Xero add-on we’re loving right now – CrunchBoards
By Timaru. Posted in Business Growth, Cloud Software, Solutions.
We sat down with Cameron Robertson, our Senior Manager at Sidekick Christchurch to learn more about a Xero add-on that his clients are loving at the moment called CrunchBoards.
CrunchBoards is an all-in-one forecasting and reporting engine with all the time-saving tools you need to grow your business. Features include business planning, budgeting, forecasting and real-time business intelligence.
So Cam, what are your favourite features of CrunchBoards?
“It’s a great forecasting/budgeting tool which incorporates directly into management reporting. The customisable management reports allow our clients to focus on particular areas of their business.”
What do your clients like best about using CrunchBoards?
“The way the information is displayed is the real upside of the software. CrunchBoards turns the numbers behind your business into easy to read graphs, that tell the true story.”
How much does it cost?
“It’s free in our Sidekick+ package, otherwise it’s only $25 per month plus a setup fee with our other Sidekick packages.”
Who is the perfect person to be utilising CrunchBoards?
“Anyone with particular points of focus. For example someone in hospitality may want to focus on % of food & beverages against sales, or wages against sales. This can all be displayed on one easy to ready graph.They also need to have good administration processes because CrunchBoards pulls data directly from Xero.”
How does it work in with Xero?
“It syncs daily with Xero. If your Xero is up to date, so is your CrunchBoards. It can be accessed using the browser on your smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer.”
Any final words?
“To me it’s a must-have tool for any business looking to grow and keep their business in check.”
All Hail Content Marketing!
By Timaru. Posted in Business Growth, Cloud Software, Events, Sales and Marketing, Small Business Advice, Solutions.Recently we had a new client join us in the tech/marketing space that we thought stood out! It’s called Hail, a platform for you to collect and collaborate on your content. And it seems as though the timing is spot on for them. Many of our customers talk to us about their needs around their marketing (and often sales but that’s another story) and how they can get their message out there. Who will create the material? How will they deliver it? How can they present themselves as the experts they ARE in their industry? The answer is often, Content Marketing.
p: 03 377 0700
fp: 0800 SIDEKICK
m: 021 708 255
Book a time with me here:
Thanks too to Concentrate for their images regarding the stats of US tech co’s
Get your Payroll back on track with SmartPayroll
By Timaru. Posted in Cloud Software, Company News, Small Business, Small Business Advice, Solutions, Tax Advice.You’re invited! Next Friday, the 7th August, SmartPayroll are holding a free course for local Christchurch business owners and they’d love to see you there. Their course isn’t just about the awesome time saving features of the SmartPayroll system. It’s also an opportunity to ask the experts any questions you have around your obligations as an employer. See below for full details, you can rsvp to chelsea@sidekickca.co.nz or to the email stated in the invitation. We look forward to seeing you there!
A little bit about SmartPayroll:
SmartPayroll are the very smiley specialist payroll people for small to medium NZ businesses. SmartPayroll is an easy to use and cost effective online payroll system. Its highly secure payroll processing saves you time, money and hassle by automating your payroll tasks. SmartPayroll pays your employees’ wages directly to their bank accounts, deducts PAYE, KiwiSaver and all other deductions, then files the necessary schedules and returns with IRD for you. Easy.
Loving Life in The Cloud
By Timaru. Posted in Cloud Software, Small Business, Solutions.What is the cloud we hear you say?
Why it’s only the backbones of our company! The ‘Cloud’ refers to the Internet. Instead of buying software and installing it directly on your computer, cloud software is simply accessed online. Just log in from any computer with internet access, and away you go.Why switch to the cloud?
Ever had your computer crash and lose all of your work? Well that is no longer a problem with the cloud. Any data, files, or documents in the cloud are there for good and won’t be lost if your laptop dies or computer crashes. We also think the cloud is fantastic because it is cheap! Most cloud products are inexpensive with a small monthly fee, or even better are free.What do we love about it the most?
You can take your work anywhere! At home, on holiday, waiting in line at the post office, you can access what you need to as long as you have an internet connection.Is it safe?
