, along with a link to your website!

Karri Flatla is a business graduate of the University of Lethbridge and principal of snap! virtual associates inc., a consulting firm providing Internet marketing services to the progressive entrepreneur. Karri also produces Outsmart, the newsletter for small business with big purpose. Visit http://www.snap-va.com/newsletter to subscribe and get your free Copywriting & Usability Checklist now.