Sample 1 - Blog #small business successSample 1 - Blog #small business successhttps://lololol.zohosites.com/thoughts/tag/small-business-successSat, 03 Aug 2024 03:37:10 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[6 questions your accountant should answer...]]>https://lololol.zohosites.com/thoughts/post/6-questions-your-accountant-should-answer...

Ask these six questions to every small business accountant you are considering.

As a business owner, there's no doubt that you're busy. You're working on improving your products, finding new customers, and talking to suppliers. But with all this extra time, you haven't gotten around to hiring an accountant yet - and you need to start asking these 6 questions.
A solid accountant can make or break your business. They can help prevent mistakes (like not filing your taxes on time) and ensure that you're getting the most out of your business (and tax) deductions. 
 
Here are 6 questions your accountant should answer:
 
How long has your business been operating?
 
Not all accountants are created equal. For SMEs, an experienced accountant will bring a wealth of knowledge and it’s essential you find one that is suited to your industry. If you’re looking for a new accountant, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are many accountants out there and it can be difficult to know who is best suited to your business and needs. A quality accountant will work with SMEs on their financial reporting and tax obligations, but the skills they use vary from one firm to another.
 
What methods do you use to communicate with your clients?
 
If you want to keep track of your financial situation, it’s important that you have good communication with your accountant. Do you want to hold regular face-to-face meetings or would you rather opt for everything to be handled online? Whichever option is best for both parties should be established at the beginning. 
 
Tell me how you'll improve my bottom line.
 
An accountant will do anything possible to minimize your tax exposure. Before you go see one, however, be sure to give them all of the information they require in order for them to ascertain what sort of strategies they can advise you on that would allow you to keep more of your hard-earned cash.
 
Will I have just one point of contact?
 
A good accounting firm will only allow one person to handle your account. This helps ensure consistent reporting and develops a better relationship with that firm.
 
Are any of your previous employers/clients willing to offer a reference?
 
Would you ever hire a new member of staff without first checking their references? The answer to this is hopefully no, and the same should be true when you are shopping for a new accountant. You need to hear from other businesses about their experiences of working with a particular accountant. If they have developed a good relationship and experienced financial success, it’s likely that you may as well.
 
What are the greatest threats to our business and or industry?
 
This is a very important question and I’d like to tell you why. It will help you to understand how proactive an accounting firm is – the better they are at recognizing potential risks, the more likely it is that they are in the know, and can steer your business in the right direction.

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]]>Tue, 10 May 2022 22:00:00 -0800<![CDATA[Automation is a vital business tool]]>https://lololol.zohosites.com/thoughts/post/Automation-is-a-vital-business-tool

How to Automate Business Processes

No matter how efficient your business is, there are always ways in which it can be improved. For example, you could upgrade your IT systems to improve workflow and boost productivity, reduce your do not call list or move toward cloud computing.


In today’s digital world, businesses are finding more innovative ways to automate tedious processes to reduce costs and ease operational burdens. By automating their workflows with technology, businesses can eliminate or reduce the need for human error and reduce costly administrative tasks, which frees up their staff to focus on more critical functions that help them to grow their business.

Automating workflow gives small business owners more time to focus on higher priority projects. Managers have a birds-eye view of the entire process (from planning through completion) so they can correct potential problems before they become costly obstacles.


The workflow automation process begins with the development of a clear picture of what the business wants to accomplish. Identify potential tasks that could be automated and consider how a successful implementation would benefit your company.

If you’re looking to automate your small business, there are several options available. Whether you’re looking for an all-in-one solution or a specific process to streamline, you can find what you need. Here are the top five ways that businesses automate their workflow. New and improving technology has made it possible for small business owners to automate their workflows with specific software like Zoho One which offers all the business applications any small business may require.


Marketing automation software helps SMEs to achieve marketing success. Automation assists both SME and large organizations in digitalizing marketing, while keeping the competitive edge and agility. Automation is a vital aspect of successful marketing strategy. It provides you with a competitive edge by keeping your business in the forefront and saving money at the same time.


Zoho One (https://www.zoho.com/one/) for example gives you one integrated system to transform your business' disparate activities into a more connected and agile organization. Increase productivity across your business, deliver better results. Go from Apps to Operating System - Replace your patchwork of cloud applications, legacy tools, and paper-based processes with one operating system for your entire business.

See the below links for more information on specific small business application areas:

-  Sales

-  HR

-  Operations


Have you ever needed to finance your growing business?



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