5 Essential Administrative Tasks for Running a Profitable Business – Expert Guest Brenda Spandrio

I’m excited to share a recent article written by Brenda Spandrio. Known as The Declutter Lady, she helps people find a way out from under their piles of “stuff” – physical, virtual and even emotional. Clients have included home businesses/home offices, entrepreneurs, telecommuters working part-time from home, churches and corporate offices, as well as homeowners simply overwhelmed by their clutter.

Though not a “born organized,” Spandrio has learned to accept, appreciate and adapt to her tendency toward clutter so that it no longer overrules her dreams and aspirations. She works with clients to develop customized systems based on how THEY think so that they too can live the life they love. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter to learn more tips.

Thanks so much Brenda for sharing this post! Read on to become inspired!

Whether you work for a major corporation or your home office is the kitchen table, there are certain administrative tasks that, while not directly related to producing income, are crucial for profitability.

1. Accurate record keeping. From the moment you make first contact with a potential client to the final deliverables of product or services, you want to maintain accurate records.

Tip: Find or create a client intake form to help you capture all the information you need to serve your customers. And be sure to track all client contact, noting the date, time and essence of the conversation – Don’t rely on your memory!!

2. Prompt billing and collections. Solopreneurs are often so jazzed about the work they do and the joy of helping their clients succeed that they actually forget to send invoices promptly.

The other error is failing to follow-up on unpaid invoices. If you are in business to make a profit, you must stay on top of this vital aspect.

Tip: Develop a routine for checking up on unpaid invoices. This may be done with a simple written list of the invoices or electronically by using one of the many software solutions available.

3. Timely procurement of product and parts. If you are a product-based business, it is essential to know what the lead times are for procuring parts from your vendor in order to fulfill orders for your clients. Keep the lines of communication open with your suppliers. Does the company have “shut-down” during the summer or the holidays? This could impact your ability to service your clients.

Tip: Post a year-at-a-glance calendar where you can write and track vendor lead times and down times.

4. Continual marketing. You may have plenty of work now, but if you are not continually marketing for new clients, you may find yourself literally out of work.

Tip: Keep your website fresh. When was the last time you checked your site? Is it even visible? If you don’t visit your website regularly, why should anyone else?

5. Routine office maintenance. You must, must, must establish routines for office maintenance tasks such as filing, procuring office supplies and developing your business goals.

Tip: Consider hiring an assistant (perhaps one of your own children can help with filing, if they are of a responsible age).

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Running a profitable business takes more than just doing the kind of work you love. Administrative tasks may not be your favorite part of being a solopreneur, but they are essential if you want to continue to be your own boss.

Thank you so much Brenda! These tips are great for us working moms!

To contact Brenda directly, you may find her at www.thedeclutterlady.com