Yes, it is. Software like Xero have whole teams dedicated to the safety of your information. If you use internet banking, then you can trust the likes of Xero as they have the same encryption code.How do we know?
Because we speak from experience. Each djca staff member is cloud based and we are proud to say it! We use Google Apps for communication and appointment booking, Box for document storage and collaboration, WorkflowMax for job and customer relationship management, SmartPayroll for our payroll, and of course Xero… and that is only naming a few! These applications allow us to be an almost paperless and totally mobile office.Want to know more?
Get in touch with us today. We are happy to have a chat with you on how the cloud can help your business as much as it has helped us. Without the use of the cloud, we wouldn’t be where we are today helping as many people as we do.
Xero Add-on Focus: Deputy
By . Posted in Cloud Software, Small Business, Solutions, Startups.
This online business software is putting an end to staff roster issues and endless hours of administration. We recently caught up with Kristin from the Deputy team to tell us more about their cool system.
(more…)
How to Keep Investors on Your Side
By . Posted in Business Growth, Cloud Software, Contractors, Small Business, Solutions, Startups.This is a featured Blog from our friends at SeederBoard.
Raising funds for any business is notoriously difficult. Any number of factors can slow things down or get in the way, preventing you from taking your business to the next level.
Once you have completed endless elevator pitches, a frantic search for due diligence paperwork, then working out a fair term sheet, you might finally close the fundraising round.
(more…)
Xero Add-on Focus: GeoOp
By . Posted in Cloud Software, Contractors.
This handy online business software is responsible for revolutionising the Trades and Services Industries. Recently, we caught up with Scott to find out more about GeoOp.
Tell us a little bit about GeoOp…
The tool that started the revolution. Equipping field staff now!
GeoOp is the APP that replaces inefficient, paper based systems with a simple way to accurately create, assign, cost, quote & invoice jobs while in the field.
What are the main benefits tradies will see with GeoOp?
GPS functionality ensures visibility in the office and time saving on the job. GeoOp takes advantage of the mobile devices already in the hands of trade & service staff. Join the revolution today.
Where do you operate?
GeoOp is a global solution, headquartered out of Auckland, New Zealand. We have a Melbourne office in Australia with a range of support and sales staff, and have sales offices setup in London, UK and Denver, US.
Most of our customers are located in Australia, US and the UK.
What are your thoughts on Xero? How does your software integrate with it?
Xero are a key partner for GeoOp. We integrate with Xero to allow our customers to access and integrate their accounting and stock information to make our already amazing solution that much better.
What is one piece of advice for business owners in your industry? Can you share any lessons learnt from business struggles or challenges that you’ve overcome?
Don’t be scared of change! Embracing a new way of working can be tough, our industries we market to have been working with pens and paper for decades and change can be frightening. But once a trades or service business revolutionises the way it works by implementing GeoOp, the work/time required to adopt a new way of operating pays itself back in spades with the efficiencies gain in day to day work.
Why do you like to recommend our Sidekick service to your clients?
Sidekick are like us, they’ll revolutionise the way you work and will help you reach your goals in business.
Our favourite superhero is Batman because he made sure he has a trusty Sidekick… who is yours and why?
Iron Man because he’s constantly upgrading and staying ahead of the technological curve – Something we strive for + he’s kinda cheeky.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvZiVcuOYBY
Like what you see? Get in touch with GeoOP on their website today! Or see the app for yourself on the Apple App Store, or on the Google Play Store.
14 Things You Can Do Today To Get Your Business Flying in 2014
By . Posted in Cloud Software, Company News.We’ve compiled this sweet and simple list of 14 top tips to give you the best start to 2014. Follow even just a couple of these and 2014 can be an improvement on 2013. Have some tips you’d like to add? Send them in, we’d love to hear from you!
1. Use Xero add-on software to help you.
We can’t stress this one enough, there are screeds of helpful software that can help your business. Most add-ons are really cheap with fixed monthly fees, they all plug automatically into Xero, and many have fantastic help centres. Click here for the full list.
2. Reconcile regularly.
It doesn’t need to be every day, but if you can set aside ten minutes each week to quickly go through your transactions while they are fresh in your head, you’ll be thanking yourself in the future.
