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From USA Today (10/11/2006):

What are your primary challenges in running a small business?

Inability to focus on generating new business - 35%
Spreading time across multiple projects/roles - 27%
Limited resources - 23%
Running business more efficiently - 23%
Not having enough time to focus on own passions - 23%

 

About Turnkey Business Solutions

Over the years, we have established successful long-term relationship with many landscaping businesses that all have unique needs and requirements.

 

 

Good versus not-so-good landscaping software -

How to tell them apart?

There are many landscaping software tools out there – some are good and some are not so good. With some exceptions there is no absolute way of knowing if what you are getting is a good tool or something that is too light or difficult to use. While the following rules are not offering full guarantees, they will limit the exposure of getting the wrong tool.

 

Go for quality - Don't run your business on cheap software tools – You get what you pay for. There is no magic, a good piece of software takes time to write and that cost money – Stay away from companies promising to provide a good business software for $49.99.

 

Never let a business tool drive how you are running you business - Each business is different. You decide how your business should be run, not your landscaping software. Most of-the-shelves programs are rigid. There is only one way to use them to run your business and that is their way.
Never surrender control to a software tool. Look for software that can work with your way of doing business.

A good tool is task-specific - A lot of tools are delivered on an all-or-nothing basis. You use them for everything or you cannot use them at all. Get tools that are flexible.

A good tool avoids data re-entry - Find a tool that imports existing customer data. Some tools also have a "detached" mode which allows them to take order information at the customer's site and upload them in the office.

A good tool adapts to your business growth - Minimize logistical challenges associated with business growth. Get tools that will stay with you as you grow. Growing a business is rewarding but has its own pitfalls – as your business grow, it will have new and different requirements, how you support those requirements is critical. Make sure that your software can support businesses of your size as well as larger ones.

Always go with money-back guarantees – Most reputable tools are coming with a money-back guarantee. It is possible to get a decent tool that just doesn’t serve your need. You need to be able to return it.

 

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The Turnkey Business Solution Team