Which management tools offer the best ‘bang for the buck’ for microbusiness software? For startups and microbusiness businesses with a few employees and less a million revenue, the cost of technology is often a significant challenge. There are a few tools that I can wholeheartedly endorse for their affordability and track record:
Accounting for tax filings
Product: QuickBooks Ledger
Why: For small business that are doing bookkeeping primarily for tax compliance, this provides a solid automated connection between your books and records and, with a little AI training, and financial reports.
Disadvantages: It is available only through a trained QuickBooks ProAdvisor; not suitable if you want ‘hands on’ bookkeeping.
Cost: about $10 per month
Where to get it: Ask for a referral link to be sent via email. The cost is covered by a basic Client Care Plan with our firm for accounts using the link.
Sales, projects, workflow, and customer relationship
Product: Pipedrive
Why: Intuitive, integrates with Google or Microsoft and QuickBooks, great support, great price that is far below most alternatives.
Disadvantages: Doesn’t integrate with every tool I want to use without additional cost. It is a generic product, not catered to specific industries.
Cost: $548 per year plus $80 per year for optional project management
Where to get it: my referral link https://www.pipedrive.com/taf/freedombenefits600749
Banking
Product: Relay
Why: Free or low cost, amazing technology, strong support.
Disadvantages: No local banking relationship. I recommend running this alongside a strong local banking relationship.
Cost: $0 for basic plan
Where to get it: Ask for a referral link to be sent via email.
Payment processor
Product: Anchor
Why: Low cost, strong support.
Disadvantages: This is a high processing cost for small transactions under $150.
Cost: $0 subscription, $5 per transaction to the business, no cost to customer using EFT, about 3% for bank cards.
Where to get it: My referral link https://join.sayanchor.com/hbyrFt
I provide financial coaching, training, and support using these products through online accountant access. All of these products provide live human support from the company within the app. I may receive a referral fee or promotional benefit from these companies for new accounts using the referral link.