3. Pay your tax on time.
It sounds simple, we know, but not paying by the due date could result in a late payment penalty. And no one wants to start the year off with a fine!
4. Establish a budget.
Before the year gets ahead of you, take some time to draw up a budget for your business. Not your scene? This is something we can sort out for you – and it’s way cheaper than you think!
5. Keep on top of your outstanding debtors.
If there is no cash in the bank, this could be a reason why. If you are having trouble managing your outstanding debtors, we recommend Debtor Daddy, it’s a Xero add-on that you shouldn’t live without!
6. Always seek advice.
Making any big decisions this year? Whether it’s purchasing a new motor vehicle or if you’re looking to employ a new staff member, don’t make blind decisions, we recommend seeking advice first.
7. Keep expenditures separate.
Try your best to keep all personal and business transactions in their allocated bank accounts. It keeps everything nice and tidy, and will save you time when reconciling.
8. Are you getting the best deal?
Take some time to review your company’s current finance and loan situation to make sure you are getting the best deal. Don’t be afraid to shop around!
9. Technology is your friend.
We now live in a technology driven world, and to stay ahead of your competition means keeping up with the rest of the world. You can pick up a smart phone, tablet or laptop pretty cheaply these days – and for the time, money, and stress it will save you, it’ll be your best investment of 2014.
10. Is your risk adequately covered?
Make sure all risks associated with your business are covered. Give your Sidekick Accountant an email for a no obligation review if you aren’t sure.
11. Sit down and set some goals.
We can’t stress the importance of goal setting enough! Be sure to set a mix of short, medium and long-term goals for 2014. Remember – if you set no goals of your own, you’ll be doomed to fill other people’s.
12. Network!
Use all opportunities to spread the word of your business. You could even look into joining or starting a networking group, it only takes as long as one cup of coffee a week and the business it could bring you in return is definitely worth that £2 or £3!
13. Review your processes, save time.
Are you using your systems to their best ability? Are you using any systems at all? Take the time to review your current processes and systems, you won’t regret it.
14. Set aside time for yourself.
We’ve left the best until last here – Go for a run, walk the dog, take the kids for a bike ride, or just do anything that gets you out of your daily routine. We know you’re busy, but spending time on your hobbies will benefit your business as you’ll come back to work with a fresh mind and a happy heart.
Would you like some help with these? Give us a call today.
Xero Add-on Focus: Vend
By . Posted in Cloud Software, Company News.Frustrated with the shortfalls of your current point of sale system?
If that’s an agreeable nod we see, then boy are we are pleased to introduce you to Vend! You can thank us later… for now have a read of how the guys at Vend describe how you can revolutionise the way you run your store.
Tell us in a nutshell what Vend does?
“Vend creates point-of-sale software that retailers love. One piece of cloud software which includes everything from inventory management to customer loyalty tools. We have more than 8,000 stores worldwide using Vend and that number continues to grow every day.”
How can Vend help SME’s?
“Because Vend is cloud software, users always have the latest and best version without having to faff around with patches and updates. We take care of the technical side of things so they can focus on growing their business. All the important business data is kept secured and backed up online, accessible from wherever they are in the world. Vend also integrates with other great software which smart retailers are using, such as Xero, Shopify and Timely.”
Can we try before we buy?
“Of course! Vend offers a free 30-daytrial so retailers can kick the tyres and make sure it’s a good fit. Heck, you don’t even need to put in your credit card details. If at the end of the trial you like what you see, you can get going straight away.”
Where can we find you?
“You can find out more about Vend at www.vendhq.com, or get in touch with Paul (paulb@vendhq.com) who’s happy to answer any questions you may have.
For the more socially inclined, we can also be found on Twitter (www.twitter.com/vendhq) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/Vend.POS).”
One last question for fun, our favourite superhero is Batman because he made sure he had a trusty sidekick… who is yours and why?
“As you might be able to tell, we’re big fans of the colour green at Vend. The Green Lantern or Incredible Hulk are good fits, but Iron Man after a weekend painting the shed green would work too.”